Oiapoque & Saint-Georges Border Crossing

Google Maps Location Approx

Border Countries

🇧🇷 Brazil 🇬🇫 French Guiana

Nearest Cities

🇧🇷 Oiapoque, 🇬🇫 Saint-Georges

Coordinates

3.85°N, 51.83°W

Border Type

Land crossing via bridge

Operating Hours

Open 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Wait Times

30-90 min for pedestrians/vehicles

Peak Times

Mornings (7-10 AM)

Crossing Types

Pedestrians, vehicles

Daily Crossings

~1000 travelers/vehicles

Languages Spoken

Portuguese, French

Currency Exchange

Available near Oiapoque (BRL, EUR)

Connectivity Options

Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G

Accessibility Features

Ramps, assistance

Safety Information

Generally safe, beware touts

Emergency Contacts

🇧🇷 190 🇬🇫 15

Google Maps Location Approx

View on Google Maps

About 🇧🇷 Oiapoque, 🇬🇫 Saint-Georges

A Bridge to the European Union

The border crossing connecting the Brazilian town of Oiapoque with Saint-Georges in French Guiana is one of the most unique and fascinating frontiers in South America. This is not just a border between two countries; it is a direct land border between Brazil and the European Union, as French Guiana is an overseas department of France. To cross here is to travel over the magnificent, cable-stayed Oiapoque River Bridge, a journey from the vibrant, chaotic energy of the Brazilian Amazon to the more orderly, Euro-funded world of a French territory. It is a passage through a landscape of dense rainforest, a place defined by the great river, a complex multicultural history, and the stark economic and social contrasts of the two sides.

Operational Details

This checkpoint connects Brazil’s Amapá state with the French overseas department of Guiana. It is a major international crossing, but the traffic is relatively light due to the remoteness of the region. The Oiapoque River Bridge was completed in 2011 but, due to bureaucratic and infrastructure delays, was not officially opened to traffic until 2017. The crossing operates with limited hours, typically during the daytime, and it is essential to check the current schedule before travel. The facility is modern and impressive, a major piece of infrastructure in a very remote part of the world, a symbol of a planned but still developing connection.

A History of a Remote Frontier

The history of this region is the history of the contested border between the Portuguese and French empires in the Amazon. For centuries, the exact demarcation of the frontier was a source of dispute. The modern border was finalized by arbitration in the early 20th century. For most of its history, the region was extremely remote and sparsely populated, with the Oiapoque River being the main means of transport. The construction of the BR-156 highway in Brazil, connecting the state capital Macapá to Oiapoque, and the construction of the bridge were major projects designed to integrate this remote region and to foster closer ties between Brazil and France.

The EU External Border Procedure

The border crossing procedure is a rigorous and meticulous process, reflecting its status as a primary entry point into the EU and the Schengen Area. 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. To enter French Guiana, you are entering France. You will need a valid passport and, if required for your nationality, a full Schengen visa. The checks by the French Border Police (Police Aux Frontières) are very thorough. Vehicle registration and international insurance are also necessary. The process is formal and detailed, a stark contrast to some of South America’s more relaxed crossings.

The Surrounding Region: Brazil Side

On the Brazilian side, the crossing is in the town of Oiapoque. Oiapoque is a classic, bustling Brazilian frontier town. It is famous in Brazil as the northernmost point of the country, the start of the popular expression “do Oiapoque ao Chuí,” which means “from one end of Brazil to the other.” The state of Amapá is one of the most forested and best-preserved parts of the Brazilian Amazon, with vast national parks and indigenous territories. The state capital, Macapá, is unique as it is the only Brazilian capital that is not connected by road to the rest of the country; all traffic must arrive by plane or boat.

The Surrounding Region: French Guiana Side

On the French side, the crossing is in the town of Saint-Georges. The contrast with Oiapoque is immediate. The infrastructure is more modern, the prices are in Euros, and the atmosphere is more tranquil. French Guiana is known for the Guiana Space Centre at Kourou, Europe’s primary spaceport, from where the Ariane rockets are launched. The territory is almost entirely covered by pristine Amazon rainforest and is home to the Guiana Amazonian Park, the largest national park in the European Union. The capital city, Cayenne, is a multicultural hub with a unique Creole culture.

Practical Travel Information

Practical planning is essential for this route. Check the operating hours of the border. Ensure you have the correct visas for entry into the Schengen Area. The official currencies are the Brazilian Real (BRL) in Brazil and the Euro (EUR) in French Guiana. The road on the Brazilian side, the BR-156, can be very challenging, with unpaved sections that can become impassable in the rainy season. A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended. Ensure your vehicle’s insurance is valid. Be aware of the health risks of travel in the Amazon.

Final Considerations

The Oiapoque–Saint-Georges border crossing is a journey of incredible contrasts. It is a modern bridge that connects two vastly different worlds: the developing, Portuguese-speaking world of Brazil and the developed, French-speaking world of the European Union. It is a passage through the heart of the Amazon, a testament to the ambition of modern infrastructure in one of the planet’s wildest places. For the adventurous and well-prepared traveler, it offers a unique and unforgettable experience, a chance to walk from South America directly into Europe.