Authorities have announced an updated operating schedule for the Paraguayan-Brazilian Integration Bridge, with new hours set to take effect from Monday, 14 September 2026. The changes, confirmed by the Joint Paraguayan-Brazilian Commission, will affect both commercial and private vehicles crossing the Paraná River between Presidente Franco in Paraguay and Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil.
Authorities inaugurated the Integration Bridge in late 2025 to strengthen economic ties and ease traffic on the heavily congested Friendship Bridge, which has connected the two nations since 1965. This latest update to its operational plan aims to further optimise traffic flow in the region.
Updated crossing times for vehicles
Under the new timetable, empty heavy goods lorries will be able to cross the Integration Bridge during an expanded overnight window, from 18:00 to 05:00. Authorities introduced the measure to separate heavy commercial traffic from peak daytime travel.
Furthermore, authorities will allow light vehicles and private cars to cross for the first time on a regular schedule. These vehicles will be able to use the bridge between 07:00 and 13:00 daily. However, this access is restricted to residents of specific border communities. Eligible residents are from Ciudad del Este, Presidente Franco, and Hernandarias in Paraguay, or Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil.
Border crossing requirements
To cross in a private vehicle, the driver and all passengers must present a Documento de Tránsito Vecinal Fronterizo (Border Neighbourhood Transit Document). This document forms part of a Mercosur agreement designed to simplify movement for citizens living in linked border towns. Authorities have reiterated that citizens must also meet all other requirements under the agreement.
The commission also stated that the border crossing at the Integration Bridge will not be equipped for the customs clearance of general merchandise. The only goods permitted will be those classified as for subsistence under the terms of the Mercosur agreement.
Existing arrangements remain in place
The Joint Commission confirmed that several previously agreed-upon conditions for using the bridge will continue without modification. Smaller cargo vehicles travelling empty may use the Integration Bridge between 07:00 and 19:00. However, drivers must make the return journey with cargo via the Friendship Bridge.
The International Urban Passenger bus service between Presidente Franco and Foz do Iguaçu can optionally use the Paraguayan-Brazilian Integration Bridge for both departure and return journeys between 07:00 and 19:00. Passengers on this service will also need to present the Border Neighbourhood Transit Document. Finally, closed-circuit tourist transport services and regular international passenger lines, whose final destinations are not Ciudad del Este or Foz do Iguaçu, must use the Integration Bridge exclusively, with access permitted 24 hours a day.
