Paraguay Business Visa - Definitive Guide

At the time of dealing business in another country, there are several formalities that are to be followed. One of the most essential ones is issuing a business visa for Paraguay. There are several benefits to this permit. The holder is allowed to carry out different kinds of business errands like business meetings, conferences, exhibitions, deals with foreign companies, and others. The validity of the permit will depend on the type of the permit. If it is a single-entry type, the validity will be for 30 days and the stay permitted will be 30 days as well. However, if it is multiple-entry type, then the validity will vary.

To be able to apply for a business visa for Paraguay, you need to ensure that you are an eligible candidate for the same. The process for application is mainly offline and the application can be made directly to the Consulate of Paraguay. The procedure is given as follows:

1. Download the visa application form.
2. Fill out the required details.
3. Collect all the required documents.
4. Submit the application form and the documents to the Consular.
5. Pay the required Paraguay tourist visa fees.
6. Attend an interview with the Consular Officer.

There are a few things that you need to note at the time of filling out the application form. The information in the form should match with the details in the travel documents. If there is any kind of information that is found to be false or incorrect, the application will then become inadmissible and even get rejected. There are other risks as well for a visa rejection. Such a visa rejection can affect your future applications to get a business visa for Paraguay or for any other country. Therefore, it is recommended that assistance from a professional visa agency is acquired.

Before applying, you need to have all the required documents and match the other parameters as well. Some of the important pointers are given below:

• You must have proof of business ownership and purpose of visit

• You must have proper proof of your business enterprise to show it to the authorities.
• If you have been invited to a business conference or to attend a business or client meeting, an invitation letter from the company must be provided to the embassy.
• You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to Paraguay.
• You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof. (if asked)
• You must meet the character requirements
• You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind doing business in Paraguay.
• You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• You must have sufficient funds
  • • You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Paraguay.
    • Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

There are different kinds of documents required as per the type of the permit and they even vary from case to case. The Paraguay business visa requirements are listed as follows:

• Passport valid for at least one year ahead of travel.
• Completely filled and duly signed application form.
• Itinerary
• Photo as per the photo specifications.
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Proof of purpose of visit - exhibition pass, invitation letter, etc.
• Proof of sufficient funds - bank statement for the last three months, etc.
• Proof of character - Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Apostille by Ministry of External Affairs, India.

• One copy must be provided
• Photo size: 2 x 2 inches.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• The face must cover about 70-80% of the frame.
• Head should well-centred.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white
• Neutral expressions.
• Both the ears must be visible.
• Teeth should not be visible.
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The processing time required for the issuance of a business visa for Paraguay is about a couple of weeks. However, there are certain factors that affect the processing time of the permit. These include the workload at the consular office, the staff availability, whether the documents are complete or the rest of the documents are yet to be submitted and others. The time increases and decreases affected by these parameters.

The fees for a Paraguay business visa is to be paid at the time of submission of the documents and the application form. It can be paid in cash or by other means as well. There are several factors that affect the estimation of the fees. For instance, type of visa, the number of entries permitted, the validity of the visa and other similar factors.

When the documents and the application form have been submitted, there are a few things that need to be noted:

• When you are submitting the documents, you need to make sure that they are in good condition.
• The documents must be submitted personally only as fax or emailed documents are not acceptable.
• You can email the scanned copies to the Consular Officer only if asked by the Consular Officer on indiaembaparsc@mre.gov.py.com.
• If there are any kind of changes to be updated in the application, the Consulate must be informed accordingly.
• In case there is a change of plans and you need to withdraw the application, the Consulate must be known accordingly.
• The visa fee is generally non-refundable.

In order to check the status of your permit, you can do so by contacting the Consulate offline. Else, if you have applied through a visa agency, you can check the status by visiting the website of the company or contacting them.

When the documents are verified and the application is processed, you will receive your permit. When you finally have your visa, there are certain pointers that you need to remember:

• Before you travel

• Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• You should travel to Paraguay within the validity of your visa.
• Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
• Issue health insurance and travel insurance from a certified company.
• At the Border

• • • Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
    • Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
    • Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Paraguay
  • • Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do volunteer work.
    • The business visa does not permit you to employ the residents or reside in the country.
    • It is a permit that allows you to only perform business and business-related operations in the country. You are still permitted tourism.
    • The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
    • Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for the visa extension in time.