Montevideo Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay, welcomes international travelers through Carrasco International Airport (MVD) and various land and sea border crossings. Uruguay maintains a relatively open visa policy, with many nationalities enjoying visa-free access for tourism and business purposes. The country is known for its straightforward immigration procedures and welcoming attitude toward visitors. The entry process into Montevideo is generally smooth and efficient. Upon arrival, travelers will proceed through immigration control where their passport and supporting documents will be reviewed, followed by customs inspection. Uruguay is part of the Mercosur trade bloc, which facilitates easier movement for citizens of member countries. Most visitors from Western countries, Latin America, and several other regions can enter without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Before traveling to Montevideo, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Travelers should be prepared to show proof of onward travel, accommodation details, and sufficient funds for their stay. While entry requirements are generally straightforward, it's essential to verify your specific nationality's requirements and any recent policy changes, particularly regarding health protocols and documentation.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Uruguay offers visa-free entry to citizens of most Western countries, Latin American nations, and many other countries worldwide. The visa policy is designed to promote tourism and business travel while maintaining security standards.

Visa-Free Entry

90 days within a 180-day period

Citizens of these countries can enter Uruguay without a visa for tourism or business purposes

Includes

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. Mercosur members (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay) can enter with national ID cards instead of passports. Extensions may be possible through the immigration office (Dirección Nacional de Migración).

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

N/A

Uruguay does not currently operate an electronic visa or ETA system

How to Apply: Not applicable - Uruguay does not have an eVisa system at this time
Cost: N/A

Citizens requiring visas must apply at Uruguayan embassies or consulates abroad. There is no electronic application system currently available.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type, typically 30-90 days for tourist visas

Citizens of countries not on the visa-free list must obtain a visa before traveling to Uruguay

How to Apply: Apply at the nearest Uruguayan embassy or consulate in your country of residence at least 30 days before travel. Required documents typically include: completed application form, valid passport, passport photos, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, proof of financial means, and visa fee payment.

This includes citizens of most African countries, many Asian countries (including China, India, Russia, and most Middle Eastern nations), and some Eastern European countries. Processing time typically takes 10-15 business days. Visa fees vary by nationality and visa type.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Carrasco International Airport or other ports of entry in Montevideo, travelers will go through a standard immigration and customs process. The procedures are generally efficient, with wait times typically ranging from 15-45 minutes depending on flight arrivals.

Disembarkation and Health Screening

Exit the aircraft and follow signs to immigration. Depending on current health protocols, there may be temperature checks or health questionnaires to complete.

Immigration Control

Present your passport and any required documentation (visa if applicable) to the immigration officer. Your passport will be stamped with your entry date and authorized stay duration. Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) may be collected.

Baggage Claim

Proceed to baggage claim to collect your checked luggage. Carousels are clearly marked with flight numbers.

Customs Declaration

Complete a customs declaration form if you have goods to declare. Forms are available on the aircraft or at the customs area. Choose the appropriate customs channel: green (nothing to declare) or red (goods to declare).

Customs Inspection

Pass through customs inspection. Officers may ask questions about your luggage or conduct random inspections. Be honest and cooperative if selected for inspection.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

Once cleared, proceed to the arrivals hall where you'll find transportation options, currency exchange, and information desks.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Should have at least one blank page for entry stamp.

Visa (if required)

If your nationality requires a visa, ensure it's valid and matches your travel purpose.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Uruguay (flight, bus, or ferry ticket). Immigration officers may request to see this.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or letter of invitation from a host in Uruguay.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself during your stay. While rarely requested, it's wise to have this available.

Customs Declaration Form

Required if bringing items that exceed duty-free allowances or restricted goods. Available on flights and at the airport.

Travel Insurance Documentation

While not mandatory for most nationalities, having travel insurance proof is recommended and may be requested.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents easily accessible in your carry-on, not packed in checked luggage. Keep them organized in a travel document holder.

Learn a few basic Spanish phrases. While many immigration officers speak English, showing effort to communicate in Spanish is appreciated.

Be honest and concise when answering questions. Don't volunteer unnecessary information, but answer all questions truthfully.

Dress neatly and professionally when going through immigration. First impressions matter.

Keep your phone charged and have digital copies of important documents accessible, but have physical copies ready to present.

If traveling for business, have invitation letters or conference documentation ready to show if asked.

Exchange some currency before leaving the airport or use ATMs in the arrivals hall to have local cash for immediate expenses.

Check your passport stamp before leaving the immigration counter to ensure the correct duration of stay is noted.

Save the customs declaration receipt if given one, as it may be requested upon departure.

Customs & Duty-Free

Uruguay's customs regulations are designed to prevent illegal imports while allowing reasonable personal items for travelers. Carrasco International Airport has modern customs facilities with both green (nothing to declare) and red (goods to declare) channels. All travelers must complete a customs declaration form, and random inspections may occur even in the green channel.

