Starting Your Adventure: Navigating The Brazil Argentina Border

When you imagine crossing the border, what do you see? Likely, long queues, bland immigration offices, and lots of papers. 

What if we told you that the Brazil Argentina border is home to an easy-to-cross border and to one of the seven wonders of nature—Iguazu Falls? Uh-huh, this border is unlike any other. Here you can get your stamp, continue your adventure, and check out over 275 unique waterfalls on the way. 

We’re giving you the lowdown on everything you need to know when crossing the border. From passport requirements to customs information, you’ll be an expert on international travel after this short read. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Brazil Argentina Border Crossing: The Lowdown

In a pinch and need the essential Brazil Argentina border crossing info? Here are the basic details all travelers should know.

Leaving Brazil

No exit fees are required when leaving Brazil. Tourists simply need their passports or visa ready to be checked and stamped before leaving. 

Entering Argentina

When you enter Argentina, you’ll need a passport with enough validity to cover your stay, a visa (if required), and two free passport pages for stamps. There are no fees when entering Argentina. Proof of economic travel and proof of onward travel is required, but these aren’t always checked. 

Leaving Argentina

There aren’t any exit fees when leaving Argentina. However, travelers must pass through immigration and get their passports stamped and visas checked (if relevant). 

Entering Brazil

Brazil has no entry fees, but travelers need proof of onward travel, proof of economic stability ($150 minimum daily limit per day of stay), a passport with six months of validity, and a visa if needed.

Disclaimer: Things often change in the world of red tape and travel, so don’t just take our word for it. Before leaving for your trip, check with your embassy and the country you are going to for any new changes. 

Where To Go: Top Argentina Brazil Border Crossing Points 

So, where will you be crossing the border? Get to know the important crossing points below. 

Puerto Iguazu: The Main Crossing

Puerto Iguazu is the main location for border crossing between Argentina and Brazil. This land border crossing is separated by a long bridge over the Iguazu River. This river also physically marks the border between both countries.

This famous town is located at the intersection between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, making it a significant hub for immigration. It’s also home to the iconic Iguazu Falls National Park, plus visitors can take in the Three Borders landmark that marks the river where the countries meet.

Though Argentina and Brazil share a 1224 km (761 miles) border, this border crossing is almost exclusively recommended to tourists because of its ease and the opportunity to see the world-famous natural wonder. 

At this border, local Brazilians and Argentinians aren’t actually required to stop for Brazilian immigration services. This often confuses visitors, as cars zoom past the offices without an entry or exit stamp. While it can be tempting to follow suit, make sure you stop at the entry and exit offices and get any required stamps—otherwise, you might get into trouble when you enter your next country. 

Pro Tip: Driving yourself across the border is doable. However, traveling with a shuttle service or guided tour will ensure you follow all the immigration rules. No accidental queue jumping here. 

The immigration offices at Puerto Iguazu have approximately 1.5 km (1 mile) between them. So, you’ll have to stop, queue, get your passport stamped, and then catch a bus or taxi to the next immigration office. Buses run between the two immigration offices, so don’t worry about lugging your stuff across the border. But you should anticipate an extra wait for the next bus.

The top three ways to cross this border include:

• Private transfers. Providers or taxis pick you up from your hotel, take you across the border, and back again (if requested). This is more expensive but super stress-free.
• Shared Shuttles. If you want a cheaper alternative to a private transfer, shared shuttle buses can also take you across the border. With this option, you’ll have a driver guiding you across, but you’ll be with other tourists. 
• Public transport. Buses over the border are more affordable but don’t give you the flexibility of being dropped at your hotel. 

Professional drivers with a Carta Verde (Green Card) are verified to cross the Iguazu border. When in doubt, check whether your potential driver has one of these certificates.

Bus Pro Tip: Buses don’t automatically stop at the immigration offices, as locals don’t need passport checks. Don’t expect the bus to stop. You’ll have to alert the driver when you’re passing immigration. Once your passport is checked, wait at the bus stop and flag the next bus down to get to the other immigration office.

