Is it safe to travel to Uruguay right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Uruguay’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Uruguay set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Uruguayan Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Uruguay, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and have at least one blank page for an entry stamp.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can visit Uruguay without a visa for up to 90 days.

To stay longer or take up residency in Uruguay, see Dirección Nacional de Migración (in Spanish). For other information on entry regulations and living in Uruguay, contact the nearest Uruguayan Embassy.

Travelling with children

If they travel on a non-Uruguayan passport, alone or with just one parent, children aged 17 and under who live in Uruguay and non-resident children who have been in Uruguay for a year or more need written permission (‘Permiso de Menor’) from non-accompanying parents to leave the country (in Spanish). Children travelling on a Uruguayan passport do not need permission.

The Uruguay Ministry of the Interior (in Spanish) has more information. If you’re in the UK, contact the Uruguayan Embassy in the UK.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Uruguay guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Uruguay (in Spanish). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

It is illegal for visitors to import:

• fruits, vegetables, animals or dairy products and their derivatives
• flammable materials
• alkaloids
• narcotics
• obscene objects
• subversive or pornographic material

The authorities X-ray all baggage on arrival and may search it.

Taking money into Uruguay

You can bring in up to 10,000 US dollars or an equal amount in other currencies, precious metals or other monetary instruments (such as travellers cheques). You must declare amounts above this limit.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Uruguay.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Student visa: required

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days in Uruguay, you must ask migration authorities for an extension to your stay as a tourist or for business once you are in the country.

You may also get a student visa while you are in Uruguay, but must get proof of acceptance from your educational institution before your arrival in the country.

National Migration Directorate - Government of Uruguay (in Spanish)

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).