Uruguay travel guide

Travel Advice

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides appropriate cover.   See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

Around 20,000 British nationals visit Uruguay every year. Most visits are trouble-free.

Most criminal incidents occur in Montevideo, where opportunistic street crime is on the rise. Take care of your personal belongings at all times and be aware of your surroundings. Take particular care in and around the downtown and port areas. Don’t walk through these areas alone or at night; consider taking a taxi if necessary. See Crime

Carry a photocopy of your passport and keep the original document in a safe place.

There’s a zero tolerance limit for driving under the influence of alcohol. See Road travel

You can contact the emergency services by calling 911.

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Uruguay, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.  

Coronavirus health information

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Uruguay on the TravelHealthPro website.

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Uruguay.

Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.

International travel

Commercial flights

There are commercial options to return to the UK from Uruguay. The most direct routes are via Sao Paulo and Madrid.

Ferry service between Uruguay and Argentina

Services between Uruguay and Argentina via Buquebus and Colonia Express are running frequently. You will be required to comply with exit and entry requirements for Argentina and Uruguay.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Travel in Uruguay

Free movement in the whole country is allowed.

Healthcare in Uruguay

For contact details for English speaking doctors, visit our list of healthcare providers.

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health.

View Health for further details on healthcare in Uruguay.

See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK.

Finance

For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.

Help and support

If you need urgent consular assistance, you can contact the British Embassy in Montevideo on +598 2622 3630 or your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. All telephone numbers are available 24/7.

Sign up for travel advice email alerts and follow the British Embassy on Twitter and Facebook.

Crime

Street crime like bag snatching and pick-pocketing occurs in Montevideo. Muggings and robberies (sometimes armed) also take place. Keep valuables, spare cash and spare credit cards in a safe. Take care when withdrawing money from ATMs and where possible use machines that are not on the street (e.g. shopping centres or banks). Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewellery. Consider carrying cash and bankcards in separate pockets and only take with you the money you need at the time.

Cars left on the streets at night in Montevideo are regularly broken into. Try to park in a paid car park or a well-lit and busy area. Always remember to lock your car and avoid leaving valuables, luggage, personal documents and cash in the vehicle. Don’t drive with bags or other valuables visible inside your vehicle, especially not on the front seat. There have been instances of windows being smashed and valuables grabbed when waiting at traffic lights and junctions.

Try to keep away from isolated or poorly lit areas at night and avoid walking downtown or in the port area alone.

While crime rates are generally lower in other parts of Uruguay, you should remain alert and take sensible precautions.

If you need to report a crime, you must go to the nearest police station. You can also start to file a police report online in English or Spanish. You must then sign it off at a police station within 48 hours of submitting it online.

Local travel

The main bus terminal for long distance journeys is Tres Cruces. The bus station has visible security patrols but you should keep a close eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

Road travel

If you’re planning to drive, you’ll need a valid UK licence or an International Driving Permit to hire a car. You should take out full insurance.

You must wear a seatbelt by law in the front and back seats and have a first aid kit in your car. Children under the age of 12 must also wear a seatbelt and be seated in a child or booster seat.

There’s a zero tolerance limit for driving under the influence of alcohol. Transport Police often breathalyse drivers.

Driving standards are poor and traffic is disorganised. Drivers often change lane and make unexpected turns without indicating and use hazard lights to stop in the middle of a lane to run an errand or pick/drop someone off rather than park. Motorbikes often go the wrong way down one way streets so always look both ways when crossing junctions. Stop signs, traffic lights and speed limits are sometimes ignored. You must use dipped headlights during the day. Take extra care when driving at night.

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. Poor road layout and excess speed are frequent causes. Uruguay is starting to introduce electronic-tag-only tolls where you will need to prepay or link your credit card to an electronic sticker fixed to the front windscreen. For more information see: www.telepeaje.com.uy (in Spanish). Rental cars will already have the electronic tags and you will be charged for any tolls via the rental company.

The standard of roads in the rest of Uruguay varies. Some roads may suddenly deteriorate, with potholes and uneven road surfaces requiring extra care, especially in bad weather.

More information about transport regulations (in Spanish only) can be found on the Montevideo municipality website.

Air travel

The main airport is Carrasco International Airport on the outskirts of Montevideo.

The FCDO can’t offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. However, the International Air Transport Association publishes a list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not exhaustive and the absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe.

A list of recent incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety Network.

