Francisco de Paula Santander International Bridge, International bridge between Cúcuta, Colombia and Ureña, Venezuela.
The Francisco de Paula Santander International Bridge is a road bridge over the Táchira River linking Cúcuta, Colombia, with Ureña, Venezuela. It is about 210 metres long, 7.3 metres wide and carries two traffic lanes. Overhead metal gantries on dark vertical posts span the roadway, holding a green sign reading "Puente Internacional Fco. de Paula Sder." and a round white "DFA DUTY FREE AMERICAS" sign with a yellow "A 100 METROS" banner.
The bridge is named after Francisco de Paula Santander, a leader of Colombia's independence struggle. In 2019 the Venezuelan Army physically blocked it, and it stayed closed during the 2015 crisis between the two countries. Traffic resumed in early February 2023 after the two governments restored relations, reopening it to vehicles and pedestrians.
The bridge is named after Francisco de Paula Santander, a leader of Colombia's independence struggle and the country's first president. The green sign at the crossing reads "Feliz viaje, vuelva pronto", a farewell to travellers leaving Colombia. Since February 2023 the bridge has again carried vehicles and pedestrians between Cúcuta and Ureña.
Travelers must have valid passports and entry permits from both Colombian and Venezuelan authorities before attempting to cross. It is wise to check current border regulations and any restrictions, as conditions at this crossing point can change.
The bridge is one of five crossings over the Colombia–Venezuela border, alongside the Simón Bolívar, Tienditas, Los Naranjos and Marian Wharry bridges. In 2019 the Venezuelan Army physically blocked it; traffic resumed in early February 2023 after the two governments restored relations.
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