Alcohol

2 liters of alcoholic beverages (wine, spirits, or beer)

Must be 18 years or older. Amounts exceeding this limit are subject to duty charges.

Tobacco

400 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 500 grams of pipe tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. These are personal use limits; commercial quantities will be confiscated.

Perfume

3 bottles of perfume or eau de toilette (total not exceeding 300ml)

For personal use only. Larger quantities may be considered commercial and subject to duties.

Currency

Up to USD $10,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) without declaration

Amounts exceeding USD $10,000 must be declared on the customs form. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines. This includes cash, traveler's checks, and monetary instruments.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and used items for personal use are duty-free. New goods up to USD $300 value

Items must be reasonable for the length of stay. Electronic devices for personal use (laptop, phone, camera) are generally allowed. Commercial quantities or items clearly for resale will incur duties.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - Uruguay has strict penalties for drug trafficking
Firearms and ammunition without prior authorization - requires special permits obtained before travel
Counterfeit goods and pirated media - subject to confiscation and potential fines
Endangered species products - items made from protected animals or plants (CITES regulations apply)
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and plant materials - agricultural restrictions to prevent pests and diseases
Fresh meat and dairy products - unless accompanied by proper health certificates
Pornographic materials - particularly those involving minors
Items that violate intellectual property rights - fake designer goods, unauthorized copies

Restricted Items

Medications - Bring prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's prescription. Quantities should be reasonable for personal use during your stay. Psychotropic medications require special documentation.
Plants and seeds - Require phytosanitary certificates from the country of origin. Contact Uruguay's agricultural authority (MGAP) in advance.
Animals and animal products - Pets require health certificates, vaccination records, and import permits (see Special Situations section). Animal products may need health certificates.
Drones and radio equipment - May require registration or permits from telecommunications authority (URSEC). Declare these items upon entry.
Professional equipment - Film crews, journalists, or those bringing specialized professional equipment should declare items and may need ATA Carnet or temporary import permits.
Firearms for sporting purposes - Require advance authorization from the Ministry of Interior. Must be declared and stored according to regulations.
Antiquities and cultural artifacts - Export/import of items of cultural significance may be restricted. Obtain proper documentation.

Health Requirements

Uruguay has relatively minimal health entry requirements for most travelers. The country has good healthcare standards and does not require extensive vaccination documentation for entry from most countries.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required only if arriving from or having transited through countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (parts of Africa and South America including Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and others). Certificate must be presented at immigration. Vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before entry.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up to date on routine vaccines including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), polio, and annual flu shot
Hepatitis A - Recommended for most travelers, as you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water
Hepatitis B - Recommended if you might have intimate contact with locals or need medical procedures
Typhoid - Recommended for travelers eating outside major restaurants and hotels
Rabies - Consider for travelers spending time outdoors, working with animals, or in rural areas

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is strongly recommended but not mandatory for most nationalities entering Uruguay. Medical care in Uruguay is of good quality but can be expensive for foreigners. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation and repatriation. Some long-term visas or residency applications may require proof of health insurance. Keep your insurance documentation easily accessible during your trip.

Current Health Requirements: Health requirements can change rapidly based on global health situations. As of late 2024, most COVID-19 entry restrictions have been lifted, but verify current requirements before travel. Check the official Uruguayan Ministry of Public Health website and your country's travel advisory for the latest information on testing, vaccination, or quarantine requirements. Some requirements may be reinstated based on epidemiological situations.

🛡️

Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance

Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.

Get a Quote from World Nomads

Read our complete Montevideo Travel Insurance Guide →

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Montevideo for assistance with lost passports, emergencies, or citizen services

Register with your embassy upon arrival for extended stays. Check your government's travel advisory website before departure for current safety information and embassy contact details.

Immigration Authority - Dirección Nacional de Migración

Official immigration office for visa extensions, status changes, and immigration inquiries. Located at Misiones 1513, Montevideo. Phone: +598 2916 0471

Visit their website at www.migracion.gub.uy for official information, forms, and procedures. Office hours typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Emergency Services

Emergency number in Uruguay: 911 (for police, ambulance, and fire services)

Tourist Police (Policía Turística): +598 2152 3773. Available 24/7 for tourist-specific assistance. English-speaking operators may be available.

Airport Information

Carrasco International Airport (MVD): +598 2604 0329. Tourist information desk available in arrivals hall

Airport website: www.aeropuertodecarrasco.com.uy - Check for flight information, services, and transportation options.

Ministry of Tourism

Tourist information hotline: 1885 (toll-free within Uruguay). Provides information on attractions, accommodations, and travel assistance

Website: www.turismo.gub.uy - Available in Spanish and English with comprehensive travel information.

