Uruguay, with its historical charm and picturesque landscapes, is a destination that captivates all its visitors. At Responsible Travel, we provide all the information you need to make your trip to this incredible country safe and enjoyable.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Entrance:
- Documents: Under normal conditions, foreign visitors do not need to complete special immigration procedures; they enter the country with a valid passport. Citizens of MERCOSUR countries may enter with just their national ID. Minors traveling alone must comply with the emigration regulations of their country of origin, which generally require written parental permission. In any case, it is recommended to consult the diplomatic representations.
- Vaccines: No mandatory vaccines are required for entry.
Exit:
- Valid passport, or valid national identity document from the country of origin.
- Entry stamp affixed to the travel document presented by the foreign national upon entering the national territory.
List of Countries That Do Not Require a Visa to Enter Uruguay
Uruguay allows visa-free entry to citizens of numerous countries. Below is a list of countries whose citizens may enter Uruguay without a visa for stays of up to 90 days, including members of the European Union and MERCOSUR. Citizens of countries not mentioned in the following list must obtain a visa before traveling to Uruguay:
| Argentina | Bolivia | Brazil |
| Chile | Colombia | Ecuador |
| Guyana | Paraguay | Peru |
| Surinam | Venezuela | Antigua y Barbuda |
| Bahamas | Barbados | Belice |
| Canada | Costa Rica | Dominica |
| El Salvador | The United States | Granada |
| Guatemala | Honduras | Jamaica |
| México | Nicaragua | Panamá |
| San Cristóbal y Nieves | Santa Lucía | San Vicente y las granadinas |
| Trinidad y Tobago | Albania | Andorra |
| Armenia | Azerbaiyán | Bielorrusia |
| Bosnia y Herzegovina | Georgia | Islandia |
| Liechtenstein | Mónaco | Montenegro |
| Noruega | Rusia | San Marino |
| Serbia | Suiza | Turquía |
| Ucrania | Ciudad del Vaticano | Israel |
| Japan | Corea del sur | Malaysia |
| Singapore | Australia | New Zealand |
| Sudáfrica |
Language
The official language of Uruguay is Spanish, with local differences in pronunciation and vocabulary. In tourist areas, it is common to find people who speak basic English or Portuguese. At Responsible Travel, we are trained to provide the best experience for travelers. For this reason, our team of guides is bilingual, as are most of our providers (hotels and restaurants).
Time Zone
Uruguay operates in the UTC -3 time zone year-round, with no daylight saving time adjustments.
Currency
The official currency of Uruguay is the Uruguayan Peso (UYU). It is easy to exchange US dollars and euros at exchange houses and ATMs available in major cities. In addition, credit cards are accepted in urban and tourist areas, but it is always advisable to carry cash for expenses in markets and rural areas. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated in restaurants and tourist services.
Connectivity
Regarding connectivity, Wi-Fi is free in hotels, restaurants, and some cafes with purchase; however, keep in mind that it may be a bit slow in rural areas. Operators such as Claro, Movistar, and Antel offer prepaid SIM cards with mobile data for tourists. Please note that cellular signal is available in urban areas and main roads, but irregular in the Amazon region.
Plugs and Adapters
In Uruguay, plug and socket types C, F, I, and L are used, as the mains voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50 Hz.
We always recommend bringing your own adapter if you use a different type of plug or socket. However, Responsible Travel includes an adapter for each traveler from countries with European plugs as part of the welcome package.
Health and Safety
Recommended Vaccines
- No mandatory vaccines.
- Hepatitis A and tetanus are recommended as a precaution.
Diseases
Uruguay does not have a significant risk of insect-borne diseases such as malaria or dengue.
UV Rays and Altitude
- UV Rays: Intense in summer, especially along the coast; use sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Altitude: There is no risk of altitude sickness, as the country is mostly flat.
Healthcare System
Uruguay has a high-quality healthcare system. Public services are accessible but may be overcrowded. Private services are faster and more efficient; travel health insurance is recommended. It is essential to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, especially if planning high-risk activities, as private services can be expensive. Pharmacies are available throughout the country and are well stocked.
Emergency Numbers
- National Police: 911
- Ambulances: 105
- Fire Department: 104
