Paraguay

🇵🇾

Telefonvorwahl

+595

Hauptstadt

Asuncion

Bevölkerung

7 Millionen

Einheimischer Name

Paraguay

Region

Amerika

Südamerika

Zeitzone

Paraguay Summer Time

UTC-03:00

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Paraguay is a landlocked South American country bordered by Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. Asunción serves as the capital and largest city. Paraguay is unique among Latin American nations as officially bilingual with both Spanish and Guaraní recognized as national languages - Guaraní is spoken by approximately 90% of the population, making Paraguay the only country in the Americas where an indigenous language is spoken by the majority. The country has a population of approximately 7 million. Paraguay is divided by the Paraguay River into two distinct regions: the eastern region (Region Oriental) with 97% of the population, fertile lands, and subtropical forests; and the western region (Chaco or Region Occidental) covering 60% of territory but housing only 3% of population - a vast, sparsely populated wilderness of thorn forests and grasslands. The economy is based on agriculture (soybeans, beef, corn), hydroelectric power (Itaipu Dam supplies 90% of domestic needs and exports to Brazil/Argentina), and commerce (Ciudad del Este is a major border trade hub). Tourism remains limited with fewer than 1 million annual visitors, making Paraguay one of South America's least-visited countries, but attractions include UNESCO-listed Jesuit Missions (Trinidad and Jesús, stunning 17th-18th century ruins), the Chaco wilderness for adventurous travelers and wildlife (jaguars, pumas, giant anteaters, Chaco peccaries), Itaipu Dam (world's second-largest hydroelectric facility with tours available), colonial architecture in Asunción, traditional Guaraní culture and handicrafts (ñandutí lace), and Paraguay's distinctive harp music (arpa paraguaya). Paraguay offers visa-free entry for citizens of most Western countries including the EU, United States, UK, Canada, and Australia for 90 days. The country is generally safe with lower crime rates than many South American neighbors, and costs are very affordable making it attractive for budget travelers and those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Visa Requirements for Paraguay

Paraguay offers visa-free entry to citizens of approximately 80+ countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most South American nations for tourism and business purposes. Stays are typically allowed for 90 days within a 365-day period. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. No visa application required in advance - entry stamp issued at arrival. Proof of onward/return travel may be requested. Sufficient funds may need to be demonstrated (credit card usually sufficient). Entry is available at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asunción and land borders with Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. Extensions of 90 additional days can be obtained through Dirección General de Migraciones in Asunción for a fee (approximately USD $100). Citizens of countries requiring visas (approximately 80 nationalities including many African, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries) must apply at Paraguayan consulates before travel with standard documentation (application form, passport, photos, bank statements, invitation letter or hotel reservations, visa fee approximately USD $65-160 depending on nationality). Paraguay has friendly immigration policies and relatively straightforward processes. For residence, Paraguay offers various visa categories and has been popular with foreign retirees and investors due to low costs and accessible permanent residence programs. Entry requirements can change, so checking with the nearest Paraguayan consulate before travel is recommended. Paraguay is generally safe for tourists with moderate crime rates (petty theft in urban areas), and government travel advisories from countries like the UK, United States, and Australia note normal precautions should be taken.

Gängige Visumtypen

Visa-Free Entry (Tourist)

90 days within any 365-day period; passport valid 6+ months required; no advance application needed; entry stamp at arrival (airport or land borders); return/onward ticket may be requested; proof of funds may be requested (credit card generally sufficient); extensions available through Dirección General de Migraciones for additional 90 days (~USD $100); straightforward entry process; land borders with Argentina (Posadas-Encarnación, Puerto Iguazú-Ciudad del Este), Brazil (Foz do Iguaçu-Ciudad del Este, Ponta Porã-Pedro Juan Caballero), and Bolivia accessible; most Western nationalities receive 90-day stamps automatically; no tourist tax or entry fees.

For tourism or business for citizens of approximately 80+ countries including US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and most of South America.

Consular Visa (Tourist/Business)

30-90 days typically; apply at Paraguayan embassy/consulate before travel; requires application form, passport (valid 6+ months), passport photos (2), bank statements (3-6 months), invitation letter from host or hotel reservation, yellow fever certificate (if arriving from endemic countries), visa fee USD $65-160 depending on nationality and visa type; processing 5-15 business days; single or multiple entry available; approval grants entry for stated purpose (tourism, business); extensions possible in Paraguay; consular visas less common for Western travelers due to visa-free access.

For nationalities requiring advance visa, approximately 80 countries including many African, Asian, and Middle Eastern nations.

Temporary Residence Visa

1-3 years typically, renewable; requires sponsorship (employer for work, educational institution for study, family member for family reunification) or financial proof for retirement; application through Paraguayan consulate or after arrival on tourist visa; documents include passport, birth certificate, police clearance, health certificate, proof of income/savings (for retirement/financial independence), marriage certificate (if applicable), visa fee; processing 2-6 months; allows legal residence and work authorization if employment-based; popular among retirees due to low cost of living ($800-1,500/month comfortable lifestyle) and accessible process; pathway to permanent residence after fulfilling requirements.

