Upon entering Paraguay, it is essential to follow these steps carefully:
1. Check Visa Requirements:
• As of July 2023, most nationalities require a visa to enter Paraguay.
• Citizens of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, among a few others, do not need a visa for general entry.
• However, some nationalities that do not need a visa for tourism may still require one to apply for residency. Always verify current requirements with your nearest Paraguayan embassy.
2. Ensure Your Passport is Stamped:
• Upon arrival, ensure your passport is properly stamped by a Paraguayan immigration officer.
• This step is crucial as some borders with neighboring countries may be open without formal passport control, and in rare cases, even airport immigration officials might not stamp your passport when entering with a visa-free passport or Mercosur cédula.
Why is the Passport Stamp Important?
A fundamental part of the residency application process in Paraguay involves proving you entered the country legally. The only way to confirm this is with a properly stamped passport issued by a Paraguayan immigration officer at the point of entry.
Summary
To summarize, this step is straightforward but essential:
• Verify visa requirements before traveling.
• Ensure your passport is stamped upon entry.
With this completed, you’re officially in Paraguay and ready to proceed with your residency application.
