Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Uruguay’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Uruguay set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Uruguayan Embassy in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Uruguay, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and have at least one blank page for an entry stamp.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You can visit Uruguay without a visa for up to 90 days.
To stay longer or take up residency in Uruguay, see Dirección Nacional de Migración (in Spanish). For other information on entry regulations and living in Uruguay, contact the nearest Uruguayan Embassy.
Travelling with children
If they travel on a non-Uruguayan passport, alone or with just one parent, children aged 17 and under who live in Uruguay and non-resident children who have been in Uruguay for a year or more need written permission (‘Permiso de Menor’) from non-accompanying parents to leave the country (in Spanish). Children travelling on a Uruguayan passport do not need permission.
The Uruguay Ministry of the Interior (in Spanish) has more information. If you’re in the UK, contact the Uruguayan Embassy in the UK.
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Uruguay guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Uruguay (in Spanish). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
It is illegal for visitors to import:
- fruits, vegetables, animals or dairy products and their derivatives
- flammable materials
- alkaloids
- narcotics
- obscene objects
- subversive or pornographic material
The authorities X-ray all baggage on arrival and may search it.
Taking money into Uruguay
You can bring in up to 10,000 US dollars or an equal amount in other currencies, precious metals or other monetary instruments (such as travellers cheques). You must declare amounts above this limit.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Uruguay
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Uruguay, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Crime
Street crime in Montevideo
Street crime happens in Montevideo, including:
- bag-snatching and pickpocketing
- mugging and robbery (sometimes armed)
You should:
- keep valuables, spare cash and credit cards in a safe
- take care using ATMs – where possible use machines not on the street (for example, in shopping centres or banks)
- avoid carrying lots of cash or wearing expensive jewellery
- consider carrying cash and bankcards in separate pockets and only carry the money you need
Keep away from isolated or poorly lit areas at night and avoid walking downtown or in the port area alone, especially at night and on weekends.
Theft from cars in Montevideo
Criminals regularly break into cars left on the street. Try to park in paid car parks or well-lit, busy areas.
Always lock your car and avoid leaving valuables, luggage, personal documents and cash in the vehicle. Do not drive with bags or other valuables visible, especially on the front seat. Thieves can smash windows and grab valuables at traffic lights and junctions.
Crime outside Montevideo
Crime rates are generally lower in other parts of Uruguay, but still take usual precautions.
Laws and cultural differences
Money
You cannot always use credit cards outside of major towns. ATMs may not always accept UK debit cards.
Smoking and e-cigarette bans
It is illegal to smoke, including e-cigarettes, in enclosed public places such as restaurants, shopping centres and cinemas.
Marijuana
If they have registered with the Uruguayan government, it is legal for Uruguayan nationals or foreign nationals who have been resident for more than 2 years, to grow marijuana or buy it from registered pharmacies. However, it is illegal for tourists to do this.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex marriage is legal and there are anti-discrimination laws. Uruguay also recognises same-sex civil unions. It is common to see same-sex couples together in public, and hostility or discrimination towards LGBT+ visitors is rare.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
Swimming safety
Many beaches in Uruguay have lifeguards from December to March, although times vary across the country. Take care when swimming in rivers or the Atlantic Ocean. There can be currents, rocks and sandbanks with sudden descents.
Beaches with lifeguards display coloured flags depending on the conditions:
- green: good conditions for swimming
- yellow: caution
- red: danger – unsuitable conditions for swimming, rocks, uneven seabed or currents
- red with green cross: danger – unsanitary conditions not suitable for swimming
- black: thunderstorms – do not stay on the beach or near the coast
See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Uruguay, see information on driving abroad.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Uruguay for the first 90 days after you arrive. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. After 90 days, you must get a Uruguayan driving licence.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as 2 years of driving experience and holding an IDP.
Driving laws include:
- wearing a seatbelt in the front and back seats – children under 12 must wear a seatbelt and be in a child or booster seat
- having a first aid kit in your car
- using dipped headlights during the day
Uruguay is introducing electronic-tag-only tolls (in Spanish) – these require prepayment or a linked credit card with an electronic sticker fixed to your car. Rental cars will already have electronic tags. The rental company will charge you for any unpaid tolls.
Drink-driving is a serious offence in Uruguay. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment, a driving suspension or a community work order.
You will also get a fine if you’re found driving under the influence of drugs.
Road conditions
The main toll roads from Colonia del Sacramento to Montevideo and Punta del Este are in good condition and well-marked. However, serious road traffic accidents are common and often caused by poor road layout and speeding.
The standard of roads in the rest of Uruguay varies. Roads may suddenly deteriorate, with potholes and uneven road surfaces. Take extra care, especially in bad weather or at night.
Driving standards are poor and traffic is disorganised. Drivers may:
- change lane and make unexpected turns without indicating
- use hazard lights to stop in the middle of a lane, for example to drop someone off
- ignore stop signs, traffic lights and speed limits
Motorbikes often go the wrong way down one-way streets – look both ways when crossing junctions.
For information on transport regulations, see the Montevideo municipality website (in Spanish).
Bus terminal
The main bus terminal for long distance journeys is Tres Cruces (in Spanish). There are visible security patrols. Keep a close eye on your belongings.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
The Uruguay government usually issues warnings and updates on extreme weather through news channels and the press. Sistema Nacional de Emergencias (in Spanish) coordinates crisis responses.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Flooding
Occasional heavy storms can last 2 to 3 days and cause severe damage and flooding. Check for severe weather warnings from the Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (in Spanish). See UK Met Office forecasts for Uruguay.
Forest fires
Forest fires can break out in the hottest months from December to March in dry areas. Extinguish cigarettes and fires appropriately. Call 911 to contact the fire brigade.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Uruguay, including:
- dengue
- strong sun with high UV levels
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition and take regular prescribed medication, take enough for your visit. You can find most medication in pharmacies in large cities, but medicine for complex treatment may be unavailable in smaller towns.
You will need a prescription from a local doctor to get prescribed medication. All medication in pharmacies, whether prescribed or not, is stored behind the counter and must be asked for.
Healthcare in Uruguay
Medical and dental treatment is expensive in Uruguay. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of medical treatment and repatriation.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Uruguay where some staff will speak English.
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Uruguay.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Uruguay
Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)
If you need to report a crime, you can use a Uruguayan government online form (in Spanish).
Requirement to attend police station
In some cases, there may be a requirement to visit a police station in person after reporting a crime online.
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
Help abroad
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
Help in the UK
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Find out about call charges
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The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Uruguay on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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