Quick answer
Puerto Iguazú (Argentina) and Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) are separated by the Tancredo Neves Bridge. The crossing takes between 30 and 60 minutes including the immigration process. Transport options are: private transfer (the most comfortable, the driver accompanies you through the process), international bus (the most affordable), taxi to the border, or own car with crossing permit.
The Tancredo Neves Bridge: the connection between Argentina and Brazil
The Tancredo Neves International Bridge crosses the Iguazú River and connects Puerto Iguazú (Argentina) with Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil). It is the only vehicular border crossing between both cities and the route used by all tourists to visit attractions on the Brazilian side.
Crosses
The Iguazú River, connecting Argentina with Brazil
Immigration checkpoints
Two mandatory stops: Argentine Immigration (exit) and Brazilian Immigration (entry)
Process duration
15 to 30 minutes depending on the queue (can be more during long weekends and peak season)
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Tip: The immigration process is mandatory even if you are only going for the day. If you do not stamp your exit from Argentina and entry to Brazil, you may have problems when returning.
Required documentation to cross to Brazil
The document you need depends on your nationality. Always keep it handy to avoid wasting time in the queue:
Argentines
Valid DNI (passport not required). The ID must be in good condition and not expired.
Mercosur citizens
National identity document from your country of origin (Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, etc.). Passport is not required for Mercosur citizens.
Other countries
Valid passport. Check if your nationality requires a visa to enter Brazil. Citizens of the European Union, United States and Canada do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
Minors
Minor's ID + notarized authorization if traveling without both parents. If traveling with both parents, only the minor's ID is needed. The authorization must be certified by a notary public.
The 4 transport options to cross to Foz do Iguaçu
Private transfer
Comfort: HighIdeal for: Families, groups, travelers with luggage, excursions in Foz
Advantages
- Door-to-door service (hotel in Iguazú → destination in Foz)
- The driver accompanies you through the immigration process
- Waits for you in Brazil as long as you need
- Ideal for visiting Brazilian Falls, Parque das Aves, Itaipú or Rafain
- Available 24/7, including early morning hours
Disadvantages
- Must be booked in advance (via WhatsApp or website)
International bus
Comfort: MediumIdeal for: Budget travelers with flexible schedules
Advantages
- The most affordable option to cross to Brazil
- Departs from the Puerto Iguazú Bus Terminal
- Arrives at the Urban Transport Terminal in Foz do Iguaçu
Disadvantages
- You must get off at each immigration checkpoint and reboard
- If the bus fills up, there may not be room when you reboard
- Fixed schedules — no flexibility
- Does not drop you at the door of tourist attractions
Taxi
Comfort: MediumIdeal for: Quick trips if the driver agrees to cross
Advantages
- Available at taxi stands in downtown Puerto Iguazú
- Faster than the bus if there is no long queue
Disadvantages
- Not all taxi drivers cross to Brazil — you need to ask first
- Those who cross may not wait for you on the Brazilian side
- They may not be familiar with the immigration process
Own or rental car
Comfort: Medium-highIdeal for: Travelers with their own car or rental with crossing permit
Advantages
- Complete schedule freedom
- You can go and return whenever you want
Disadvantages
- If it is a rental car, you need permission from the rental company to cross
- You must get out of the car at both immigration checkpoints
- You need parking on the Brazilian side
- Not all rental companies allow crossing to Brazil
Quick comparison
| Option | Comfort | Immigration help | Waits in Brazil | 24 hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | ✅ High | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ |
| International bus | ⚠️ Medium | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ Fixed schedules |
| Taxi | ⚠️ Variable | ❌ Not always | ⚠️ Sometimes | ✅ |
| Own/rental car | ⚠️ Medium | ❌ No | — N/A | ✅ |
Tips for a fast and smooth crossing
Keep your documents handy
Do not pack them in your suitcase. You will need them at both immigration checkpoints (Argentina exit and Brazil entry). DNI for Argentines, passport for non-Mercosur foreigners.
Do not bring fruits, vegetables or meats
The Brazilian health inspection (ANVISA) can confiscate fresh food. Avoid carrying fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy or any undeclared animal products.
Cross early in the morning
The shortest queues are between 7:00 and 9:00 AM. After midday the line grows, especially on weekends and holidays. Saturday and Sunday during peak season can have waits of over an hour.
Bring Brazilian reais or a card
In Foz do Iguaçu the currency is the Brazilian real (BRL). You can exchange pesos or dollars at exchange offices on the Argentine side before crossing, or use a debit/credit card at most shops and attractions in Foz.
Always complete the immigration process
Even if you are only going for a few hours, it is mandatory to stamp your exit from Argentina and entry to Brazil. If you do not, you may have problems when re-entering Argentina.
What to do in Foz do Iguaçu once you cross?
Foz do Iguaçu has several must-see tourist attractions. These are the most visited by tourists crossing from Puerto Iguazú:
Iguazú Falls (Brazilian side)
The panoramic view from the Brazilian side is completely different from the Argentine side. A 1.2 km walkway takes you to the base of the Devil's Throat. It is a shorter route but with spectacular views.
Parque das Aves (Bird Park)
A tropical bird sanctuary right at the entrance of the National Park in Foz. You can walk into giant aviaries and see toucans, macaws and more than 150 species up close. Great for families with children.
Itaipú Dam
One of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world. There are panoramic and special guided tours (with access to the turbine room). The panoramic tour lasts about 2 hours.
Rafain Churrascaria Show
Dinner with a Latin American folklore show. Includes an all-you-can-eat Brazilian meat buffet (rodízio) and performances with dances from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and more countries. Evening only.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Puerto Iguazú to Foz do Iguaçu?
The crossing via the Tancredo Neves Bridge takes between 30 and 60 minutes total, including the immigration process. During peak season or long weekends it can take longer due to the number of vehicles in the queue.
Do I need a passport to cross to Brazil?
If you are Argentine or a Mercosur citizen, a valid DNI or national identity document is sufficient. If you are from another country, you need a passport. Minors need their ID plus notarized authorization if traveling without both parents.
Does the international bus cross the border?
Yes. Companies like Crucero del Norte operate a bus that departs from the Puerto Iguazú Terminal and arrives at the Urban Transport Terminal in Foz do Iguaçu. You must get off at each immigration checkpoint, complete the process and reboard.
Can I cross to Brazil in a rental car?
Yes, but you need a special permit from the rental company authorizing the border crossing. Not all rental companies allow it — check before renting.
Is the Tancredo Neves Bridge open 24 hours?
Yes. The bridge and immigration checkpoints from both countries operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. At dawn there is less traffic and the crossing is usually faster, but there are also fewer public transport options.
Want to cross to Foz do Iguaçu hassle-free?
With Cataratas Taxi we take you door-to-door from your hotel in Puerto Iguazú to any destination in Foz do Iguaçu. The driver accompanies you through the immigration process, waits for you in Brazil and brings you back. No worrying about queues, documents or currency exchange for transport.
Book transfer to Foz do IguaçuLast updated: June 2, 2026 · Author: Hernán Pared, Cataratas Taxi (12+ years of experience in tourist transport in Puerto Iguazú)