Ciudad del Este Border Crossing: Friendship Bridge Guide 2026

The Friendship Bridge (Ponte da Amizade / Puente de la Amistad) over the Paraná River links Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil with Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. Around 100,000 people cross it every day, mostly to shop. Because locals cross freely, it is very easy to enter Paraguay without the stamps you actually need.

Quick Facts

• Brazil side: Foz do Iguaçu
• Paraguay side: Ciudad del Este, with the bridge right in the city center
• Traffic: notoriously slow, especially by car
• New option: the Integration Bridge to Presidente Franco opened in December 2025

Get Your Stamps

For a day of shopping, many visitors cross with no formalities at all. If you are continuing into Paraguay, or using the crossing to change your status in Brazil or Argentina, you must stop at both immigration posts. Local buses often do not stop. Get off at the border, get your stamps, then continue. Leaving Paraguay without an entry stamp can cause problems and fines.

Paraguay Entry

Paraguay waives the visa for US citizens for stays of up to 90 days until August 13, 2027, under a temporary law. Its foreign ministry also lists a visa on arrival for US nationals, so check which applies when you travel. Most European passports get 90 days visa-free.

Brazil Entry

US citizens have needed a visa for Brazil since April 10, 2025. Tourists apply online for an e-visa through Brazil’s official portal. Canadian and Australian citizens also need one. Most European passports remain visa-free for up to 90 days. Check before you cross, because the Brazilian side does check.

Crossing Step By Step

1. Take a bus marked “Ponte” or “Paraguay”, or walk across
2. Get your Brazilian exit stamp before the bridge
3. Walk over the bridge
4. Get your Paraguayan entry stamp on the far side

Bring Proof Of Onward Travel

Border officers on a visa run are deciding one thing: will you leave again on time? A confirmed onward or return booking is the quickest way to answer that. It matters most when you are re-entering a country you only just left, and on the flight leg if your run involves one.

If you do not want to commit to a real ticket yet, Fast Onward Tickets issues an onward flight reservation in minutes. See our complete guide to proof of onward travel for what officers and airlines accept.

FAQs

Is Ciudad del Este safe?

It is busy and chaotic. Watch your belongings and check the US State Department advisory for Paraguay.

Can I go straight to Argentina from Paraguay?

Yes, by ferry south of the city, or via Brazil.

Does a day trip need a Brazil visa?

If you are re-entering Brazil and your nationality needs one, yes.

Planning another run? See all our border run and land crossing guides, organized by region.

The Bottom Line

The Friendship Bridge is easy to cross and easy to get wrong. Stop for every stamp you need and keep your visa paperwork in order on both sides.