Paraguay Closes Friendship Bridge in Foz do Iguaçu

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Paraguayan government announced that, as of Wednesday, March 18th, pedestrian and vehicle traffic is blocked at the International Friendship Bridge that links Ciudad del Este, in the neighboring country, to Foz do Iguaçu, in western Paraná state.

The measure is effective for 15 days and impacts approximately 100,000 people who cross the bridge daily.

Vehicles carrying goods are allowed, although they must undergo sanitary control. The measure also includes other exceptions, to be analyzed case by case.

Tourists without Paraguayan documents and Paraguayans undergoing medical treatment in Brazil, for instance, may leave the neighboring country. However, only Paraguayan citizens may enter the country.

Due to the restrictions, there are reports in local media outlets that Brazilians living in the neighboring country are being forced to pay a fee to cross the border.

The Paraguayan government’s order further requires anyone entering the country, whether national or foreign, to remain in quarantine for 14 days.