COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Uruguay (09 July Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter the country.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No, with exceptions

• Most foreign citizens from any country are prohibited from entering Uruguay.

• For temporary entry for business, economic, judicial, humanitarian, diplomatic, professional, or family reasons, an application for an exemption from the entry ban can be requested from the Uruguayan immigration authorities. Further information on what constitutes justifiable reasons for entry to Uruguay and required documentation for temporary entry can be found here.

• Foreign travellers must prove that the trip is necessary and cannot be postponed. Exceptions to the ban on foreigners entering the country can be found here.

• Foreign travellers must complete the Entry Authorization to Uruguay. If the visit to Uruguay is approved, the travellers will receive the authorization in the form of a pdf document. More information can be found here.

Is transit through Uruguay possible

• No

• Transit from third countries through Uruguay is currently not possible. The national borders are closed to passenger traffic, and there are no connecting flights.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No, with exceptions.

• Health screenings are available at every port of entry.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• Travellers over the age of six must have a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test certificate issued within 72 hours prior to departure.

• Children between the ages of six and eight must present a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test certificate on arrival which exempts them from social isolation measures. The test must be repeated on the seventh day after arrival.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Travellers must enter a mandatory quarantine for 14 days. After the first seven days, travellers have the option to take an RT-PCR test and be released if the test is negative. If travellers refuse to take the RT-PCR test, they will be required to enter quarantine for another 7 days.

• Travellers who have received the single dose or both doses of vaccine against COVID-19, approved by their country of origin within the last six months prior to arrival and who have completed the respective waiting periods are exempted from the quarantine requirement.

• Travellers who have recovered from COVID-19 within the last 90 days prior to arrival in Uruguay are exempted from mandatory quarantine. However, they must prove that they had the disease by showing the positive RT-PCR test or antigen detection test which must have been carried out between 20 days to 90 days prior to arrival.

• Children below the age of eight are exempted from quarantine.

• Based on the above restrictions, travellers will be required to spend between 0 and 14 days in quarantine.

Is vaccination required?

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country.

• Vaccinated travellers are exempted from the quarantine requirement. To be considered **“fully vaccinated” travellers must have received the full dose (single or two doses), depending on the type of vaccine supplied, against the COVID-19 virus approved by their country of origin, within the last six months prior to arrival in the country.

Insurance required?

• Yes

• Travellers must have insurance which includes coverage for COVID-19 expenses.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• The government requires eligible travellers to complete the “Entry Authorization to Uruguay” form. If the visit to Uruguay is approved, the travellers will receive the authorization in the form of a pdf document. More information can be found here.

• As part of the entry authorization procedures, travellers will get a “Health Passport”, which is the final step in the procedure for the “Entry Authorization to Uruguay”. When the authorization is granted, the travellers will receive an email with a link to complete the Health Passport.

• Travellers should complete an affidavit stating they have no symptoms and have had no contact with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases in the 14 days prior to entry.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• Travellers can download the COVID-19 tracking application, “Coronavirus UY,” here for Android users and iOS users can download the app here.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• Limited international commercial flights are operating.

Border restrictions

• Significant

• Land and maritime ports are closed, with certain exceptions.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• No curfew is in place.

Social restrictions

• Significant

• Citizens are advised to avoid large gatherings and crowds.

• Tele-working is mandatory whenever possible.

• All individuals are advised to immediately contact the Ministry of Public Health if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Public transportation is operating at a reduced capacity.

• There are no restrictions on the freedom of travel and movement in the country.

• Taxis and Ubers can work with a reduced capacity of up to 3 passengers at one time. Wearing a face mask and social distance is mandatory on public transportation.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Malls, supermarkets, shopping centres are open with social distancing restrictions.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are open but are subject to strict infection control and hygiene requirements. The establishments must close at midnight.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars and cafes are open but are subject to strict infection control and hygiene requirements. The establishments must close at midnight.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• Yes.

• Museums are open.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Religious services may take place. Face masks are necessary.

Events allowed?

• Yes

• Public events, such as parties, theatres, and amateur sports tournaments are allowed.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face masks are required in public spaces.

Other

• Individuals who do not comply with COVID-19 protocols can be fined.

• Movie theatres, theatrical shows, and swimming pools have re-opened except in Montevideo and Canelones.

• Gyms and duty-free shops in border areas re-open under health protocols.

• Food courts in shopping complexes have re-opened except in Montevideo and Canelones.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.