For foreign nationals seeking to live in Paraguay temporarily for work, study, retirement, or family reasons.

Permanent Residence

Permanent; Paraguay has relatively accessible permanent residence program; requirements typically include clean criminal record, health certificate, proof of financial means (bank deposit of ~USD $5,000 or ongoing income), passport, birth certificate (apostilled), police clearance (apostilled); application through lawyer in Paraguay; processing 6-12 months; allows indefinite residence and work; no minimum stay requirements in some cases; after 3 years of permanent residence, citizenship possible (requires Spanish or Guaraní language proficiency, residency compliance); popular among digital nomads, retirees, and those seeking second residency/citizenship due to affordability and relative ease; Asunción has small expat communities; costs much lower than European/North American residency programs.

For foreign nationals establishing long-term residence in Paraguay, historically accessible program.

Important Travel Information

Bilingual Guaraní-Spanish Nation: Paraguay is unique in the Americas as the only country where an indigenous language - Guaraní - is spoken by the majority of the population and holds official status alongside Spanish. Approximately 90% of Paraguayans speak Guaraní, and it's the dominant language in rural areas and among lower-income urban populations. About 87% of the population is bilingual in both Spanish and Guaraní. Spanish is used in government, education, business, and urban settings, while Guaraní is the language of daily life, culture, and identity. This linguistic situation reflects Paraguay's unique history and the survival of indigenous culture despite Spanish colonization. For travelers, Spanish is sufficient in cities, tourist areas, and with educated populations. However, in rural areas and smaller towns, Guaraní may be more common and Spanish proficiency can be limited. Learning a few Guaraní phrases is appreciated and culturally respectful ('Mba'éichapa' = how are you, 'Aguyje' = thank you). Guaraní's survival is attributed to Jesuit missions that promoted it, extensive mestizaje (mixing), and nationalist policies that embraced indigenous heritage. Paraguay's national identity is deeply tied to Guaraní culture - traditional music (polka paraguaya, guarania), folklore, mate (tereré) drinking culture, and artisan crafts (ñandutí lace, ao po'i embroidery) all have Guaraní roots. This makes Paraguay culturally distinct from other South American nations where indigenous languages have largely been marginalized.

Jesuit Missions UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Paraguay contains remarkable UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jesuit Mission ruins from the 17th-18th centuries when the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) established theocratic communities (reducciones) for indigenous Guaraní peoples. The most impressive are Trinidad (La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná, founded 1706) and Jesús (Jesús de Tavarangue, founded 1685), both located near Encarnación in southern Paraguay. These baroque-style mission complexes feature magnificent stone churches, bell towers, carved friezes, residential quarters, workshops, and plazas - all built by Guaraní artisans under Jesuit guidance. Trinidad is the largest and best-preserved with intricate stone carvings and architectural details. These missions represent a unique social experiment where Guaraní communities were organized into self-sufficient settlements combining Christianity with indigenous culture. The missions produced music (Guaraní baroque music tradition), art, agriculture, and crafts. The Jesuit system ended in 1767 when Spain expelled the order from South America. Today the ruins are accessible from Encarnación (Trinidad 28km, Jesús 10km from Trinidad) - both can be visited in a half-day trip. Entry fees approximately USD $4 per site. The missions provide insight into colonial history, Guaraní culture, and religious architecture. Sound and light shows available at Trinidad some evenings. Best visited April-October (dry season). Other mission ruins exist throughout Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil.

The Chaco Wilderness - South America's Last Frontier: The Gran Chaco occupies Paraguay's western region (Region Occidental) covering 60% of national territory but containing only 3% of the population - one of the most sparsely populated areas in South America. This vast wilderness consists of dry thorn forests, scrublands, palm savannas, seasonal wetlands, and salt flats. The Chaco has extreme temperatures (summer highs 45°C/113°F, winter nights near freezing), limited water sources, and harsh conditions that have kept development minimal. However, it supports remarkable wildlife including jaguars, pumas, tapirs, giant anteaters, armadillos, maned wolves, Chaco peccaries (rediscovered 1975, thought extinct), over 500 bird species, and unique flora adapted to dry conditions. The Defensores del Chaco National Park (780,000 hectares) and Médanos del Chaco National Park protect pristine Chaco ecosystems. Tourism infrastructure is minimal - visiting requires organized tours with 4WD vehicles, camping equipment, and experienced guides. The Trans-Chaco Highway (Ruta 9) crosses the region connecting Asunción to Bolivia (870km total, paved to Mariscal Estigarribia, gravel beyond) and is one of the world's most remote highways. Mennonite colonies (Filadelfia, Loma Plata, Neuland) settled by German-speaking Mennonites in the 1920s-1930s provide the only significant settlements - these communities maintain distinct culture, agriculture (dairy farming), and German language. For adventurous travelers, the Chaco offers wilderness experiences, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and cultural encounters with Mennonites and indigenous groups (Ayoreo, Nivaclé). Best visited May-September (dry season, cooler temperatures). Expect extreme remoteness and basic conditions.

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Asuncion
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