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
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
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
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
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.