Beaches

Some beaches in Uruguay have lifeguards during the summer season. Take care when swimming in the rivers and the Atlantic Ocean taking into account currents, rocks and sand banks that have sudden descents. Beaches with lifeguards display red, amber and green flags depending on the weather conditions and a red flag with green cross when they detect conditions that present potential health risks to the population. You shouldn’t go into the water when either red flag is flying.

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Uruguay, attacks can’t be ruled out.

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. You should remain vigilant at all times.

Smoking or use of electronic cigarettes is not permitted inside public places.

Uruguay has legalised the sale of marijuana by registered pharmacies for recreational use. However, this is only available to Uruguayan nationals or legal residents in possession of a licence. Tourists aren’t allowed to buy marijuana from these pharmacies.

Uruguay was the first South American country to recognise same-sex civil unions. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013 and anti-discrimination laws have existed since 2003. It is common to see same-sex couples together in public, and incidents of hostility or discrimination against LGBT visitors are rare. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Uruguay set and enforce entry rules. For further information contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to. You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Restrictions in response to coronavirus

Entry to Uruguay

Visitors aged 18 and over:

• All visitors to Uruguay must have medical cover in Uruguay or travel insurance. It is advisable that your insurance covers any expenses due to coronavirus related illness.

If you present coronavirus symptoms you have been asked to request home health care and not visit health centres and hospitals. Further information is also available from the Uruguayan Ministry of Health (in Spanish).

Testing for coronavirus in Uruguay

If you require a PCR or lateral flow test in Uruguay, there are companies who offer home visits or drive-through tests and normally return the results between 24-72 hours. You will have to pay for the test if it has not been ordered by a health professional. The British government does not endorse or recommend any of these services. You can also buy lateral flow tests at most pharmacies.

• BIOFAST Análisis Clínicos (Montevideo)
• Clinica Preventiva (Montevideo)
• ATGen (Montevideo and Punta del Este)
• Genodiagnosis (Montevideo)
• Clinica San Fernando (Punta del Este)
• Más Salud (Montevideo and interior)

The Uruguayan Government’s Coronavirus App gives access to certificates for vaccinations taken in Uruguay and offers other related information.

If you need further information about entry requirements, contact the local immigration authorities or the nearest Uruguayan embassy. You should also check with your airline or travel company for the latest information.

Regular entry requirements

Visas   

British passport holders visiting for up to 90 days don’t need a visa. For information on how to extend your stay or take up residency in Uruguay visit Dirección Nacional de Migración (in Spanish). For other information on entry regulations and living in Uruguay contact the nearest Uruguayan Embassy.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for at least the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

Customs controls

Strict customs controls prohibit visitors from importing animal and dairy products, fruit and vegetables. All baggage is x-rayed on arrival and may be searched.

Travelling with children

Children aged 17 and under who are resident in Uruguay need written permission (‘Permiso de Menor’) from the non-accompanying parents to leave the country. To apply for this permission access here. Please note this platform is only in Spanish.

Non-resident children aged 17 and under who have remained in Uruguay for one year or more are treated in line with resident children and also need permission.

For further information access Immigration website. If in the UK, contact the Uruguayan Embassy in London.

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Other health risks

Dengue fever is present in Uruguay. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

The sun can be extremely strong and UV levels are higher than in the UK.

Local medical care

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance / medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Medical and dental treatment is expensive in Uruguay. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition and you regularly take prescribed medication, carry enough medication to cover the duration of your stay and a letter from your doctor describing the medical condition. 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 requested.

Presidency normally issues statements with warnings, precautions and updated information. The Uruguayan organisation which coordinates this type of crisis response is the Sistema Nacional de Emergencias - SINAE; you may wish to follow them on Twitter for the latest updates (in Spanish) @sinae_oficial.

Forest fires can break out during the summer months (December to March) in dry areas. Make sure you extinguish cigarettes and fires appropriately. Call 911 or 104 if you need to contact the fire brigade.

There are occasional heavy storms that can last 2 to 3 days and cause severe damage and flooding. Severe weather warnings are issued by the Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology. Their Twitter channel (in Spanish) is @MeteorologiaUy.

The currency of Uruguay is the peso.

Credit cards are widely accepted in most major towns. UK cash cards can be used in most ATMs in Montevideo and Punta del Este, but there may be a charge for taking money out. It is always useful to have some cash as an alternative, especially when going inland.

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.

Travel safety

The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.

Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCDO travel advice

If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice team a request.

Further help

If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.