Uruguay

Street crime occurs in Uruguay, particularly in Montevideo. This includes:

• pickpocketing
• bag snatching
• petty theft
• robberies

Smash and grab robberies from cars stopped at traffic lights also occur.

To protect yourself from petty crime:

• be cautious using ATMs and avoid using them on the street. Use ATMs in banks or shopping centres
• avoid carrying excess cash
• keep vehicle doors locked and windows up, even when moving
• avoid leaving valuables on display in cars, or in the boot if you are not in the vehicle
• don't resist if you're attacked or robbed
• pay attention to your belongings

Keep away from isolated or poorly lit areas at night and avoid walking downtown or in the port area alone, especially on weekends. In Montevideo, avoid the Cerro neighbourhood. 

In Montevideo, crime increases at night and on weekends in:

• Puerto de Montevideo (the port area)
• Plaza Independencia
• La Ciudad Vieja (the old town)
• Avenida 18 de Julio

During summer, from December to March, thieves target beach resort areas, such as Punta del Este. You may encounter more petty street crimes and burglaries during these months.

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Demonstrations can occur in Montevideo. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

During periods of unrest:

• avoid crowds, protests and demonstrations
• don't approach demonstrations with cameras or phones
• monitor the news for updates
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

More information:

• Terrorism

It rains throughout the year in Uruguay. Floods may disrupt local transport and other services.

Check weather forecasts and plan your travel accordingly.

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in Uruguay. Take enough legal medicine for your stay.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne diseases such as dengue and zika virus can be a risk in Uruguay. You're most at risk during the wet season.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

Outbreaks of waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases occur sometimes. These include:

• hepatitis A
• typhoid
• rabies    

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
 

Public and private hospital facilities in major urban centres are of reasonable quality. Public hospitals, outside of the capital usually have limited facilities.

Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is expensive.

Usually, you'll have to pay or confirm insurance details before treatment. This could be the case even for emergency care.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

More information:

• Arrested or jailed overseas

Drugs

Drug laws are severe in Uruguay. Penalties include jail time and heavy fines.

Uruguay set up a system for the legal production and sale of marijuana in 2013. That system is only for citizens and permanent residents of Uruguay.

It's illegal for visitors to buy or possess marijuana.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

LGBTQIA+ information

Same-sex relationships are legal in Uruguay. Laws have banned discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Uruguay legalised same-sex marriage in 2013.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Uruguay recognises dual nationality.

Contact the nearest Embassy of Uruguay for further details before you travel.

More information:

• Dual nationals
• Embassy of Uruguay in Australia

Visa-free travel for short stays

Australian tourists can enter Uruguay without a visa for up to 90 days when travelling on a regular passport. There may be additional requirements if you travel on a different type of passport. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Uruguay for details.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Uruguay for details about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements. 

More information:

• Embassy of Uruguay in Australia

Travelling with children

Authorities may need to see a letter of consent (Permiso de Menor) if a minor is:

• travelling alone, or
• travelling with one parent, or
• travelling with a guardian

Minors who are Uruguayan citizens or who are usual residents of Uruguay (one year of residence or more) need a travel permit from the non-accompanying parent/s to leave Uruguay. 

For more information, see travelling with minors to and from Uruguay or contact the nearest Uruguayan Embassy or Consulate for guidance.

More information:

• Travelling with children

Yellow fever vaccination

You don't have to be vaccinated for yellow fever to enter or exit Uruguay. 

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

Travel via the United States

If you're travelling through the US, you must meet US entry and transit rules.

Check your visa needs with the nearest embassy or consulate of the United States well before you travel.

More information:

• Travel advice for the US

Travel via Chile

If you’re travelling via Chile, ensure you meet all current entry or transit requirements.

More information:

• Travel advice for Chile

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Your passport must have at least one blank page at the time of your arrival in Uruguay.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible.

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The official currency of Uruguay is the Peso (UYU).

Some locations also accept payment in US Dollars (USD). Several ATMs dispense USD. Electronic payment methods are used widely in Uruguay.

Sometimes there are disruptions to local transport services. Be prepared to change your plans.

Driving permit

You can drive with an Australian driver's licence in Uruguay. You should carry a Spanish translation of your Australian licence if you're not carrying an international driving permit.

You must be aged 21 years or over to hire a car. Car rental companies will also need either:

• an Australian driver's licence, or
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Residents need to get a Uruguayan licence.

Road travel

Be careful when travelling by car. In Uruguay:

• driving standards are lower than in Australia
• many vehicles are poorly maintained
• drivers often ignore traffic rules

You're more likely to die in a car accident in Uruguay than in Australia.

There is zero tolerance for drink driving with a 0.0 blood alcohol limit, and you must use dimmed headlights when driving during the day.

Toll roads between the major cities are well maintained. You can pay cash for some tolls, but others require you to register and pay for your journey online. See the Uruguayan Ministry of Tourism's website for further information. The condition of other roads varies.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Cruises

Montevideo and Punta del Este are popular stops for cruise ships.

If you plan to take a cruise:

• make sure your passport has the correct visas
• check the ship's medical facilities meet your needs
• find out the cost of onboard medical treatment
• get adequate travel insurance
• make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation and overseas hospital costs
• speak to your insurer about any existing conditions

More information:

• Going on a cruise

Air travel

The Australian Government doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

More information:

• Air travel

Accessibility

If you have a disability, you may find accessibility standards differ from Australia's. Don't assume that hotels will be accessible.

In Uruguay, anti-discrimination laws apply to people with disabilities, but they're not fully enforced.

Access to buildings, footpaths and road crossings may be difficult.

More information:

• Disabilities

Complaints

Contact your travel provider or the Uruguay Consumer Protection Agency (Spanish) with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 911 in Montevideo or 02911 outside Montevideo.

Medical emergencies

Call 911 in Montevideo or 02911 outside Montevideo.

Police

Call 911 in Montevideo or 02911 outside Montevideo.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for information about what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

There's an Australian consulate in Montevideo. It provides limited consular assistance and doesn't issue Australian passports.

Australian Consulate, Montevideo

25 de Mayo 455 - 2° Piso
(11,000) Montevideo, Uruguay  

Phone: +59 8 984 51451
Email: ausconur@gmail.com

For full consular services, contact the Australian Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Australian Embassy, Buenos Aires

Villanueva 1400
(C1426BMJ)
Buenos Aires, Argentina  

Phone: +54 11 4779 3500
Website: www.argentina.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay
X: @EmbAustraliaBA
Instagram: @ausemb_ar

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia