Uruguay travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Travel Summary

• The risk of crime is generally low throughout Uruguay, but you should show greater awareness in and around Montevideo.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism. However you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• Around 21,000 British nationals visit Uruguay every year (Source: Uruguayan Government figures). Most visits are trouble-free. 5 British nationals required consular assistance in Uruguay in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (1 case); hospitalisations (2 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (10 cases). You should carry photocopies of your passport and ensure that original documents are kept in a safe place. The majority of incidents occur in Montevideo, where you should take special care in and around the downtown and port areas.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice and Travel Insurance .

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Street crime exists in Montevideo, but is usually restricted to handbag snatching and pick-pocketing. Mugging and robberies (occasionally armed) do sometimes occur, but increased police patrols in Montevideo’s port and old town areas have helped reduce street crime. Where possible, you should consider keeping valuables in a hotel safe, and exercise caution when withdrawing money from ATM's.

Other parts of Uruguay, including Punta del Este, are considered relatively safe, but you are nevertheless advised to remain alert and take similar precautions.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Uruguay Country Profile

Local Travel

Road Travel

The standard of roads in Uruguay varies. The main toll roads to Punta del Este and Colonia are good and well marked. Elsewhere many roads are in reasonable condition while some are in poor condition and require drivers to take extra care.

Driving standards in Uruguay are not high and traffic is disorganised. Drivers often change lane and make unexpected turns without indicating. Stop signs, traffic lights and speed limits are frequently ignored.

If you are intending to drive in Uruguay you will require a valid UK or international driving licence to hire a car.

Car crime is common in Montevideo. You should try to park in a well-lit area, always remember to lock your car and avoid leaving luggage, personal documents and cash in the vehicle.

It is obligatory to use dipped headlights during the day. Extra care should be taken when driving at night.

We recommend that you use seatbelts, particularly when travelling in the back seat of taxis in Montevideo (which are fitted with a solid glass screen between the driver and rear passenger area).

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Local laws and customs

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

British passport holders do not require visas for entry into Uruguay and can usually stay for up to three months. You can apply to the Dirección Nacional de Migración if you find it necessary to extend your stay for a further three months. You may wish to obtain further information from their official website - Dirección Nacional de Migración (in Spanish).

If you wish to take up residence in Uruguay you will have to apply to the Immigration authorities for a Residence Permit. For further information on entry regulations in Uruguay check with the Uruguayan Embassy in London.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. You should bear in mind that the Uruguayan Immigration authorities will require this evidence of parental responsibility from the non-travelling parent (Permiso de Menor) if you are travelling with children who have dual nationality (British and Uruguayan nationality). For further information on what will be required by the immigration authorities please contact the Uruguayan Embassy in London.

Health

Check FCO website Swine Flu for further information. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk.

Medical and dental treatment can be expensive.

Dengue Fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of Dengue Fever across the region. Although there have been no recent outbreaks in Uruguay, visitors should be aware that the Ministry of Health increased the alert status in March 2009 because of a number in cases in neighbouring Argentina.

There are occasional reports of Hepatitis A outbreaks.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 10,000 adults aged 15 or over in Uruguay were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.6% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Uruguay and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Natural disasters

Forest fires can break out during the summer (December to March) in dry areas.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

Customs control

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

Money

Credit cards are widely accepted in most major towns, but this is not the case everywhere. UK cash cards can be used in some ATMs in Montevideo and Punta del Este, but not all.