Uruguay Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Uruguay maintains a relatively open and welcoming entry policy for international travelers, particularly for tourists from most Western countries and neighboring South American nations. The country's immigration process is generally straightforward, with many nationalities eligible for visa-free entry for tourism purposes. Visitors typically receive a 90-day tourist stamp upon arrival at Montevideo's Carrasco International Airport or other ports of entry. The immigration process in Uruguay is efficient and professional. Travelers should expect standard procedures including passport control, customs inspection, and potential questioning about the purpose and duration of their visit. Uruguay is part of the Mercosur trade bloc, which facilitates easier movement for citizens of member countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and associate members). The country has modern immigration facilities at its main entry points, and English is increasingly spoken by immigration officials, though Spanish remains the primary language. Before traveling to Uruguay, visitors should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, have proof of onward or return travel, and demonstrate sufficient funds for their visit. While Uruguay doesn't require travel insurance for entry, it's highly recommended. The country has a reputation for being one of South America's safest and most stable nations, with transparent immigration procedures and minimal bureaucratic complications for legitimate tourists.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Uruguay offers visa-free entry to citizens of most developed countries and regional neighbors. The country's visa policy is designed to facilitate tourism and business travel while maintaining security standards.

Visa-Free Entry

90 days within a 180-day period

Citizens of these countries can enter Uruguay without a visa for tourism or business purposes

Includes

United States Canada United Kingdom All European Union member states Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Israel Argentina Brazil Chile Paraguay Mexico Costa Rica Panama Singapore Hong Kong Malaysia Switzerland Norway

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. Mercosur citizens (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay) can enter with national ID cards instead of passports. Extensions may be available through the immigration office (Dirección Nacional de Migración).

Reciprocity Fee (Currently Suspended)

N/A

Previously required for some nationalities but currently suspended

Includes

Previously applied to Australia and Canada but has been suspended

How to Apply: No reciprocity fees are currently charged at entry
Cost: USD $0 (suspended)

Uruguay previously charged reciprocity fees to citizens of countries that charged Uruguayan citizens for visas, but these have been suspended to promote tourism. Always check current status before travel.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type, typically 30-90 days for tourist visas

Citizens of countries not on the visa-free list must obtain a visa before traveling to Uruguay

How to Apply: Apply at the nearest Uruguayan embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Applications typically require a valid passport, completed application form, passport photos, proof of accommodation, return ticket, financial statements, and visa fee payment. Processing time is usually 10-15 business days.

Required for citizens of most African, Asian, and some Middle Eastern countries. Tourist visas are single or multiple entry. Business visas require an invitation letter from a Uruguayan company. Check with the Uruguayan consulate for specific requirements based on your nationality.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival in Uruguay, travelers go through immigration and customs control. The process is typically quick and efficient at Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo and other major entry points. Have all required documents ready for inspection.

Document Check Before Boarding

Airlines verify your passport validity and visa requirements before allowing you to board flights to Uruguay. Ensure you have all necessary documents.

Arrival and Disembarkation

Upon landing, follow signs to immigration control (Migraciones/Immigration). Keep your passport and any required documents accessible.

Immigration Control

Present your passport to the immigration officer. They will verify your documents, may ask questions about your visit, and stamp your passport with the entry date and permitted stay duration (typically 90 days for tourists).

Baggage Claim

Collect your checked luggage from the designated carousel. Report any missing luggage to your airline's representative immediately.

Customs Declaration

Complete a customs declaration form if you have items to declare. Proceed through the appropriate customs channel (red for goods to declare, green for nothing to declare).

Customs Inspection

Customs officers may inspect your luggage. Random inspections are common. Be honest about what you're carrying and cooperate fully with officials.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, exit to the public arrivals area where you can arrange transportation, exchange currency, or meet contacts.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Should have at least one blank page for entry stamp.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Uruguay within the authorized stay period. Can be flight, bus, or ferry ticket.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from host. May be requested but not always checked.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash to demonstrate ability to support yourself during your stay. Rarely requested but advisable to have available.

Customs Declaration Form

Provided on the plane or at the airport. Must be completed if you have items to declare or are carrying currency exceeding the threshold.

Yellow Fever Certificate

Required if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic country within 90 days prior to arrival.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible before reaching immigration. Keep them in a travel document holder.

