Briefing d'orientation en Uruguay

The Spanish founded the city of Montevideo in modern-day Uruguay in 1726 as a military stronghold, and it soon became an important commercial center due to its natural harbor. Argentina initially claimed Uruguay, but Brazil annexed the country in 1821. Uruguay declared its independence in 1825 and secured its freedom in 1828 after a three-year struggle. The administrations of President Jose BATLLE in the early 20th century launched widespread political, social, and economic reforms that established a statist tradition. A violent Marxist urban guerrilla movement named the Tupamaros (or Movimiento de Liberación Nacional-Tupamaros) launched in the late 1960s and pushed Uruguay's president to cede control of the government to the military in 1973. By year-end, the rebels had been crushed, but the military continued to expand its hold over the government. Civilian rule was restored in 1985. In 2004, the left-of-center Frente Amplio (FA) Coalition won national elections that effectively ended 170 years of political control by the Colorado and National (Blanco) parties. The left-of-center coalition retained the presidency and control of both chambers of congress until 2019. Uruguay's political and labor conditions are among the freest on the South American continent.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Uruguay

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Uruguay, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Street crime in Montevideo

Street crime happens in Montevideo, including:

• bag-snatching and pickpocketing
• mugging and robbery (sometimes armed)

You should:

• keep valuables, spare cash and credit cards in a safe
• take care using ATMs – where possible use machines not on the street (for example, in shopping centres or banks)
• avoid carrying lots of cash or wearing expensive jewellery
• consider carrying cash and bankcards in separate pockets and only carry the money you need

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

Theft from cars in Montevideo

Criminals regularly break into cars left on the street. Try to park in paid car parks or well-lit, busy areas.

Always lock your car and avoid leaving valuables, luggage, personal documents and cash in the vehicle. Do not drive with bags or other valuables visible, especially on the front seat. Thieves can smash windows and grab valuables at traffic lights and junctions.

Crime outside Montevideo

Crime rates are generally lower in other parts of Uruguay, but still take usual precautions.

Laws and cultural differences

Money

You cannot always use credit cards outside of major towns. ATMs may not always accept UK debit cards.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It is illegal to smoke, including e-cigarettes, in enclosed public places such as restaurants, shopping centres and cinemas.

Marijuana

If they have registered with the Uruguayan government, it is legal for Uruguayan nationals or foreign nationals who have been resident for more than 2 years, to grow marijuana or buy it from registered pharmacies. However, it is illegal for tourists to do this.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex marriage is legal and there are anti-discrimination laws. Uruguay also recognises same-sex civil unions. It is common to see same-sex couples together in public, and hostility or discrimination towards LGBT+ visitors is rare.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety

Many beaches in Uruguay have lifeguards from December to March, although times vary across the country. Take care when swimming in rivers or the Atlantic Ocean. There can be currents, rocks and sandbanks with sudden descents.

Beaches with lifeguards display coloured flags depending on the conditions:

• green: good conditions for swimming
• yellow: caution
• red: danger – unsuitable conditions for swimming, rocks, uneven seabed or currents
• red with green cross: danger – unsanitary conditions not suitable for swimming
• black: thunderstorms – do not stay on the beach or near the coast

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Uruguay, see information on driving abroad.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Uruguay for the first 90 days after you arrive. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. After 90 days, you must get a Uruguayan driving licence.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as 2 years of driving experience and holding an IDP.  

Driving laws include:

• wearing a seatbelt in the front and back seats – children under 12 must wear a seatbelt and be in a child or booster seat
• having a first aid kit in your car
• using dipped headlights during the day

Uruguay is introducing electronic-tag-only tolls (in Spanish) – these require prepayment or a linked credit card with an electronic sticker fixed to your car. Rental cars will already have electronic tags. The rental company will charge you for any unpaid tolls.   

Drink-driving is a serious offence  in Uruguay. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment, a driving suspension or a community work order.

You will also get a fine if you’re found driving under the influence of drugs.

 Road conditions

The main toll roads from Colonia del Sacramento to Montevideo and Punta del Este are in good condition and well-marked. However, serious road traffic accidents are common and often caused by poor road layout and speeding.

The standard of roads in the rest of Uruguay varies. Roads may suddenly deteriorate, with potholes and uneven road surfaces. Take extra care, especially in bad weather or at night.

Driving standards are poor and traffic is disorganised. Drivers may:

• change lane and make unexpected turns without indicating
• use hazard lights to stop in the middle of a lane, for example to drop someone off
• ignore stop signs, traffic lights and speed limits

Motorbikes often go the wrong way down one-way streets – look both ways when crossing junctions.

For information on transport regulations, see the Montevideo municipality website (in Spanish).

Bus terminal

The main bus terminal for long distance journeys is Tres Cruces (in Spanish). There are visible security patrols. Keep a close eye on your belongings.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

The Uruguay government usually issues warnings and updates on extreme weather through news channels and the press. Sistema Nacional de Emergencias (in Spanish) coordinates crisis responses.

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Flooding

Occasional heavy storms can last 2 to 3 days and cause severe damage and flooding. Check for severe weather warnings from the Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (in Spanish). See UK Met Office forecasts for Uruguay.

Forest fires

Forest fires can break out in the hottest months from December to March in dry areas. Extinguish cigarettes and fires appropriately. Call 911 to contact the fire brigade.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Uruguay
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Uruguay, including:

• dengue
• strong sun with high UV levels

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition and take regular prescribed medication, take enough for your visit. You can find most medication in pharmacies in large cities, but medicine for complex treatment may be unavailable in smaller towns.

You will need a prescription from a local doctor to get prescribed medication. All medication in pharmacies, whether prescribed or not, is stored behind the counter and must be asked for.

Healthcare in Uruguay

Medical and dental treatment is expensive in Uruguay. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of medical treatment and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Uruguay where some staff will speak English. 

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.