Oyapock Bridge 2025: Toll-Free France-Brazil Border Complete Guide
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Oyapock Bridge Complete Guide
System: Toll-free international bridge crossing
Coverage: Connects Saint-Georges-de-l'Oyapock (French Guiana) to Oiapoque (Brazil)
Currency: N/A - No tolls charged
Technology: Border control checkpoints only
Operators: French and Brazilian governments (joint administration)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls for Oyapock Bridge? 2025 Update
No, you don't need to pay any tolls to cross the Oyapock Bridge - it is completely toll-free for all vehicles and pedestrians. This historic France-Brazil border crossing operates without any toll collection infrastructure.
Key Reality: While the bridge itself is toll-free, you'll need proper documentation and may face significant travel challenges on the Brazilian side due to unpaved road sections on BR-156 highway.
2025 Update: Bridge remains fully operational since March 2017 opening. Local border cards continue for 72-hour visits between border cities, while longer stays require standard visas.
Oyapock Bridge Crossing Costs: What You Actually Pay
The Franco-Brazilian Binational Bridge operates without any toll charges, with costs limited to border processing and potential visa fees.
Current Crossing Costs by Category (2025)
| Crossing Type | All Vehicles | Pedestrians | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridge Toll | €0.00 | €0.00 | Completely toll-free |
| Local Border Card (72 hours) | Free Processing | Free Processing | Residents of border cities only |
| Standard Tourism Visit | Visa Fees Apply | Visa Fees Apply | Passport + visa requirements |
| Boat Alternative (Traditional) | Not Applicable | 30-50 BRL | Same border requirements |
Bridge Specifications (2025)
Length: 378 meters (1,240 feet) cable-stayed bridge
Vehicle Lanes: Two lanes (9 meters total width) plus 2.5-meter pedestrian sidewalk
Clearance: 15 meters vertical clearance for river traffic
How to Cross Oyapock Bridge
You can use the following methods to cross the France-Brazil border:
1. Oyapock Bridge (Recommended):
- Vehicle crossing: Cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses accepted
- Pedestrian crossing: Dedicated 2.5-meter sidewalk
- Border checkpoints: French and Brazilian immigration/customs
- Operating hours: 24/7 bridge access, border posts have specific hours
2. Traditional Boat Crossing:
- River boat service: Still available for passengers
- Cost: 30-50 BRL depending on sharing arrangements
- Journey time: Approximately 15 minutes across Oyapock River
- Vehicle limitation: No vehicle transport via boat
To calculate travel costs including fuel and accommodation for France-Brazil border crossing, use TollGuru travel calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Bridge Operations:
- Continuous operation since March 20, 2017 opening
- No toll collection infrastructure installed or planned
- Border controls functioning normally on both sides
Road Infrastructure Status:
- French side: Fully paved RN-2 road to Cayenne completed
- Brazilian side: BR-156 highway partially unpaved (105 km of 600 km to Macapá)
- Rainy season challenges: Mud and flooding on Brazilian side remains problematic
Border Policy Updates:
- Local border cards: Continue for 72-hour visits between Oiapoque and Saint-Georges
- Visa requirements: Standard visa rules apply for longer stays in French Guiana
- Border surveillance: Enhanced due to illegal mining concerns in French Guiana
Regional Border Information
The Guianas - Unique Regional Context:
- French Guiana - Overseas department of France with toll-free road network
- Suriname - Former Dutch colony with developing toll-free highway system
- Guyana - English-speaking former British colony, toll-free roads
- Brazil - Extensive toll highway network in most states
Historical Context:
- First land border crossing between France and Brazil in history
- Bridge construction: 2008-2011, cost approximately US$50 million
- Delayed opening: 6 years due to visa disputes and infrastructure completion
- Designer: Italian engineer Mario de Miranda
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Bridge crossing: €0 in tolls, only fuel costs apply
- Documentation: Visa fees may apply for non-EU citizens entering French Guiana
- Alternative transport: Shared boat 30-50 BRL for passengers only
Travel Planning:
- Brazilian side: 105 km unpaved road section can add hours to journey
- Rainy season: January-June, significant delays possible on BR-156
- French side: Modern paved highway RN-2 to Cayenne (200 km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive continuously from French Guiana to Brazil?
Yes, but expect significant delays. While the bridge crossing is straightforward, 105 km of BR-156 highway remains unpaved, making the 600 km journey to Macapá very challenging, especially during rainy season.
Do I need a visa to cross the Oyapock Bridge?
It depends. Local residents can get a 72-hour border card for short visits between border cities. Other travelers need standard visas for French Guiana, while Brazilians can enter France visa-free but not French Guiana.
Is the bridge open 24/7?
The bridge itself is accessible 24/7, but border control posts have specific operating hours. Check current immigration and customs schedules before traveling, especially for evening or early morning crossings.
Why was the bridge delayed for so long?
Construction finished in 2011, but opening was delayed until 2017 due to incomplete Brazilian customs facilities, unpaved access roads, and diplomatic disputes over visa reciprocity between Brazil and France.
Can trucks and commercial vehicles use the bridge?
Yes, trucks and commercial vehicles can cross the bridge toll-free, subject to standard border controls and weight/size restrictions. The bridge was designed to accommodate various vehicle types including heavy trucks.
Oyapock Bridge vs. Regional Crossings
| Border Crossing | Crossing Type | Toll Cost | Road Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oyapock Bridge (France-Brazil) | Bridge crossing | €0.00 | French side paved, Brazil partial |
| Maroni River Ferry (France-Suriname) | Ferry crossing | Small ferry fee | Both sides paved |
| Takutu Bridge (Brazil-Guyana) | Bridge crossing | Free | Basic paved access |
| Venezuela-Guyana Border | Disputed territory | N/A | No direct road connection |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- French Guiana Roads - Complete guide to French Guiana transportation
- Brazil Toll Highways - Brazilian toll road system information
- Suriname Transportation - Suriname road and border crossing details
- Guyana Border Crossings - Guyana international border information
Border Agencies:
- French Border Police: Immigration and customs control for French Guiana entry
- Brazilian Federal Police: Immigration control for Brazil entry/exit
- Prefect of French Guiana: Regional administrative authority
- Governor of Amapá: Brazilian state authority for border region
