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Please be advised that the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Travel Advice is now available at Ireland.ie/travel. Travel Advice on this webpage is no longer being updated. To ensure you receive the latest Travel Advice for Uruguay, please see Ireland.ie.

Uruguay

If you’re travelling to Uruguay, our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information. 

Security Status

  • Normal precautions
  • High degree of caution
  • Avoid non-essential travel
  • Do not travel
  • Overview
  • Safety and Security
  • Local Laws and Customs
  • Natural Disasters and Climate
  • Additional Information
  • Embassy Contact

Overview

Overview

Security status

Normal Precautions 

General Travel Advice

Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Uruguay.

A valid passport is required for travel to Uruguay. Irish passports should have a minimum validity of six months. Passport cards cannot be used.

For more information on visas and passports, please see the additional information at Inicio | Dirección General de Migración (migracion.gob.bo) (in Spanish)

Visitors to Uruguay are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what's going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Citizens can also follow the Irish Embassy in Argentina  on social media (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

You can contact the emergency services in URUGUAY by dialling 911. Specific emergency numbers are:

  • Police: 109
  • Fire brigade: 104
  • Ambulance: 105

Our tips for Safe Travels:

  • Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities.
  • Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
  • Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
  • Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.

As there is no Irish Embassy in Uruguay, we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the  Irish Embassy in Buenos Aires in Argentina.

Safety and Security

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

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

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

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.

Health

COVID-19

There are no COVID-19 restrictions in place for travel to Uruguay. There is no requirement to present certificates of vaccination/testing for COVID-19.

Irish citizens should continue to adhere to the advice of Uruguayan authorities and comply with local measures, as applicable Ministerio de Salud Pública - GUB.UY (www.gub.uy).

Embassy contact

Embassy Contact

Outside office hours, for genuine emergencies involving Irish citizens, which cannot wait until the next working day, please call +54 9 11 5945 7483.

You may also wish to contact the Duty Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin on +353 1 408 2000

Embassy of Ireland
Edificio Bluesky
6th Floor
Avenida del Libertador 1068
Recoleta
Buenos Aires
Argentina

Tel: +54 11 5787 0801
Fax: +54 11 5787 0802

Monday to Friday09:00-13:00

Contact us