Paraguay — the landlocked South American nation at the heart of the continent, bordered by Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil — is a country of surprising contrasts and quiet resilience whose Guaraní cultural heritage gives it one of South America's most distinctive indigenous identities. Paraguayan is the only country in the Americas where an indigenous language, Guaraní, is spoken by the majority of the population alongside Spanish, making it a genuinely bilingual nation with a cultural depth that travellers discover with pleasant surprise. Paraguay's peaceful Jesuit mission heritage, its extraordinary Chaco wetlands wildlife, and the remarkable 20-million-strong Paraguayan diaspora spread across the globe attest to a nation whose people carry their culture with resilient pride wherever they go. New Zealand offers Paraguayan travellers the dramatic natural spectacle and outdoor adventure culture that landlocked Paraguay cannot provide — the ocean, the Southern Alps, Fiordland's fjords, and the volcanic Highland of the North Island all represent experiences entirely outside the Paraguayan geographical imagination. Paraguay is a visa-waiver country for New Zealand, with citizens applying for NZeTA online.
Paraguay's bilingual Guaraní-Spanish culture is unique in the Americas — Guaraní is spoken by the majority of Paraguayans alongside Spanish
Paraguayan travellers route to Auckland via Buenos Aires or São Paulo to Los Angeles, then Air New Zealand direct
Paraguay's remarkable Jesuit mission heritage and Chaco wildlife give Paraguayan visitors a cultural and ecological sophistication that resonates with NZ's own heritage and conservation values
12-72 hrs
Processing
90 days
Stay
2 Years
Validity
Multiple
Entries
Enter your Paraguay passport number and personal details online.
Select Regular ($125), Emergency ($145), or Express ($165) and pay by card.
Your approved NZeTA arrives by email in 12-72 hours.
Asunción Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) connects to Auckland via Buenos Aires Ezeiza (Aerolíneas Argentinas or LATAM) or São Paulo Guarulhos (LATAM), then Los Angeles International, then Air New Zealand direct to Auckland (approximately 12.5 hours). Total Asunción–Auckland journey time is approximately 22–27 hours. LATAM Airlines provides the most comprehensive Paraguay–Pacific routing through its South American network. Book 3–5 months ahead for competitive fares.
Paraguay's community in New Zealand is very small, with Paraguayan professionals in agriculture, engineering, and hospitality finding natural connections with New Zealand's own farming and food production sectors. Paraguay is one of the world's top beef exporters — a direct agricultural parallel with New Zealand's own lamb and dairy export culture. Auckland's Latin American community provides a welcoming social environment for Paraguayan visitors through Spanish-speaking networks. Paraguay's substantial German-Mennonite community in the Chaco region creates an indirect European cultural connection with New Zealand.
December to February (NZ summer) is peak season — warm and ideal. NZ ski season (June–August) during Paraguay's own mild winter provides fresh alpine snow experiences. Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–April) offer excellent outdoor conditions with fewer tourists.
Apply for NZeTA at least 3 days before departure from Asunción Silvio Pettirossi International Airport
Route via Buenos Aires (Aerolíneas Argentinas) or São Paulo (LATAM) to Los Angeles, then Air New Zealand direct to Auckland
Declare all food items at NZ customs — Paraguayan travellers often carry tereré (yerba mate with cold water) which must be declared
Yes. Paraguay is on New Zealand's visa-waiver list. Paraguayan nationals must apply for NZeTA online before each visit to New Zealand. Approval takes 12–72 hours.
Up to 90 days per visit. The NZeTA is valid for 2 years from approval with multiple entries permitted.
Asunción via Buenos Aires (Aerolíneas Argentinas) or São Paulo (LATAM) to Los Angeles, then Air New Zealand direct to Auckland. Total journey is approximately 22–27 hours.
USD $125 regular (48–72 hrs), USD $145 emergency (24–48 hrs), or USD $165 express (12–24 hrs).
No — they are completely unrelated language families. Guaraní is a Tupian language of South America; Maori is a Polynesian language of the Pacific. However, both represent remarkable indigenous language revivals that their respective nations are deeply proud of.
Yerba mate and tereré equipment (gourds, bombillas) may be brought but must be declared at customs. Dried processed yerba is generally permitted; fresh plant material is not. Always declare all food and plant items.
Both are world-class red meat producing nations. Paraguay is one of the world's top beef exporters; New Zealand is globally renowned for lamb and premium beef. Paraguayan visitors appreciate the quality of New Zealand's farm-to-table food culture.
English is New Zealand's official language. Auckland has a growing Spanish-speaking Latin American community. Paraguayan visitors who also speak Spanish will find community connections in Auckland and Wellington.
Fully online - Approved in 12-72 hours - No embassy visit
Start Application