Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇦🇷 Argentina 🇺🇾 Uruguay
Nearest Cities
🇦🇷 Colón, 🇺🇾 Paysandú
Coordinates
32.22°S, 58.02°W
Border Type
Land crossing via bridge
Operating Hours
Open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wait Times
30-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~3000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Currency Exchange
Available near Colón (ARS, UYU)
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Generally safe, beware touts
Emergency Contacts
🇦🇷 101 🇺🇾 911
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
About 🇦🇷 Colón, 🇺🇾 Paysandú
A Crossing in a Land of Palm Trees and Hot Springs
The border crossing connecting the Argentine city of Colón with Paysandú in Uruguay is a journey over the majestic Uruguay River. This is a major international checkpoint, a bridge that serves as a vital link for tourism and trade between the two nations. To cross here is to travel from the Argentine province of Entre Ríos, a land of rivers and national parks, into the heart of western Uruguay, a region of fertile agricultural plains and popular thermal spas. It is a passage defined by the great river, the beautiful scenery, and the close, friendly relationship between the two countries.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the Entre Ríos Province of Argentina with the Paysandú Department of Uruguay. It is a major international crossing, open 24/7 to all passenger cars, buses, and commercial freight. The “General Artigas International Bridge” is a long, impressive structure that spans the Uruguay River. The facility is designed to handle a significant volume of traffic. The crossing is particularly busy during the summer months and on long weekends, when many Argentines cross the border to visit the Uruguayan thermal spas and beaches.
A History of a River Frontier
The history of this region is the history of the Uruguay River, which has been a major artery of communication and a contested frontier for centuries. The area was the homeland of the indigenous Charrúa people. During the colonial era, it was a borderland between the Spanish and Portuguese empires. The modern border was established in the 19th century. The construction of the General Artigas Bridge in the 1970s was a major step in integrating the economies of the two regions. It is a powerful symbol of the modern, cooperative relationship between Argentina and Uruguay.
Border Crossing Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a standard two-part process. You will first complete exit formalities at one country’s checkpoint and then proceed across the bridge to the other country’s checkpoint for entry inspection. You will need a valid passport or, for citizens of Mercosur countries, a national ID card. Vehicle registration and international insurance (Carta Verde) are also necessary. The process is generally straightforward, and the checkpoint is equipped to handle a steady flow of traffic. Queues can form, but they are generally less severe than at the crossings near Buenos Aires.
The Surrounding Region: Argentina Side
On the Argentine side, the city of Colón is a major tourist destination in its own right. It is known for its beautiful river beaches, its own thermal hot springs, and its pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. The main attraction of the region is the El Palmar National Park, a unique reserve that protects one of the last remaining forests of the native Yatay palm tree. The park offers beautiful hiking trails and abundant wildlife. The historic Palacio San José, the former residence of the powerful 19th-century caudillo Justo José de Urquiza, is also nearby.
The Surrounding Region: Uruguay Side
On the Uruguayan side, the city of Paysandú is the third-largest city in Uruguay, a major industrial and commercial center. It has a beautiful historic center, with a magnificent basilica. The city is the gateway to the “Thermal Corridor” of Uruguay, a series of popular hot spring resorts, including the ones at Guaviyú and Almirón. The region is also the heart of Uruguay’s agricultural heartland, with vast fields of soybeans and large cattle ranches.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route is straightforward. The main road is well-maintained. The official currencies are the Argentine Peso (ARS) in Argentina and the Uruguayan Peso (UYU) in Uruguay. Services are widely available in the cities on both sides of the border. Ensure your vehicle’s Carta Verde insurance is valid for both countries. The bridge is a toll bridge, and the fee is typically collected on the Argentine side. This crossing is an excellent choice for a tourist itinerary that includes the attractions of both Entre Ríos and western Uruguay.
Final Considerations
The Colón–Paysandú border crossing is a journey through a landscape of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. It is a busy, functional checkpoint that serves as a vital link for the tourist economies of the region. It offers a passage through a shared landscape defined by the great Uruguay River. For the traveler, it is a gateway to the unique palm forests of El Palmar and the healing thermal waters of Uruguay, a chance to explore a beautiful and relaxing corner of the continent.