Be polite and patient with immigration officers. Answer questions clearly and honestly in Spanish or English.

Keep the entry stamp visible in your passport. You'll need to show it when departing Uruguay.

Take a photo of your passport's information page and entry stamp as backup documentation.

If traveling for business, have invitation letters and company documentation ready, even if entering on a tourist visa.

Exchange a small amount of currency at the airport for immediate needs (taxi, snacks), but better rates are available in the city.

Download offline maps and have your accommodation address written in Spanish before arrival.

If you need to extend your stay beyond 90 days, visit the Dirección Nacional de Migración in Montevideo well before your visa expires.

Customs & Duty-Free

Uruguay's customs regulations are designed to prevent illegal imports while allowing reasonable personal items for travelers. The customs process is generally straightforward, but it's important to declare items accurately to avoid penalties. Random inspections are common, and x-ray screening of luggage is standard.

Alcohol

2 liters of alcoholic beverages (wine, spirits, or beer combined)

Must be 18 years or older. Amounts exceeding this limit are subject to duty.

Tobacco

400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. For personal use only.

Currency

USD $10,000 or equivalent in any currency

Amounts exceeding USD $10,000 must be declared on the customs form. No limit on amount you can bring, but declaration is mandatory above this threshold.

Gifts/Goods

Up to USD $300 worth of new goods for personal use

Items clearly for commercial purposes will be taxed. Used personal items are generally exempt. Electronics like laptops and phones for personal use are allowed.

Perfume

Up to 3 liters of perfume or eau de toilette

For personal use. Commercial quantities will be taxed.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - strictly prohibited with severe penalties including imprisonment
Weapons and ammunition - without proper authorization and permits from Uruguayan authorities
Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items, pirated media, and counterfeit currency
Pornographic material - particularly involving minors
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and plant materials - without phytosanitary certification
Meat and dairy products - from countries with disease outbreaks or without proper certification
Endangered species products - items made from protected animals or plants (CITES regulations apply)
Soil and biological materials - without scientific permits

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - must be in original packaging with prescription. Quantities should be reasonable for personal use during your stay
Pets and animals - require health certificates, vaccination records (especially rabies), and import permits from MGAP (Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries)
Plants and seeds - require phytosanitary certificates and permits from agricultural authorities
Firearms for hunting or sport - require special permits, registration, and must be declared. Contact Uruguayan consulate before travel
Professional equipment - cameras, drones, scientific equipment may require temporary import permits if valuable
Certain foods - processed foods generally allowed, but check for specific restrictions on dairy, meat, honey, and agricultural products

Health Requirements

Uruguay has relatively minimal mandatory health requirements for entry, but travelers should take appropriate health precautions. The country has good healthcare facilities, particularly in Montevideo, but travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required only if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic country within 90 days before arrival. Endemic countries include most of tropical South America and sub-Saharan Africa. Proof of vaccination (International Certificate of Vaccination) must be presented at immigration.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up to date on routine vaccines including MMR, DPT, polio, and influenza
Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers due to potential exposure through food or water
Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
Typhoid - Recommended for travelers visiting smaller cities or rural areas
Rabies - Consider for travelers spending significant time outdoors, working with animals, or in remote areas
COVID-19 - Stay current with COVID-19 vaccines as recommended by your health authority

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is not mandatory for entry to Uruguay but is highly recommended. Uruguay has both public and private healthcare systems. While emergency care is available, costs can be significant for non-residents. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation. Some travel insurance policies also cover trip cancellations and lost luggage. Keep insurance documents and emergency contact numbers accessible.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 entry requirements have been largely eliminated as of 2024, but policies can change. Check the Uruguayan Ministry of Public Health website and your country's travel advisory before departure for current health requirements. No COVID-19 vaccination or testing is currently required for entry, but this may change based on global health situations. Travelers should monitor for any health advisories related to mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, particularly during summer months (December-March).

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Montevideo for assistance with lost passports, emergencies, or legal issues

Register with your embassy's travel registration program before departure. Most embassies are located in Montevideo's city center or Pocitos neighborhood.

