馃 Uruguay

Official government travel advice

Advice changes quickly. Check it before you travel and again before you leave.

Costs

Prices here are about 66% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.

Practical information

Entry

Which visa applies depends on the passport, and details are on the official site linked below. A visa, if needed, should be requested well ahead at a Uruguayan consulate or embassy. The foreign ministry of Uruguay, or a Uruguayan embassy, can confirm the rule that currently applies before booking. Have proof of funds, hotel details and a return ticket ready, plus a passport with 6 months of validity.

Culture and practical - take note

Calm and polite, Uruguayans are fond of 'mate', and a thermos and a gourd are a common sight as people stroll. A greeting is one kiss on the cheek. Spanish is spoken. A barbecue, called asado, is a social occasion, with dinner starting late. Punta del Este gets very busy during the beach season, which runs from December to March. Generally, Montevideo is safe, yet valuables should be kept out of sight and pickpockets watched for. A tip of about 10% is usual. Tourists cannot legally use cannabis; only residents can. Options for halal food are limited.

Emergency

911 for all emergencies.

Good to know

Pesos, cards and cash machines

Uruguay's currency is the peso, and Canadian advice says some businesses also accept US dollars and Argentine pesos. UK advice says credit cards cannot always be used outside major towns and that some cash machines may not accept debit cards issued abroad. It suggests avoiding carrying large amounts of cash and, where possible, using machines that are not on the street.

Local laws and customs

Cannabis, smoking and driving

Only registered Uruguayan nationals and long-term residents can grow or buy cannabis, and UK and Canadian advice both say it is illegal for tourists. UK advice says smoking, including e-cigarettes, is illegal in enclosed public places. Canadian advice describes zero tolerance for drink-driving, a ban on turning right at a red light, and strict customs enforcement on items such as medications. UK advice says same-sex marriage is legal.

Taxis and scams

Taxis and monitored apps

Taxis in Uruguay have a thick glass partition fitted to protect drivers, and Canadian advice says passengers can be injured against it even in minor collisions. A number of ride-hailing services operate under monitoring that holds them to safety standards equivalent to those of taxis, the advice adds; with a trusted app, check the licence plate and confirm who is driving before getting in.

Who can help

ngo

Uruguayan Red Cross (Cruz Roja Uruguaya)

Helps with: National Red Cross society. It trains people in first aid, runs emergency response and disaster risk work, and has a service to help people who have lost contact with relatives reconnect.

Who qualifies: People in Uruguay needing its first aid, emergency response or family contact services.

Phone: +598 2480 1956

Email: cruzroja@cruzroja.org.uy

Address: 8 de Octubre 2990, Montevideo 11600

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

un agency

International Organization for Migration (IOM) Uruguay

Helps with: The UN migration agency, present in Uruguay since 1956. It supports migrants, displaced people, returnees and host communities, with work on migration management and crisis response.

Who qualifies: Migrants, displaced people and returnees in Uruguay. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.

Phone: +598 290 44064

Address: Edificio Plaza Mayor, Plaza Independencia 831, Oficina 508, Montevideo

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Emergency number 911 (police, ambulance and fire)

Helps with: Reaches police, ambulance and fire services. UK government travel advice lists this number.

Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors.

Phone: 911

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

Cities and places

Montevideo MontevideoTango, steakhouses at Mercado del Puerto, an old town and a long riverside promenade mark the relaxed capital.Photo: Eduardo Ruggieri, CC BY-SA 3.0 Punta del Este Punta del EsteSummer nightlife, a giant hand sculpture and the nearby Casapueblo are part of what this glamorous beach resort is known for.Photo: 袦邪褉褋械谢芯 袣邪屑锌懈, CC BY-SA 3.0 Colonia del Sacramento Colonia del SacramentoCobbled streets and a lighthouse fill this UNESCO colonial town, which lies a brief ferry crossing from Buenos Aires.Photo: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0 Salto (Thermal Springs) Salto (Thermal Springs)Hot springs in the west of the country are centred on this place, where families enjoy water parks and thermal pools.Photo: Cornelius, CC BY-SA 2.0 Cabo Polonio Cabo PolonioA sea lion colony and a lighthouse are found at this rustic coastal village, which has no regular roads and sits among sand dunes.Photo: Pablofor, CC BY-SA 3.0

City selection based on: Uruguay Ministry of Tourism visitor counts by destination, Wikipedia tourism article.

Festivals and events

nature

Punta del Este summer season

around Dec 2026 - Feb 2027 路 Punta del Este

Prices reach their peak in January, during the high season for beaches.

festival

Uruguayan Carnival (Desfile de Llamadas)

around Jan-Mar 2027 路 Montevideo

Candombe drum parades feature in what is the longest carnival in the world.

nature

Punta del Este summer season

around Dec 2027 - Feb 2028 路 Punta del Este

Prices reach their peak in January, during the high season for beaches.

festival

Uruguayan Carnival (Desfile de Llamadas)

around Jan-Mar 2028 路 Montevideo

Candombe drum parades feature in what is the longest carnival in the world.