Do US citizens pay entry fee into Paraguay?
I did not pay an entry fee into Paraguay.
I'm a US citizen who arrived in Paraguay for the first time on July 25th, 2025 and was not asked to pay an entry fee. When I left Paraguay on September 18th, 2025 (Well under 90 days later), I was not asked to pay an exit fee. Many sources online said I needed to, so I withdrew $160 in cash ahead of time, just in case. But it was never prompted for.
My American friend arrived 1 month after me, and also was not asked to pay an entry fee or an exit fee.
Why do many sources claim I need to pay an entry fee as a US Citizen?
There was a time where US citizens needed to pay an entry fee into Paraguay, but it appears this requirement ended in 2021.
Why is this so falsely reported?
Paraguay is is not yet a very popular tourist destination. Unfortunately, this means its hard to find up-to-date and correct information about it, especially in english.
Also, AI agents like Chat GPT scrape the web, picking up outdated information and thinking it's true.
Is it a selectively enforced rule?
I highly doubt it, but theoretically it could be possible. Racism does exist in Latin America. For example, the crisis in Venezuela has caused a refugees to flee their country, and some face discrimination in Latin America.
I mention this because some countries in Latin America don't always enforce laws and legal codes. I'm not accusing Paraguay of doing this, but sometimes different people run into different experiences in legal processes.
I'm a white, 27 year old man from the USA. I never found any solid information that said I wouldn't need to pay a fee to enter Paraguay. I thought I was going to have to.
Is there a possibility that Paraguay Customs Agents have to ability to charge entrance fee, but chose not to? Is it possible that somebody of different skin color might face a different experience?
I doubt it, but I can't confirm that it's not possible. I don't believe that US citizens need to pay to enter Paraguay, but I could not find legal information confirming this. That's why I chose to describe the experiences of my friend and I.
How long can a US citizen stay in Paraguay?
US citizens can arrive to Paraguay with just a passport, and stay in Paraguay for 90 days. If they'd like to extend their time, they can pay 557,510 Guaranies, or about $79 USD. That buys them another 90 days.
If you overstay your 90 days without permission, there is a fine of 669,012 Guaranies, or about $86 USD, according to the Asunción Times.
It also is very easy to apply for residency, in which case a US citizen will need to acquire their Birth Certificate and FBI Background Check, and have each document apostilled in the USA.
Do US citizens need a visa for Paraguay?
No. Your 90 day visa is granted at customs when the agents stamp your passport. There is not need to apply for anything in advance.
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