Immigration Authority

Dirección Nacional de Migración - Official immigration office for visa extensions, residency applications, and immigration inquiries. Main office: Misiones 1513, Montevideo. Website: migracion.minterior.gub.uy

For visa extensions or questions about your legal status in Uruguay. Office hours typically Monday-Friday, 10:00-16:00. Arrive early as wait times can be long.

Emergency Services

911 - Universal emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services throughout Uruguay

Operators may speak limited English. Have address and nature of emergency ready in Spanish if possible. Additional numbers: Police 109, Fire 104, Ambulance 105.

Tourist Information

Ministry of Tourism (Ministerio de Turismo) - Information hotline: 1885 (toll-free within Uruguay). Tourist information offices at airport and major tourist areas

Staff typically speak English and can assist with travel questions, accommodations, and tourist complaints.

Customs Authority

Dirección Nacional de Aduanas - For customs inquiries and duty questions. Website: aduanas.gub.uy

Contact before travel if bringing unusual items or large quantities of goods.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors (under 18) traveling alone or with only one parent must carry additional documentation. If traveling with one parent, a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent is required, translated into Spanish and authenticated by the Uruguayan consulate. Both parents' information must be included. If traveling alone, minors need notarized consent from both parents. Children traveling with neither parent require notarized authorization from both parents plus identification of the accompanying adult. These rules are strictly enforced to prevent child abduction. Bring birth certificates and custody documents if applicable. Mercosur citizens have slightly different requirements - check with immigration authorities.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs and cats can be imported to Uruguay with proper documentation. Requirements include: valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before travel), health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, import permit from MGAP (Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries) obtained before travel, microchip identification (ISO standard), treatment for internal and external parasites within 15 days of travel. Pets must enter through authorized ports (Carrasco Airport in Montevideo). Some breeds may face restrictions. Quarantine is not typically required if all documentation is in order. Contact MGAP well in advance: dgsg@mgap.gub.uy. Airlines have specific pet travel policies - confirm with your carrier.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas allow 90 days per 180-day period. To extend your stay, visit the Dirección Nacional de Migración office in Montevideo (Misiones 1513) at least 10 days before your visa expires. Extensions of up to 90 additional days may be granted for legitimate reasons (tourism, family visit, medical treatment). Bring your passport, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, and reason for extension. Extension fees apply (approximately USD $30-50). For stays longer than 180 days, you must apply for temporary or permanent residency. Options include: retirement residency (for those with pension income), work residency (requires job offer), investment residency (for property owners or business investors), or family reunification (for those with Uruguayan relatives). Residency applications are complex and often require legal assistance. Working on a tourist visa is illegal. Overstaying your visa results in fines and potential entry bans.

Business Travelers

Business visitors from visa-free countries can enter on tourist visas for short business trips (meetings, conferences, negotiations) without a business visa, but cannot engage in paid employment or long-term work. Bring invitation letters from Uruguayan companies, business cards, and documentation of your business purpose. For longer business stays or work assignments, a temporary work visa is required, sponsored by a Uruguayan employer. Business visas allow multiple entries and extended stays but require proof of business relationships, company registration documents, and sometimes tax clearance. Attending conferences or trade shows on a tourist visa is generally acceptable.

Students

Students planning to study in Uruguay for more than 90 days must obtain a student visa before arrival. Requirements include: acceptance letter from recognized Uruguayan educational institution, proof of financial means to support yourself during studies, health insurance coverage, police clearance certificate from home country, academic transcripts, and completed visa application. Apply at the Uruguayan consulate in your home country. Student visas are typically valid for the duration of the academic program. Part-time work may be permitted with proper authorization from immigration authorities. Contact your educational institution's international office for guidance on the visa process.

Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

Uruguay does not currently have a specific digital nomad visa program, but the country is popular with remote workers. Those working remotely for foreign companies while in Uruguay typically enter on tourist visas. Technically, earning income while on a tourist visa is a gray area - you cannot work for Uruguayan companies or clients, but remote work for foreign employers is often tolerated for short stays. For longer stays, consider applying for temporary residency as a self-employed person or through the retirement visa (if you have sufficient passive income). Montevideo and Punta del Este have growing digital nomad communities with good internet infrastructure and coworking spaces. Consult with an immigration lawyer for the best legal approach to extended stays while working remotely.