Customs Information

Dirección Nacional de Aduanas (DNA) - Customs Authority: +598 2916 1000

For questions about customs regulations, duties, and import/export procedures. Website: www.aduanas.gub.uy

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors (under 18) traveling to Uruguay have specific documentation requirements. If traveling with both parents, bring the child's birth certificate (original or certified copy). If traveling with one parent, a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent is required, including passport copies. For unaccompanied minors or those traveling with non-parents, a notarized authorization letter from both parents is mandatory, including contact information and details of the accompanying adult. These documents should be translated into Spanish by an official translator. Divorced or separated parents should bring custody documentation. In case of deceased parents, bring death certificates. Minors may be questioned by immigration officers to verify their relationship with accompanying adults. Airlines may have additional requirements for unaccompanied minors.

Traveling with Pets

Pets (dogs and cats) can enter Uruguay with proper documentation. Required: International Health Certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin within 10 days of travel, certified by the relevant agricultural authority. Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before entry). Microchip identification is mandatory (ISO 11784/11785 compliant). Internal and external parasite treatment within 15 days of travel. Upon arrival, pets must be inspected by veterinary services at the port of entry. Some breeds may have restrictions. Airlines have specific requirements for pet transport - contact them in advance. Consider that pets must remain in quarantine for a period if documentation is incomplete. It's recommended to contact the Uruguayan Consulate and MGAP (Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries) well in advance of travel for current requirements and any additional permits needed.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas typically allow 90 days of stay. For longer stays, several options exist: 1) Visa Extension: Apply at the Dirección Nacional de Migración before your authorized stay expires. Extensions may be granted for an additional 90 days, subject to approval. Bring passport, proof of financial means, accommodation details, and pay the extension fee (approximately USD $50-100). 2) Temporary Residence: For stays beyond 6 months, apply for temporary residence. Categories include work, study, family reunification, or retirement (pensionado). Requirements vary by category but generally include: valid passport, criminal background check (apostilled), birth certificate (apostilled), proof of financial means or employment, health certificate, and application fees. Processing takes 2-6 months. 3) Border Runs: Some travelers exit to Argentina or Brazil and re-enter for a new 90-day period. This is tolerated but not officially endorsed; frequent border runs may raise questions. 4) Work Visa: Required for employment in Uruguay. Employer must sponsor the application. Cannot work on a tourist visa. Start the process well before your intended travel date, as residence applications can be lengthy. Consider hiring an immigration lawyer for complex cases.

Business Travelers

Business visitors can generally enter on the same visa-free or visa-required basis as tourists, but for business purposes rather than tourism. Permitted activities include attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, and exploring business opportunities - but not actual employment or providing services for payment. Recommended documentation: invitation letter from Uruguayan company or organization detailing the purpose and duration of visit, proof of business registration in your home country, conference registration if applicable, and proof of financial means. Business travelers may be asked more detailed questions at immigration about their activities. For longer-term business activities or employment, a work visa and residence permit are required. Business travelers should declare any commercial samples or equipment, which may require temporary import documentation. Ensure your passport indicates 'business' as the purpose of visit if asked.

Students

Students planning to study in Uruguay for more than 90 days must obtain a student visa and temporary residence permit. Requirements: acceptance letter from recognized Uruguayan educational institution, proof of enrollment and payment of tuition, proof of financial means to support yourself (bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor affidavits), valid passport, criminal background check (apostilled from your home country), birth certificate (apostilled), health certificate, proof of health insurance, and passport photos. Apply at the Uruguayan consulate in your home country before traveling. Once in Uruguay, register with the Dirección Nacional de Migración within 30 days. Student residence permits are typically valid for one year and renewable. Students may work part-time with proper authorization. Dependents of students may also apply for residence. Processing time varies but can take 2-4 months, so apply well in advance of your program start date.

Retirees/Pensioners

Uruguay offers a retirement visa (pensionado visa) for foreign retirees with stable income. Requirements: proof of monthly pension or retirement income (minimum approximately USD $1,500 per month from foreign sources), income must be stable and verifiable (pension statements, social security documents), valid passport, criminal background check (apostilled), birth certificate (apostilled), marriage certificate if applicable (apostilled), health certificate, proof of health insurance, proof of accommodation in Uruguay (rental contract or property ownership), and application fees. The income requirement may be higher for applicants with dependents. Apply through the Dirección Nacional de Migración. Initial residence is temporary (1-2 years), after which you can apply for permanent residence. Retirees must demonstrate that income continues throughout the residence period. Uruguay does not tax foreign-source income for the first years of residence, making it attractive for retirees. Consider consulting with an immigration attorney and tax advisor. Processing typically takes 3-6 months.