161 countries and territories138 of 193 UN membersmonthly to 2026-09back to 1926

Travel advice for Uruguay

Most governments advise normal precautions in Uruguay
Summary of 15 governments, written 4 Nov 2026Belgium, Estonia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Singapore and Slovenia advise normal precautions. Austria, Canada, the Netherlands and the United States go further with caution because of crime, robbery or scams. Place-specific warnings include Montevideo, including Ciudad Vieja, and Punta del Este, while Canada and Slovenia also identify Rocha and Colonia del Sacramento. Several governments advise care with roads, flooding or dengue.
11 normal4 caution
Places named by governmentsMontevideoPunta del EsteCiudad ViejaRochaColonia del Sacramento
15governments advising
1strongest level held, high caution
13 Octlatest change (Canada)
-no monthly arrivals series held

What each government says

Its level on one scale, its own wording, and a summary of its advice written from its own text

Austria1High caution
Security level 2: security risk

Exercise caution in Uruguay because crime is a risk, especially in Montevideo and around Punta del Este. Armed robberies have increased in wealthier Montevideo areas, and car break-ins are frequent. Avoid poorly frequented streets and parts of the old town after dark, keep valuables out of cars, use guarded parking and secure documents. Hospitals do not meet European standards, and use insect protection against dengue and Zika.

Montevideowealthier areas of MontevideoMontevideo old townPunta del Este and surroundings
Level since 30 Oct 2026, summary 3 Nov 2026
Canada1High caution
Exercise normal security precautions; regional advisory

Take normal security precautions throughout Uruguay, but exercise a high degree of caution in Montevideo because of crime. Petty crime is more common in Montevideo and border towns with Brazil, and criminals may target tourists in Punta del Este, Rocha, and Colonia del Sacramento during summer. Be especially cautious in central Montevideo, critical neighbourhoods, and along 18 de Julio Avenue, and note coastal riptides and serious road accident risks.

MontevideoBrazil border townsPunta del EsteRocha
Level since 28 Jun 2022, summary 3 Nov 2026
Netherlands1High caution
Colour code yellow: pay attention, there are safety risks

Exercise caution in Uruguay because of crime, robbery and scams. Avoid walking alone through Montevideo's old centre after sunset and remote streets, and do not resist if robbed. Severe rain and flooding can make roads and bridges impassable near large rivers. Strict penalties apply for drugs and drink driving, so check requirements for a valid passport, a visa if staying over 90 days with a Dutch passport, and travel insurance.

Montevideo old centreareas near large rivers
Level since 29 Oct 2026, summary 3 Nov 2026
United States1High caution
Level 2: exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution in Uruguay because of crime. Violent crime occurs nationwide, including homicide, armed robbery, carjacking, and theft; criminals may approach victims with weapons, target businesses, and sometimes make innocent bystanders victims.

Montevideo DepartmentCanelones DepartmentMaldonado DepartmentRivera Department
Level since 30 May 2022, summary 1 Nov 2026
Hungary0Normal precautions
Not on the list; not on the list for named regions; hu class

Hungary advises normal precautions for Uruguay.

Level since 2 Nov 2026
Japan0Normal precautions
No danger level for the whole country; level 1 for named regions: take sufficient care

Take normal precautions throughout Uruguay, but take sufficient care in the listed districts of Montevideo Department. Clashes between drug organisations have resulted in numerous homicides and shootings, and civilians have been victims. No foreign nationals, including Japanese nationals, have been reported as victims in these clashes.

Montevideo DepartmentLa TejaPaso de la ArenaBelvedere
Level since 29 Oct 2026, summary 3 Nov 2026
Australia0Normal precautions
Exercise normal safety precautions

Australia advises normal precautions for Uruguay.

Level since 3 Aug 2022
Belgium0Normal precautions
No advice against travel

Travel to Uruguay is generally safe when normal precautions are followed. Ensure you have sufficient funds for emergencies and travel insurance with good international healthcare coverage, including repatriation.

Level since 30 Oct 2026, summary 1 Nov 2026
Estonia0Normal precautions
Ee level 0

Normal precautions apply. As Estonia has no embassy in Uruguay, travellers should consult information from other countries. Estonian tourists need a valid Estonian driving licence, recognised without an international permit, and may stay without a visa for up to 90 days at a time. Entry and stay conditions may change without prompt notice, so confirm them with the nearest Uruguayan mission.

