Visa for the United States from Paraguay: price, documents and processing time 2026

Yes. The Paraguayan passport is not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, so ESTA is not an option. For tourism, a family visit or a short business trip, you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa before departure. This visitor visa is issued after a consular interview.

• Government fee185 USD
• Application centre feeVariable, set by the operator
• Agency or online serviceOptional, added on top
• ExtrasVariable

Bring a valid passport, the DS-160 confirmation page, a photo meeting U.S. specifications, the MRV fee payment receipt, and evidence of your ties to Paraguay (employment, studies, family, property). The MRV fee amount is not quoted here, check travel.state.gov and the embassy website for the current rate.

The process starts online with the DS-160 form. You then pay the application (MRV) fee and schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Asunción. Most applicants aged 14 to 79 must attend in person for the interview and fingerprinting.

Then the application goes to the post accredited for Paraguay, often in a neighbouring capital, or to a state acting on its behalf. Confirm which post is competent with the official source before travelling to a third country to apply, a rejected file at the wrong counter costs the trip and the fee.

The regime follows your nationality, not where you live. If you reside in Paraguay but travel on another country's passport, the rule on this page is not yours. Filing usually still happens from your country of residence, at the post competent for it, but the requirement itself comes from your passport.

The critical wait is often for an interview slot, which can range from a few weeks to several months depending on demand in Asunción; check availability before setting your dates. Be ready to explain clearly the purpose and length of your trip, and the reasons that guarantee your return to Paraguay.

The most frequent refusal (section 214(b)) is failing to show sufficient ties to Paraguay, with the officer presuming intent to immigrate. Errors on the DS-160, a non-compliant photo, or a vague travel purpose also hurt. Do not book firm flights before the visa is in hand.