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Friendship Bridge: crossing from Foz do Iguaçu to Paraguay

What to know to cross between Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) and Ciudad del Este without headaches: documents, vaccine, purchase allowance, best times and common mistakes.

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Quick summary

  • Citizens of Mercosur countries can enter Paraguay with a valid national ID card or passport; other nationalities need a passport and must follow Paraguay's entry rules for their country.
  • A yellow fever certificate is required only from travelers aged 1 to 59 arriving from the Brazilian states of Amazonas, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul or Roraima. Paraná is not on the list.
  • Returning to Brazil by land, Brazil's duty-free allowance is US$ 500 per person, once every 30 days.
  • The Migraciones checkpoint on the bridge is open 24 hours, every day.
  • Go early, Tuesday to Thursday: crossings tend to be calmer.

Foz do Iguaçu — Crossing the border

Everything you need to know to cross the Friendship Bridge without headaches — whether for tourism, shopping or immigration.

Citizens of Mercosur countries can enter Paraguay with a valid national ID card or passport (a Brazilian driver's license is not accepted). Other nationalities need a passport — check Paraguay's entry requirements for your country before you travel. Minors have extra requirements.

Yellow fever: Paraguay requires the International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP) from travelers aged 1 to 59 arriving from the Brazilian states of Amazonas, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul or Roraima, vaccinated at least 10 days before the trip. Paraná, where Foz do Iguaçu is, is not on the list — but the list changes, so check before you go.

When you return to Brazil by land, each person can bring up to US$ 500 in purchases tax-free, once every 30 days. The allowance is individual: family members cannot combine theirs. There are also limits for alcohol (12 liters), cigarettes (10 packs), cigars (25) and tobacco (250 g). Above the allowance, taxes apply — keep your receipts.

You can cross the Friendship Bridge on foot, by car or by local transport. The Migraciones checkpoint is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, but traffic is heavy at peak times: go early and avoid Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Quick Guide to the Friendship Bridge

What documents do I need to cross into Paraguay?
Mercosur citizens: a valid national ID card or passport. Other nationalities: a passport, following Paraguay's entry rules for their country.
What is the purchase allowance when returning to Brazil?
US$ 500 per person, once every 30 days, when entering Brazil by land, according to Brazil's Receita Federal.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine to enter Paraguay?
Only if you are 1 to 59 years old and coming from Amazonas, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul or Roraima (Brazil), vaccinated at least 10 days before. Paraná is not on the list.
What is the best time to cross?
Start early, between 7 and 9 a.m., before the peak of pedestrians and vehicles. Late afternoon is usually the worst time.
Which days are the quietest?
Midweek (Tuesday to Thursday) tends to be calmer. Avoid holidays and weekends, when shopping traffic spikes.
Is it better on foot, by bus or by car?
On foot is fastest on peak days. By car there can be a long line on the bridge. Local transport is an affordable middle option.
What are the most common mistakes at the border?
Traveling on into Paraguay without registering your entry at Migraciones, traveling without the vaccine certificate when it is required and going over the purchase allowance on the way back.

Official sources

  1. Consulate General of Brazil in Asunción — Entering Paraguay
  2. Brazil's Receita Federal — Duty-free allowance and taxable baggage
  3. Paraguay's Ministry of Public Health — International vaccination certificate
  4. Dirección Nacional de Migraciones — Health requirements to enter and leave Paraguay
  5. Dirección Nacional de Migraciones — Migration checkpoints

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