Level since 3 Nov 2026, summary 3 Nov 2026
Germany0Normal precautions
No warning

Germany advises normal precautions for Uruguay.

Level since 15 Sep 2022
Hong Kong0Normal precautions
Hk level 0

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Uruguay.

Level since 29 Apr 2022
Ireland0Normal precautions
Normal precautions

Take normal precautions when travelling to Uruguay. Most visits are trouble-free, but be alert to street crime and car crime in Montevideo, especially handbag snatching, pickpocketing and occasional armed robbery; other areas, including Punta del Este, are relatively safe. Drive cautiously because roads vary in quality, traffic is disorganised, and signals and speed limits are often ignored.

MontevideoPunta del EsteMontevideo portMontevideo old town
Level since 29 Oct 2026, summary 3 Nov 2026
Singapore0Normal precautions
No advisory

There is no advisory against travel to Uruguay, but be aware of your surroundings and check entry requirements before departure. Obtain health advice about vaccinations and buy comprehensive travel insurance. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing jewellery, use only official taxis and reputable operators, and do not purchase marijuana. Guard against dengue and chikungunya, forest fires in dry areas, and floods that may disrupt infrastructure and transport.

Level since 31 Oct 2026, summary 3 Nov 2026
Slovenia0Normal precautions
Usual caution

Use usual precautions because there is no increased risk. Uruguay is generally safe, but theft and armed robbery are increasing in Montevideo, especially in the outskirts, port and some neighbourhoods. Avoid walking alone at night and small streets in Ciudad Vieja; theft occurs in Colonia, Rocha and Punta del Este, especially during holidays. Avoid tap water, take precautions against dengue, and be alert to uneven roads and road accidents.

Montevideo, port and outskirtsCiudad ViejaPocitosPunta Carretas
Level since 30 Oct 2026, summary 3 Nov 2026
United Kingdom0Normal precautions
No warning

Take normal precautions in Uruguay. British citizens may visit without a visa for up to 90 days. Their passport must be valid for the stay and have a blank page, or entry will be denied. Declare prohibited or taxable goods and cash above 10,000 US dollars or the equivalent. Some children who do not hold a Uruguayan passport need written parental permission to leave.

Level since 29 Oct 2026, summary 3 Nov 2026

Changes by month

Last 12 months

HighMediumLowNoneNew

What changed

The latest 12 of 58; arrivals beside each, not as its cause

13 Oct 2026CanadaCanada’s Uruguay advice now includes El Niño information in its natural disasters and climate section.low
10 Dec 2025United KingdomThe UK added guidance on entry requirements for dual nationals returning from Uruguay.low
24 Mar 2025JapanJapan issued new danger information covering some regions of Uruguay.medium
24 Mar 2025JapanJapan issued new danger information covering some regions of Uruguay.medium
8 Nov 2024United KingdomUruguay travel advice was reviewed for accuracy with no significant updates.none
29 Jan 2024United KingdomThe travel advice for Uruguay was rewritten to improve readability and clarity.none
21 Sep 2023United KingdomCOVID-19 information for Uruguay was updated, while information about drought was removed.low
14 Jul 2023United KingdomAdded entry guidance for minors travelling to Uruguay with a foreign passport.medium
14 Jul 2023United KingdomAdded entry guidance for minors travelling to Uruguay with a foreign passport.medium
5 Jul 2023United KingdomInformation on Uruguay's fresh water reserves was added to the travel advice.low
22 Jun 2023United KingdomThe travel advice for Uruguay now includes information about global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad.low
9 Mar 2023United KingdomThe UK added information on the most direct commercial flights to Uruguay and updated entry requirements.medium
Travel advice for every destination, in one call

Levels from 20 governments on one scale, every dated change since 2018 with its categories, summary and impact, and the destination's arrivals beside each one. On the Intelligence plan, and in the MCP server for assistants.

GET /v1/advisories?dest=UY GET /v1/advisories/changes?dest=UY&impact=medium&with=arrivals

See Intelligence