Border Opening Times: The Iguazu borders are open 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Yup, this is probably the most accessible border you’ll find.

Note that this border crossing point lacks tourist information desks or English guides to help tourists across. However, the info below will ensure you’re familiar with the crossing layout and the process before you arrive. 

About Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls is a bucket-list stop for travelers worldwide. No matter how many pictures you look up of these waterfalls, you’ll never quite understand the power of this natural structure until you’re standing right in front of it.

The falls are split over Argentina and Brazil, meaning you’ll have to pass through border control to explore the entire site. 

The Brazilian side is smaller but offers a panoramic experience and an opportunity to take in the scale of the waterfalls. Alternatively, the Argentinian side allows you to see the falls from various angles, and you can explore different hiking trails. Guides suggest you spend approximately 4 to 5 hours on the Argentinian side. 

Popular hiking trails include:

• Macuco trail
• Green trail
• Rainforest ecological trail
• Lower circuit
• Upper circuit
• Devil’s trail

You can also visit the falls from Paraguay, as the country’s eastern city (Ciudad del Este) provides another viewpoint. 

Tips For Visiting The Falls

If you plan to visit the national park while crossing the border, note these tips to elevate your experience.

• Pack a waterproof jacket. These falls are impressive and give you an immersive experience, so be prepared for some splashback!
• Book a boat tour for a close-up of the falls. Boats can take you right to the foot of the main waterfall, giving you a different perspective of the wonder. Book ahead to ensure availability.
• Wear comfortable shoes. There are a lot of amazing hiking trails, especially on the Argentinian side of the falls.
• Don’t pet the coatis. These raccoon-like creatures can be seen in the national park but don’t get too close. When bothered, these fellas can bite and scratch.

What Do You Need to Cross the Border?

Not all border crossings are the same. Here are some of the technical details of the Brazil Argentina border process. Don’t skip these details.

Passport

You’ll need a passport (and, for some, a visa—see below) when crossing the border, even if you plan to return to your first country on the same day.

Argentina requires travelers to have a passport with enough validity to cover their proposed duration of stay. You don’t need any extra validity past your date of exit. You’ll also need two free pages for stamps.

Brazil requests passport validity of a minimum of 6 months from your date of entry into the country. 

Visa

Some nationalities may need an additional pre-arranged visa to enter both countries. 

However, many nationalities, including the US, UK, EU, and Canadians, are visa exempt for Argentina and Brazil. 

Check if your country is visa exempt before arriving.

If you need a visa for Brazil and Argentina, they are required when crossing the border to see the waterfalls. Yes, even if you’re only crossing for a couple of hours. Plan accordingly.

Departure Tax

Some countries require tourists to pay a departure tax/fee when leaving the country. This usually appears as a one-time payment at a land border or is added to an airfare fee.

Brazil doesn’t have any departure or exit fees. 

Argentina has an international air departure tax of $29 and a domestic tax of $8. These are added to airline ticket prices. However, there are no fees for land border crossings. 

Proof of Exit/Onward Travel

Proof of exit is a ticket that proves you’ll be leaving the country and not overstaying your tourist visa. 

Brazil requires proof of onward travel via a return ticket or a ticket to another country. Though this is requested, it’s not always checked. 

Argentina also requires proof of onward travel within 90 days of arriving in the country. This is also rarely checked. We advise all travelers to have something booked just in case. 

Proof of Economic Stability

Also known as proof of sufficient funds, proof of economic stability is sometimes required to show that you can financially cover your time in the country.

Brazil requires tourists to have at least $150 saved for every day of their stay. A credit card or bank statement can be used to prove economic stability. 

Argentina requires proof of sufficient funds when applying for a tourist visa, but travelers who don’t require a pre-approved visa don’t need to show any proof. It’s advised to travel with a credit card or bank statement in the off chance you’re asked, though.

Entry Fee

No entry fee is required for Argentina or Brazil.

