Uruguay
Summary
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Uruguay’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
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.
Update history
2024-11-08 11:47
This travel advice was reviewed for accuracy and there are no significant updates.
2024-01-29 14:55
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-07-14 15:31
Minors travelling with a foreign passport (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-07-14 15:25
Minors traveling with a foreign passport (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-07-05 15:10
Information on fresh water reserves in Uruguay (‘Natural disasters’ page).
2023-06-22 11:53
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages
2023-03-09 09:28
Information on the most direct commercial flights (‘Coronavirus’ page) and updated information on entry requirements to Uruguay (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-09-05 09:34
Updated information on road travel (‘Safety and security’ page) and entry requirements (‘Entry requirements’ page’)
2022-04-15 06:27
Updated information on PCR testing requirements (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-03-15 17:19
Updated information on PCR testing requirements. Full editorial review (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-03-08 16:54
Updated information on testing requirements, removal of restrictions for public places and services and information on smoking/electronic cigarettes being used indoors (‘Coronavirus’, Local laws and customs and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)