Home » U.S. Travel News » Paraguay sees surge in tourists with visa-free policy for 64 countries, including Schengen and GCC countries
Saturday, June 29, 2024
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In an effort to boost its tourism industry, Paraguay has implemented a new policy allowing visa-free entry to citizens of 64 countries.
This strategic initiative aims to attract a diverse international tourist population and stimulate economic growth through increased visitor numbers and spending.
The initiative aims to stimulate economic growth through increased tourist numbers and spending, positioning Paraguay as an attractive destination on the global tourism map.
Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to enter Paraguay for short stays of up to 90 days:
Schengen countries:
Andorra
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Latin American countries:
Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil
Chile
Columbia
Costa Rica
Ecuador
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Mexico
Panama
Peru
Uruguay
Venezuela
Asian countries:
Japan
South Korea (Republic of Korea)
Taiwan
Singapore (30 days)
GCC Countries:
United Arab Emirates
Other countries:
Australia
Canada
united states of america
new zealand
Russia
Ukraine
England
Czech Republic
turkey
Israel
Argentina
Schengen Countries: Nationals from the Schengen countries, which include Malta, Lithuania and Spain, will be able to enter Paraguay visa-free, allowing seamless travel for European tourists seeking new experiences in South America.
GCC Countries: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries such as the United Arab Emirates are included in this visa waiver program aimed at wealthy travelers from the Middle East region.
Other Countries: Countries such as the US, Canada, Australia and Japan are also granted visa-free entry, ensuring a wide range of tourist intake from major markets around the world.
Paraguay’s Tourism Infrastructure
Tourist numbers: Since the implementation of the visa-free policy, Paraguay has seen a significant increase in international tourist numbers: in 2023, Paraguay welcomed more than 800,000 tourists, a 15% increase over the previous year.
Hotel Accommodation: Accommodation facilities across Paraguay are reporting increased occupancy rates, especially in major cities such as Asuncion, Ciudad del Este and Encarnación. This surge in demand confirms Paraguay’s growing popularity as a tourist destination.
Tourist Spending: Tourists visiting Paraguay under the visa-free regime contribute significantly to the local economy through increased spending on accommodation, food and beverages, shopping and tourism activities. Average tourist expenditure is showing a positive trend, benefiting local businesses and service providers.
Cruise Tourism: Efforts to develop Paraguay’s cruise tourism sector are paying off, with an increasing number of cruise ship calls at ports along the Paraguay River. Tourists disembarking for shore excursions contribute to the local tourism economy, supporting jobs and infrastructure development.
Rail Industry: Plans are underway to increase connectivity and promote scenic rail journeys as part of the tourism experience. Initiatives focusing on historic railways and environmentally friendly travel options are expected to attract both train and nature enthusiasts.
This proactive visa policy not only positions Paraguay as a welcoming destination, but also aligns with the strategic objective of diversifying tourism offerings and promoting sustainable growth.
As Paraguay continues to invest in tourism infrastructure and marketing efforts, stakeholders expect further increases in visitor numbers and economic benefits to local communities.
