Philippines and Paraguay sign visa waiver for short stays up to 90 days

A signed deal that hasn't kicked in yet

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña witnessed the signing of a mutual visa waiver for ordinary passport holders on May 11, 2026, during Marcos' official visit to Asunción, according to the Presidential Communications Office.

The agreement hasn't entered into force. Paraguay's published visa policy lists the deal as a "future change" still awaiting ratification, publication or diplomatic notification by both governments. No date has been set for implementation and neither the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs nor Paraguay's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an effective date.

A separate visa waiver for diplomatic and official passports, signed in 2011 and in force since 2015, continues to operate independently for stays up to 90 days.

Who gains once it's live

Filipinos already enter Paraguay visa-free for 30 days under Paraguay's existing unilateral policy, so the practical shift falls mostly on Paraguayan travelers heading to the Philippines, who would gain bilateral visa-free entry for short visits.

The waiver covers tourism, business meetings and family visits. Remote workers can use it for scouting trips and short stays, though it grants no right to work, study or reside long-term. Anyone needing employment authorization, a student permit or residency must still apply through the standard national channels in either country.

Short-term business travelers, conference attendees and tourists are the clearest beneficiaries once both governments publish implementing notices.

What travelers should do now

Treat current rules as unchanged until a joint announcement confirms entry into force. Practical steps:

• Filipinos traveling to Paraguay: rely on the existing 30-day visa-free entry, carrying a passport valid at least six months, return or onward ticket and proof of funds.
• Paraguayans traveling to the Philippines: check DFA eVisa guidance and apply for the appropriate visa under current rules, because the bilateral waiver doesn't yet apply.
• Both nationalities: monitor the Philippine DFA visa policy portal and Paraguay's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the effective date before booking on the assumption of visa-free travel.

Overstays, unauthorized work and long-term residence without permits remain subject to each country's standard immigration penalties regardless of waiver status.

Read our full Paraguay guide for the complete picture and follow our visa updates for the implementation notice.