regiao ·
What documents does a Brazilian need to go to Ciudad del Este?
Marco Três newsroom · edited by Annie Grellmann
RG works, CNH doesn't — what to bring to cross the Friendship Bridge
Brazilians do not need a passport to go to Ciudad del Este: a well‑kept RG, the new CIN (National Identity Card) or a valid passport is enough. The CNH is not accepted as a travel document in Paraguay. The rule follows the Mercosur agreement.
Direct answer: Brazilians must present a well‑kept RG, CIN (National Identity Card) or a valid passport to enter Ciudad del del Este. The CNH is not accepted as a travel document. For one‑day shopping trips across the Friendship Bridge, the document must be on you, although there is no mandatory immigration checkpoint. Unaccompanied minors follow Brazilian authorization rules.
Under the Mercosur free‑movement agreement, Brazilians can enter Paraguay by presenting:
- RG (Identity Card) in good condition;
- CIN — the new National Identity Card; or
- Valid passport.
The CNH (driver’s license) IS NOT accepted as an entry document to Paraguay — it is for driving, not for travel.
One‑day shopping: those who cross the Friendship Bridge for shopping in Ciudad del Este and return the same day usually do not go through a checkpoint in practice — but the migration record is formally required: if you stay, sleep, or continue traveling in Paraguay, you must register entry and exit. The document, however, must be with you — there are spot checks.
If you stay in the country or continue traveling beyond Ciudad del Este, go to Paraguayan Migración at the bridgehead to register your entry. Those who want a passport stamp (travel souvenir) can also request it.
Minors follow Brazilian travel‑authorization rules when unaccompanied by parents.
Live data: see the bridge traffic now before crossing.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a passport to go to Ciudad del Este?
- No. Under Mercosur, Brazilians enter Paraguay with a good‑condition RG, CIN or passport. Passport is optional.
- Does a CNH work for entering Paraguay?
- No. The driver’s license is not accepted as a travel document — bring RG, CIN or passport.
- Do shoppers need to go through immigration?
- Those who cross and return the same day usually do not go through control, but must carry a document. Those who stay in the country or continue traveling must register entry with Migración.
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