Cash

Carrying local cash is advised for all border crossings, as you never know where the next ATM is. While neither Argentina nor Brazil charges exit fees (outside of airline tickets), cash in both currencies is still helpful if you want to hop in a taxi, take a bus, or pay local vendors for snacks and drinks.

Brazil’s currency is the Brazilian real, and Argentina uses the Argentine peso. It’s a good idea to exchange some cash with an exchange vendor before crossing the border.

Safety Tips

The Argentina Brazil border is a tourist-friendly crossing. However, you should exercise general caution when crossing here. 

For example, pickpocketing is a risk if you take a local bus across the border. Avoid having your valuables in plain sight, and use a money belt to keep your passport and cash close to you. 

“Distraction theft” is also common in public transport stations and tourist areas. So, stay vigilant around Iguazu and consider leaving valuables or large amounts of cash at home.

Immigration officials at the border crossing can be trusted, but to make the experience smoother, arrive with the necessary documents in precise order. The main difficulty tourists experience is a lack of English language skills. 

Locals can be trusted, but contact officials if you need assistance. If civilians seem to be trying too hard to get your attention, ignore them and continue across the border. 

Covid 19 Restrictions

Brazil’s Covid 19 entry requirements require visitors to be fully vaccinated or arrive with proof of a negative test result. A negative PCR result is valid when taken 24 hours before departure. Visitors can also enter the country when not vaccinated but have recovered from Covid 19 in the past 90 days. A medical certificate and two negative Covid 19 tests must be presented in this case. 

Argentina doesn’t have Covid 19 requirements, and passengers can visit the country regardless of vaccination status. 

Other Brazil Argentina Border Crossings

• Paso de los Libres — This impressive bridge crossing is over the Uruguaiana International Bridge and the Uruguay River. It is 1400 meters (4600 ft) long.
• São Borja — One of the oldest Brazilian cities, this area is another place to cross from Brazil to Argentina via a bridge over the Uruguay River. 

Though these crossings are used frequently by locals, they’re not often recommended to tourists as they can be more difficult without Spanish and Portuguese. If you’re planning a Brazil – Argentina trip, crossing at Iguazu is the way to go.

You can also opt for international flights to get from country to country. This way, you might be able to skip out on a long bus ride. 

Map of the Argentina-Brazil Border

To get a clear image of the Argentina-Brazil border, check out our map to get ahead of the game. Notice how the countries are separated by a river? No sea borders here.

How To Cross The Brazil-Argentina Border

Traveling to Argentina and Brazil opens up a whole new world of experiences and culture. 

However, plan your routes before you leave to avoid last-minute scrambling. Find the most popular border crossing routes below. 

Puerto Iguazú to Foz do Iguacu

If you’re starting your journey on the Argentinian side of the border, a popular way to get across is by traveling from Puerto Iguazú to Foz do Iguacu. 

Minivans, buses, or cars are the three most popular ways to make this journey. It takes approximately 1 hour via bus, and Cuenca del Plata is a popular operator for this quick journey.

A direct minivan across the border is slightly quicker (40 minutes) but costs more than a bus. 

Finally, if you want a super-speedy option, a private car takes 30 minutes but is the most expensive option. 

Foz do Iguacu to Puerto Iguazú

Alternatively, those starting on the Brazilian side of the border will need to travel from Foz do Iguacu to Puerto Iguazú.

Like the reverse journey detailed above, crossing from Brazil has three main options — public bus, private car, and minivan. 

Again, buses are the longer but cheaper option for this journey, and you can expect a total journey time of 1 hour. Minivans and car journeys are shorter at 40 minutes and 30 minutes long. A key minivan provider for Brazil Argentina border crossings is Caracol Internacional.

Brazil Argentina Border Crossing: The Conclusion 

Planning the next step of your journey is thrilling, but only when you’ve got the latest details on how to cross the border! Whether you’re making a long stop at Iguazu or quickly passing through, we hope this information has helped you plan your journey. 

And remember, a raincoat is necessary for the falls—but not the customs office!

FAQ