Cúcuta & Ureña Border Crossing

A Secondary Crossing Transformed by Crisis

Important Note for Travelers: The political and economic situation in Venezuela is extremely volatile. This border crossing has been closed for long periods and is a major point in the Venezuelan migration crisis. The security situation is extremely dangerous. Travel to this region is not recommended. This guide is provided for historical and informational purposes only.

The border crossing connecting the Colombian city of Cúcuta with Ureña in Venezuela, via the Francisco de Paula Santander International Bridge, is the secondary checkpoint in this bustling and troubled border region. While the Simón Bolívar bridge to San Antonio has always been the main artery, this crossing has served as a vital relief valve and has its own unique character, tied to the industrial town of Ureña. Today, like its larger neighbor, it has been transformed from a commercial link into a humanitarian corridor, a place defined by the desperate flow of people fleeing the crisis in Venezuela.

Operational Details

This checkpoint connects the Norte de Santander Department of Colombia with the Táchira state of Venezuela. It is a major international crossing. For years, the Venezuelan government has periodically closed the bridge to vehicular traffic, turning it into a pedestrian-only crossing, particularly for the thousands of Venezuelan schoolchildren who cross daily to attend classes in Cúcuta. When open, it serves cars, buses, and freight, but its status is constantly in flux. The bridge has become a key point for the daily, back-and-forth movement of people seeking to buy essential goods in Colombia.

Before Crossing

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A History of a Symbiotic Relationship

The history of this region is one of a deep, symbiotic relationship. The cities of Cúcuta and the San Antonio-Ureña urban area were economically and socially integrated. Ureña was a significant industrial zone in Venezuela, with many factories. During Venezuela’s oil boom, it was a land of opportunity. The economic collapse of Venezuela in the 2010s reversed this flow in the most dramatic way imaginable. The Francisco de Paula Santander bridge, like the Simón Bolívar bridge, became a primary escape route for millions of Venezuelans. It has also been the scene of major political confrontations and is a constant symbol of the ongoing crisis.

The Border Crossing Procedure

The border crossing procedure is chaotic and subject to constant change. When the bridge is open, there are formal immigration and customs offices on both sides. However, the sheer volume of people often overwhelms the facilities. For the thousands of daily pedestrian crossers, the checks may be more cursory. For those officially migrating, the process is more formal. The area is also notorious for its many illegal crossing points (`trochas`), which are controlled by armed criminal groups and are extremely dangerous. The formal bridge, even when crowded, is the only safe way to cross.

The Surrounding Region: Colombia Side

On the Colombian side, the city of Cúcuta has been transformed by the migration crisis. It is the main hub for the massive international humanitarian response. The city has a rich history and is known as the place where the constitution of Gran Colombia was signed in 1821. Today, its primary identity is that of a city on the frontline of a humanitarian emergency, a place of both great generosity and immense social strain. The bridge connects to the center of Cúcuta.

The Surrounding Region: Venezuela Side

On the Venezuelan side, Ureña is an industrial town that has been devastated by the economic collapse. Its factories are largely idle, and its population has been hollowed out by migration. It is the gateway to the Venezuelan Andes and the city of San Cristóbal. The region was once a prosperous agricultural and commercial hub. Today, it is a place where the signs of the crisis are everywhere, a starting point for the long and perilous journey that millions have taken out of their homeland.

Practical Travel Information

Travel to this region is strongly discouraged. The security situation is extremely precarious, with the presence of numerous armed groups, including criminal gangs and guerrilla factions. The official currencies are the Colombian Peso (COP) in Colombia and the Venezuelan Bolívar (VES) in Venezuela, but the US Dollar is the de facto currency for many transactions. Any travel must be undertaken with extreme caution and a deep understanding of the risks involved.

Final Considerations

The Cúcuta–Ureña border crossing is a place of profound human tragedy and resilience. It was once a bustling industrial and commercial link. Today, it is a symbol of a nation’s collapse and the daily struggle for survival of its people. The Francisco de Paula Santander bridge is no longer just a piece of infrastructure; it is a stage on which a historic human drama, particularly the poignant sight of children crossing a border just to go to school, is unfolding every day.