You can obtain your entry tourist or business visa online through the Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. However, the process is not entirely online; personal presence is also necessary. 

Citizens of developed countries usually do not need entry visas to Paraguay. However, visitors from most Asian and African countries must have an entry visa, even for tourism. To become a resident of Paraguay, everybody needs a qualifying visa obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during their immigration process. Even those applicants who can enter the country without a visa must have a visa obtained in Paraguay from the Ministry.

Do you need an entry visa to Paraguay?

  • If you are not sure about your visa situation regarding Paraguay, you can find the always actual information on the Ministry’s official site: https://migraciones.gov.py/informacion-sobre-visas/

Do you need an invitation letter to obtain an entry visa to Paraguay?

If you need an entry visa, you usually need someone to invite you. The invitation letter is not a simple one-pager. It means that the person or company that invites you must present many papers to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa Department. The inviting party must prove financial solvency, clear criminal and tribunal certificates, and tax reports, among other necessary papers. Believe me, it’s not easy to prepare the invitation and get the registry stamp from the Ministry. It is the real challenge of the Paraguayan immigration process. However, you are a lucky citizen of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, Ukraine, Russia, the Emirates, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, etc. In that case, you do not need an entry visa, so forget about this article.

How do you apply online for a Paraguay Entry Visa?

First, visit the official site of the Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

https://www.mre.gov.py/visasenlinea/es/home

You must complete the online form and attach the necessary documents. Then, you will apply and receive a confirmation email. A couple of days later, the responsible Embassy will answer you and may ask for additional or missing documents and tell you the visa interview date. Then you must visit the Embassy or Consulate (Honorary Consuls of Paraguay can’t issue visas!) Don’t forget to bring all the necessary documents with you. After the successful visa interview, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will accept your application and issue your entry visa.

What happens if you are not in the country of the Embassy and you wish to pick up your visa?

You must request consular representation to pick up the visa at the nearest Embassy. If you go to Paraguay, it will usually be Bolivia, Argentina, Colombia or Brazil.

How long does the Paraguayan online visa process take?

According to the Ministry’s official site, the Paraguayan online visa process can be complex and time-consuming. The official site recommends applying for a visa at least 30 days before your travel date, but it can take two or three months. Be prepared for some red tape and waiting time.

You will need the following documents to complete the tourist visa application:

  • 3×4 photo in JPG format, updated with a white background, facing forward without accessories such as glasses, etc;
  • Colour image of the passport, all pages!
  • Colour image of visas granted by other countries, including electronic visas. (It is important to note that if you have visas to developed countries, like the US, Australia, Canada, or the Schengen Zone, the acceptance of your application will be much more manageable.
  • Invitation letter from a natural or legal person domiciled in Paraguay;
  • Proof of economic solvency (employment certificate, bank certificate, another suitable means to be analyzed);
  • Criminal record certificate from your country of residence, adequately legalized and/or apostilled;
  • Hotel reservation and/or accommodation;
  • Possible flight itinerary or tickets for land transportation and/or declare the way of entry to Paraguayan territory. Don’t buy the ticket until your application is accepted; only reserve your ticket)
  • The consular office and/or the Directorate of Passports and Consular Services of Paraguay may request additional documentation.

What are the requirements if a company invites you for business or other purposes?

The inviting company must attach the tax compliance certificate, RUC certificate, and registration certificate from the Treasury Advocate to the invitation letter. You must also prepare all the documents mentioned above for the tourist visa.

“For duly justified reasons and with a restrictive criterion, the interview may be conducted by electronic means”, according to the Ministry. But it is rare. There is also a solution to get a visa upon arrival.

Can you get a Paraguayan Entry Visa online alone without professional help?

So, the truth is yes, of course, except if you need an invitation letter. Many people market their services by selling invitation letters. Please take care, because only a handful of people and companies can do it. And there must be a justified reason to invite somebody; this process takes serious effort and time.

For example, we, as an immigration service provider, can’t invite tourists or simple visitors; that is the job of tourism agents. We usually invite investors to apply for a Paraguayan Permanent Residency Permit through the SUACE residency by investment program. You can find the details here.