Visiting both sides of Iguazu Falls means crossing an international border — but do not worry: the crossing between Puerto Iguazu (Argentina) and Foz do Iguacu (Brazil) is one of the simplest and most-used in South America. Around 30,000 people cross daily, including tourists, residents and workers. The whole process typically takes 20-30 minutes.
The crossing is made via the Tancredo Neves International Bridge, a 489-metre cable-stayed bridge that spans the Iguazu River and connects the two cities. Both immigration posts (Argentine Migraciones, Brazilian Policia Federal) operate 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Step-by-Step: How the Crossing Works
- Exit your starting country. Stop at the immigration post on the side you are leaving — Argentine Migraciones if leaving Argentina, Policia Federal if leaving Brazil. Get the exit stamp in your passport.
- Cross the bridge. 489 metres over the Iguazu River by car, bus or van. (Pedestrian crossing is technically possible but discouraged for safety.)
- Enter the destination country. Stop at the entry immigration post for your entry stamp.
- Continue to your destination. The Brazilian park is 15 minutes from the bridge, the Argentine park is 25 minutes, central Foz do Iguacu is 10 minutes, central Puerto Iguazu is 12 minutes.
If you are on an organised tour, the guide collects all passports on the bus and processes them at both posts while you remain seated. You may need to step off briefly for a face-check during high-security days but usually not.
Documents and Visa Requirements
| Nationality | Document needed | Visa for Brazil | Visa for Argentina |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil | National ID or Passport | Not required (Mercosur) | Not required (Mercosur) |
| EU (Spain, Italy, France, Germany, etc.) | Valid passport (6+ months) | Not required (90 days) | Not required (90 days) |
| USA | Valid passport (6+ months) | Not required (90 days, as of April 2026) | Not required (90 days) |
| Canada | Valid passport (6+ months) | Not required (90 days, as of April 2026) | Not required (90 days) |
| Australia | Valid passport (6+ months) | Not required (90 days, as of April 2026) | Not required (90 days) |
| UK | Valid passport (6+ months) | Not required (90 days) | Not required (90 days) |
| Mexico | Valid passport | Not required (90 days) | Not required (90 days) |
| Japan, South Korea, Israel | Valid passport | Not required (90 days) | Not required (90 days) |
Important: Brazil's eVisa policy for US, Canadian and Australian citizens has changed multiple times in recent years. As of April 2026 it is suspended for tourism, but verify with your government's travel advisory or the Brazilian consulate before booking. If your nationality is not on the table above, check both the Argentine and Brazilian consulates well in advance.
Children and minors travelling without both parents may need a notarised authorisation in some cases. This is especially strict for Brazilian and Argentine minors. International tourists are usually fine with passport alone.
Transport Options Compared
| Option | Approx. cost | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organised tour with transport | USD 28-40 (one-way included) | Easiest, guide handles paperwork | Most travellers — recommended |
| Private transfer / authorised taxi | USD 20-35 each way | 30-45 min total | Couples, small groups, custom timing |
| Local urban bus | USD 2-3 each way | 1-1.5 hours total | Budget travellers with time |
| Rental car (with cross-border permit) | USD 50-100 cross-border fee + fuel | 30-45 min total | Road-trippers visiting other regions |
| Uber / app-based ride | Not allowed across the border | n/a | Cannot be used for the crossing |
Organised tour (the easiest way)
The most convenient option for first-time visitors. Civitatis and GetYourGuide both run tours from Puerto Iguazu to the Brazilian side (USD 36) and from Foz do Iguacu to the Argentine side (USD 28). The package includes hotel pick-up, the border crossing (guide handles immigration), park entrance arrangement, free time inside, and the return. You do not need to think about anything except getting wet at the falls.
Authorised taxi
An authorised cross-border taxi from Puerto Iguazu to Foz do Iguacu (or vice versa) costs USD 20-35 each way depending on bargaining. The driver waits at both immigration posts. Insist on an authorised taxi (look for the cross-border permit in the windshield) — unofficial drivers may charge much more or, rarely, refuse to wait at immigration. Agree the price in writing or via a hotel arrangement before getting in.
Local urban bus
The cheapest option: USD 2-3 each way. From Puerto Iguazu, take Linea Crucero del Norte from the central bus terminal towards Foz. The bus stops at Argentine Migraciones — get off, stamp your passport, and reboard the same bus (keep your ticket) or the next one. Same on the Brazilian side. The whole trip takes 1-1.5 hours. Reasonably comfortable but slow.
Rental car
Cross-border rental requires advance written authorisation from the rental company. Argentine companies usually charge USD 50-100 for the permit, plus you must carry the original vehicle documents (cedula verde / azul) and proof of insurance valid in Brazil. Some rentals from Foz do not allow Argentine crossings at all. Check carefully when booking — the day of pickup is too late.
Uber
Uber operates in Foz do Iguacu and Puerto Iguazu but cannot legally cross the border. Some drivers may offer to do it for cash, but this is unauthorised and could create problems at immigration.
Border-Crossing Costs Breakdown
The actual border crossing is free — there is no toll on the bridge for tourists, no fee for the immigration stamp, and no exit/entry tax. Costs come from transport and any park entrance fees.
