Paraguay entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Zambian passport holders need a visa to enter Paraguay in 2026. Apply at a Paraguayan embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Zambian citizens. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your trip, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for a visa at the Paraguayan embassy or consulate in your country of residence before travel. The official portal for Paraguay's Migration Authority is migraciones.gov.py, but visa applications are handled by consulates, not online. Start the process at least 4 weeks before your trip.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Paraguay. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host in Paraguay can speed up the immigration process. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. Paraguay does not publish a minimum amount, but showing at least $500 USD equivalent helps avoid questions. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — apply before you go
Paraguay does not offer visa on arrival for Zambian passport holders. You must get a visa from a Paraguayan embassy before travelling. Plan for at least 4–6 weeks of processing time.
Embassy locations matter
Paraguay has limited embassies in Africa. The nearest may be in South Africa (Pretoria) or Kenya (Nairobi). If you're not near one, you may need to apply by mail or travel to a third country. Contact the embassy first to confirm their jurisdiction.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Paraguayan embassy or consulate
Find the Paraguayan embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., in South Africa, Kenya, or the nearest country with a Paraguayan mission). Call or email to confirm the exact application process, fees, and appointment requirements. Some embassies require an in-person interview.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, photos, completed application form, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and any other documents the embassy requests. Make photocopies of everything. Check if they need bank statements or a letter from your employer.
3
Submit your application
Submit the application in person or by mail, depending on the embassy's rules. Pay the visa fee (typically around $50–$100 USD, but varies by embassy). Get a receipt or tracking number.
4
Wait for processing
Processing can take 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand. Follow up with the embassy if you haven't heard back after 3 weeks.
5
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that the visa details (dates, name, passport number) are correct before leaving the embassy.
6
Arrive in Paraguay
At the airport (Silvio Pettirossi in Asunción or others), present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Immigration may ask about your plans — answer clearly. Keep a copy of your visa separate from your passport.
Download Paraguay Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable once for 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$60 USD
Standard tourist visa for Zambia passport holders. Apply at Paraguayan embassy in advance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable once for 90 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD
Allows multiple entries; useful for travellers planning to leave and re-enter Paraguay.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (plus processing fees)
For longer stays; requires proof of income, background check, and local sponsor. Apply at Paraguayan consulate.
retirement visa
Permanent Residence for Retirees (Residencia Permanente para Jubilados)
Indefinite, after initial 2-year temporary residence
~$500 USD (processing fees)
For retirees with a stable pension (minimum ~$1,000 USD/month). Requires proof of pension, background check, and local address. Allows permanent stay and work authorization.
digital nomad visa
Temporary Residence for Remote Workers (Residencia Temporal para Trabajadores Remotos)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (processing fees)
For remote workers with foreign income (minimum ~$1,500 USD/month). Requires proof of employment, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay and work remotely.
investor visa
Permanent Residence for Investors (Residencia Permanente para Inversores)
Indefinite, after initial 2-year temporary residence
~$1,000 USD (processing fees plus investment)
For investors making a minimum investment of ~$70,000 USD in Paraguayan business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fees)
For those with a job offer from a Paraguayan employer. Requires employment contract, company sponsorship, and background check. Allows work and residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at Paraguayan embassy or consulate. | ~$60 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, allowing multiple stays within validity. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed daily; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties and future entry issues. | ~$5 USD per day (maximum cap ~$500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Paraguay
No transit visa needed
Zambia passport holders transiting through Paraguay do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a tourist visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsSilvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU), Asunción · Guaraní International Airport (AGT), Ciudad del Este
Health & vaccines for Paraguay
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present year-round, especially in urban and suburban areas.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk is low but present; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most areas, but exists in rural border regions (e.g., near Brazil). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard tourist itineraries.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Asunción
Dirección General de Migraciones
Av. Mcal. López 3795, Asunción
Mon–Fri 07:00–15:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring all original documents and copies.
Ciudad del Este
Oficina Regional de Migraciones
Av. San Blas y Av. Monseñor Rodríguez, Ciudad del Este
Mon–Fri 07:00–15:00
Regional office for border area; handles extensions and permits for visitors in the east.
Practical information for ZM travellers
Country basics
CapitalAsunción
LanguageSpanish, Guaraní
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyParaguayan guaraní (PYG)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6,128.66 PYG
Time zone
Local timeUTC-4
vs New York+1h
vs Los Angeles+4h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,CType A (two flat pins) and Type C (two round pins)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa on arrival for Zambian passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Paraguayan embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can be longer depending on the embassy. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your planned departure.
The fee varies by embassy, but expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. Contact the specific embassy for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
Most Paraguayan embassies require you to apply in person, especially for the first visa. Some may accept applications by mail — check with the embassy handling your case.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the transit area, you'll need a visa. Confirm with your airline.
Extensions are not available for tourist visa holders. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
Have your passport with the visa sticker, return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation ready. Immigration officers may also ask about your purpose of visit and funds.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.