Uruguay

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Uruguay due to crime. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 90 days.

US Embassy/Consulate

+(598) 1770-2000; US Embassy Montevideo, Laura Muller 1776, Montevideo 11200, Uruguay; MontevideoACS@state.gov; https://uy.usembassy.gov/

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

598

Local Emergency Phone

999, 911

Vaccinations

See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown

Currency (Code)

Uruguayan pesos (UYU)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F, L

Plug Type CPlug Type FPlug Type L

Major Languages

Spanish

Major Religions

Roman Catholic 47.1%, non-Catholic Christians 11.1%, nondenominational 23.2%, Jewish 0.3%, atheist or agnostic 17.2%

Time Difference

UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Yes

International Driving Permit

Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Uruguay, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Montevideo; Colonia del Sacramento; Santa Teresa National Park; Punta del Diablo; Carmelo; Salto; Piriapolis

Major Sports

Soccer, basketball, rugby

Cultural Practices

Uruguayans stand very close when conversing (in both social and business settings), often touching shoulders and/or holding arms while talking. The North American "OK" sign (thumb and index finger in a circle) is considered very rude.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping 10% is normal at restaurants. At an airport or hotel, tip the porter 20 pesos for baggage handling.

Souvenirs

Leather and suede goods, amethyst jewelry, woolen items

Traditional Cuisine

Chivito — a sandwich filled with slices of churrasco (grilled/roasted and thinly sliced beef), ham, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, melted mozzarella, and a topping of fried (or sometimes boiled) eggs


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Tuesday, July 18, 2023