For a typical tourist crossing for a day at the other side's park, total cost (transport both ways + park entrance) is roughly:
- Tour package: USD 28-36 all-in
- Authorised taxi (round trip) + park entrance: USD 60-90
- Local bus + park entrance: USD 26-30
When to Cross — Avoiding Queues
The bridge has peak congestion windows. Plan accordingly:
- Best times: Early morning (7:00-9:00) and late evening (19:00-22:00). Almost no queue.
- Moderate: 14:00-17:00 weekdays. Up to 20-minute waits.
- Worst: 9:00-13:00 in peak season (Carnival, Brazilian school holidays July, Christmas-New Year). Up to 90-minute waits, especially on the Brazilian side returning.
If you are doing the Brazilian side as a day trip from Puerto Iguazu, depart early (8:00 from your hotel), aim to be at the Brazilian park by 9:00, and head back to the bridge by 14:00 to beat the afternoon return queue.
What You Cannot Cross With
Customs are usually relaxed for tourist crossings — most days they wave vehicles through without checking. But be aware:
- No fresh produce, meat, or dairy — both countries restrict these to prevent crop and livestock disease spread.
- No drones without prior registration in the destination country.
- Cash declarations: over USD 10,000 must be declared on entry.
- Medication: bring prescriptions for any controlled medications (most over-the-counter is fine).
- Wood, plant material, soil: banned for environmental protection.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Crossing
Top tips:
- Keep your passport in an easy-access pocket — not packed in checked luggage.
- Take a photo of your passport (cover and stamps) and email it to yourself as a backup.
- If on a tour, you usually do not need to step off the bus — but be ready to do so if asked.
- If self-driving, fill the tank in Argentina before crossing — fuel is much cheaper there than in Brazil.
- Currency: carry a mix of Argentine pesos, Brazilian reais, and US dollars in small bills.
- Crossing twice in one day (e.g. seeing both parks) is fine — just complete immigration each direction.
- Cell coverage is patchy on the bridge itself — download Google Maps offline before crossing.
- If you forget something on the other side, you cannot easily go back without re-stamping. Double-check your bag.
Book Your Cross-Border Tour
Most popular Brazilian Side Tour from Puerto Iguazu
Half-day tour with hotel pick-up, border crossing handled by guide, panoramic walkway and free time.
Best seller Argentine Side Tour from Foz
Full-day tour with transport from Foz do Iguacu, border handled, Devil's Throat and circuits.
Transfer Private Cross-Border Transfer
Door-to-door private transfer between Puerto Iguazu and Foz do Iguacu. Custom timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to cross from Argentina to Brazil?
Mercosur citizens (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador) only need a valid national ID or passport. EU, US, Canadian, Australian, UK and Japanese citizens need a valid passport (no visa required for tourism up to 90 days). Always check current requirements for your nationality before travelling — rules can change.
How long does the border crossing take?
Under normal conditions, crossing via the Tancredo Neves Bridge takes 20-30 minutes including immigration. During Brazilian holidays (Carnival, July school break, Christmas), it can take 45-90 minutes. On an organised tour, the guide handles documentation on the bus and the process is usually faster.
Do I need to go through immigration if I am only crossing for the day?
Yes, you should always stamp out and stamp in. In practice, some Mercosur travellers cross without getting stamped, but this is not recommended. If a check on your return finds no exit stamp, you could face problems including fines or denied entry. The safest option is to complete the full process — it only takes a few minutes per side.
Can I pay with Argentine pesos in Foz do Iguacu?
Some tourist businesses near the bridge accept Argentine pesos, but the exchange rate is usually unfavourable. It is better to carry Brazilian reais (exchange in Puerto Iguazu before crossing or at any cambio in Foz) or use an international credit card. US dollars are accepted at hotels and tour operators on both sides.
Do I need a Brazil eVisa as a US, Canadian or Australian citizen?
As of April 2026 the Brazil eVisa requirement for US, Canadian and Australian travellers has been suspended for tourism stays under 90 days. You only need a passport with 6+ months validity. However, this policy has changed back and forth in recent years — verify with the Brazilian consulate or your government travel advisory before booking.
Can I cross the border in my rental car?
Yes, but only with prior authorisation from the rental company. You will need a written authorisation form (carta de autorizacion / carta de autorizacao) plus original vehicle registration documents. Most Argentine rentals charge USD 50-100 for cross-border permission. Insurance should be valid in both countries — confirm with the agency. For a one-day visit, a tour with transport is usually simpler.
Are there ATMs at the border?
No, there are no ATMs at the bridge. Withdraw cash before crossing — Puerto Iguazu has multiple banks on Avenida Brasil, and Foz has ATMs throughout the centre. ATMs sometimes have low daily limits for foreign cards, so plan multiple withdrawals if needed. Always have a small amount of cash for taxis and tips.
Is it safe to cross the border independently?
Yes — the Argentina-Brazil border at Iguazu is one of the safest and most-used in South America. Both immigration posts are well-staffed and orderly. Just keep documents accessible (not buried in your luggage), avoid unofficial taxi touts who may charge double or triple, and stick to authorised transport. The whole process is straightforward.
Related Iguazu Guides
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- Argentine vs Brazilian side comparison
- How to get to Iguazu
- Best time to visit
- Iguazu budget guide
- Argentine park full guide
- Brazilian park full guide
- Triple Border landmark
- Ciudad del Este (Paraguay)
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