The Friendship Bridge does not touch Argentina at all. It spans the Paraná river between Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil and Ciudad del Este in Paraguay, so a road trip from Puerto Iguazú to Ciudad del Este means two border crossings in one journey. Opening hours and entry rules change and need to be confirmed before you travel.
One trip, three countries
Starting on the Argentine side, the usual route is:
- Leave Argentina and enter Brazil over the Tancredo Neves Bridge.
- Drive across Foz do Iguaçu.
- Leave Brazil and enter Paraguay over the Friendship Bridge.
Your travel document therefore has to be good for entering both Brazil and Paraguay, even if you only pass through Brazil. The return trip repeats everything in reverse.
Why people cross
Most go shopping: the commercial district of Ciudad del Este begins right at the end of the bridge. Workers and traders from both banks cross daily, some visitors add Paraguay to their trip to the falls, and others continue by road towards Asunción.
What to know about the controls
Local traffic moves freely on this bridge and not every vehicle or pedestrian is stopped. If you need your entry and exit recorded, it is up to you to go to the immigration office on each side. Ask the migration authority what applies to your nationality and to the length of your visit.
Each passenger carries their own valid travel document. If children are travelling, check the authorisation rules for minors first. Purchases are subject to customs limits on the way back; check the current ones with the customs service of the country you return to.
When queues are longer
The crossing time cannot be predicted. The bridge is busier on the main shopping days, at weekends, on public holidays in any of the three countries and in the weeks before Christmas. Traffic runs towards Paraguay in the morning and back towards Brazil in the afternoon.
Ways to cross
- On foot. Many people walk, especially when the bridge is congested.
- Motorcycle taxi or local bus. Low-cost local options, awkward with packages.
- Taxi. Agree beforehand whether waiting is included.
- Private transfer. One vehicle for your group, with room for what you buy. Whether the crossing is available, and on what conditions, is confirmed at booking, and we do not promise a crossing time. See transfers to Paraguay.
General points are in our guide to documents to enter Paraguay.