Safety and security

Crime

Most visits to Uruguay are trouble-free but you should be careful of street crime in the capital city, Montevideo. Other parts of Uruguay, including Punta del Este are considered relatively safe, but we still advise you to be alert and take sensible precautions:

Petty crime

Street crime exists in Montevideo, but is usually restricted to handbag snatching and pick-pocketing. Muggings and robberies (occasionally armed) do sometimes occur, but increased police patrols in Montevideo’s port and old town areas have helped reduce street crime.

Car crime

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

Driving

The standard of roads in Uruguay varies. The main toll road to Punta del Este is good and well marked.  Elsewhere many roads are in reasonable condition while some are in poor condition and you will need to take extra care. 

Driving standards in Uruguay are not high, relative to Irish standards. Be aware that traffic is disorganised and drivers often change lane and make unexpected turns without indicating.  Stop signs, traffic lights and speed limits are frequently ignored.

If you want to drive:

• Bring your full Irish driving licence and your  international driving permit and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught
• Take extra care when driving at night
• Use of dipped headlights is mandatory during the day when travelling on major roads outside cities
• Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you’re stopped at traffic lights

Hiring a vehicle

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Local laws and customs

Illegal drugs

The penalties for those caught trafficking or in possession of drugs are very harsh. Be very careful with your luggage and belongings and avoid any contact with prohibited drugs.

Natural disasters and climate

Practical advice

• Get local advice on how to manage in the case of a serious incident or dangerous conditions
• Co-operate with local authorities and emergency services in the case of serious incidents

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

There are no visa requirements for Irish citizens traveling to Uruguay for touristic purposes (up to 90 days).

Irish citizens travelling to Uruguay for other purposes should contact their nearest Uruguayan Embassy in advance of their visit to clarify their visa requirements.

Six month passport validity is required from the date of entry to Uruguay and one blank passport page. Please check your passport in plenty of time before travel and if it needs to be renewed please use our Online Passport Renewal System.

It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to Uruguay and you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.