Pacaraima & Santa Elena de Uairén Border Crossing

A Crossing in a Land of Table-Top Mountains

Important Note for Travelers: The political and economic situation in Venezuela is extremely volatile. The border can be closed without notice, and travel to the region carries significant risks. This crossing has been the site of a major humanitarian and migration crisis. It is absolutely essential to consult official government sources and your own country’s travel advisories for the most up-to-date information on the security situation and entry procedures before planning any travel.

The border crossing connecting the Brazilian town of Pacaraima with Santa Elena de Uairén in Venezuela is the only official land border between the two nations. This is a journey into the spectacular and unique landscape of the Gran Sabana, a region of vast savannahs, dense rainforests, and the famous, sheer-sided table-top mountains known as “tepuis.” To cross here is to travel a route of immense natural beauty but also one that has become a major flashpoint in one of South America’s most profound humanitarian crises. It is a crossing defined by the stunning scenery and the tragic, constant flow of Venezuelan migrants and refugees.

Operational Details

This checkpoint connects Brazil’s Roraima state with the Bolívar state of Venezuela. It is a major international crossing, and under normal circumstances, would be open 24/7. However, its operational status is often subject to the political climate. The Venezuelan government has closed the border on several occasions for long periods. The crossing is a vital, if often strained, artery for the limited trade that still exists and for the movement of people. The town of Pacaraima on the Brazilian side has been transformed by the arrival of tens of thousands of Venezuelan refugees, with numerous camps and aid facilities run by the UN and the Brazilian army.

A History of a Remote Frontier

The history of this region is the history of the indigenous Pemón people, who have inhabited the Gran Sabana for centuries. The modern border was demarcated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For decades, this was a remote and little-traveled frontier. The paving of the highway from Manaus and Boa Vista in Brazil and from the Venezuelan interior opened up the region to some tourism, particularly for Brazilians attracted to the natural wonders of the Gran Sabana. In the 2010s, as the economic and political crisis in Venezuela deepened, this crossing became the primary escape route for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans fleeing hunger and repression, transforming it into a major humanitarian crisis zone.

Border Crossing Procedure

The border crossing procedure is a complex and often tense process. You will first complete exit formalities at one country’s checkpoint and then proceed to the other country’s checkpoint for entry inspection. You will need a valid passport and any required visas. Vehicle documents and international insurance are also necessary. The checks on both sides can be very thorough and time-consuming. Travelers should be prepared for a potentially difficult and unpredictable experience. The presence of large numbers of vulnerable migrants can create a chaotic and emotionally charged atmosphere.

The Surrounding Region: Brazil Side

On the Brazilian side, the crossing is in the town of Pacaraima. The state of Roraima is Brazil’s northernmost state, a region of savannahs and rainforest. The capital city, Boa Vista, is about a two-hour drive away. The region is home to a large number of indigenous communities, and the Raposa Serra do Sol indigenous territory is located in this state. The Brazilian side of the border is also home to Monte Roraima, the famous triple-point tepui, though it is typically accessed from the Venezuelan side.

The Surrounding Region: Venezuela Side

On the Venezuelan side, the crossing is in the town of Santa Elena de Uairén, the main gateway to the magnificent Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Gran Sabana is a landscape of incredible beauty, with countless waterfalls, including the Angel Falls, the tallest in the world (though it is deep within the park and not accessible from the road). The region is famous for its unique geology and biodiversity. However, the security situation in Venezuela, including the presence of illegal mining and armed groups, makes travel in the region extremely dangerous.

Practical Travel Information

Practical planning is absolutely essential for this route. Travel to this region is not recommended for tourists at this time. The official currencies are the Brazilian Real (BRL) in Brazil and the Venezuelan Bolívar (VES) in Venezuela, though the US Dollar is widely used. Services are strained, especially on the Venezuelan side. The security situation is precarious. Any travel must be undertaken with extreme caution and a deep understanding of the risks involved.

Final Considerations

The Pacaraima–Santa Elena de Uairén border crossing is a journey through a landscape of breathtaking beauty and profound human tragedy. It is a place where the wonders of the natural world stand in stark contrast to the failures of the political world. It is a critical lifeline for those fleeing a collapsed state and a symbol of a major humanitarian crisis. It is a border that is defined by its stunning scenery and its deep sadness, a beautiful and broken frontier.