Uruguay

AA - Stable regulated state, there is a low HSE risk. Worksite risk is deemed to be low. Corruption risk is low. Road deaths are higher than the EU average.The country scores 21/175 on the corruption perception index, with a score of 1.28 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes)

Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Uruguay. 

 

Crime

 

Street crime like bag snatching and pick-pocketing, occurs in Montevideo. Muggings and robberies (occasionally armed) also take place. Keep valuables, spare cash and spare credit cards in a safe. Take care when withdrawing money from ATMs and where possible use machines that are not on the street. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewellery. Consider carrying cash and bank cards in separate pockets and only take with you the money you need at the time.

 

Cars left on the streets at night in Montevideo are regularly broken into. Try to park in a paid car park or a well-lit and busy area. Always remember to lock your car and avoid leaving valuables, luggage, personal documents and cash in the vehicle. Don’t drive with bags or other valuables visible inside your vehicle. There have been instances of windows being smashed and valuables grabbed when waiting at traffic lights and junctions.

 

Try to keep away from isolated or poorly lit areas at night and avoid walking downtown or in the port area alone.

 

While crime rates are generally lower in other parts of Uruguay, you should remain alert and take sensible precautions.

 

If you need to report a crime you must go to the nearest police station. You can also start to file a police report online. You must then sign it off at a police station within 48 hours of submitting it online.

 

Road travel

 

Driving standards in Uruguay are poor and traffic is disorganised. Drivers often change lane and make unexpected turns without indicating. Stop signs, traffic lights and speed limits are often ignored. You must use dipped headlights during the day. Take extra care when driving at night.

 

The main toll roads from Colonia del Sacramento to Montevideo and Punta del Este are in good condition and well marked but the standard of roads in the rest of Uruguay varies. Some roads may suddenly deteriorate and certain heavy transport routes where grooves have been formed require extra care, especially in bad weather. These routes are often single lane carriageways where overtaking is difficult.

 

If you are planning to drive in Uruguay you will need a valid EU licence or an International Driving Permit to hire a car. Take out full insurance.

 

In Montevideo, taxis are fitted with a solid glass screen between the driver and rear passenger seats. The meter next to the driver should be at zero when you start your journey. When you reach your destination the number on the meter tallies with a number on the pricing card you will be shown. Next to the number is the actual cost in Uruguayan Pesos. The pricing card should always be visible or available for you to check.

 

You must wear a seatbelt by law in the front and back seats and have a first aid kit available in your car. The limit for driving with alcohol in Uruguay is 0.3 grams/litre compared to 0.8 grams/litre in the UK. Transport Police often breathalyse drivers and if you’re over the limit you’ll be fined heavily and your licence will be confiscated.

 

There is a bill currently being passed to introduce a zero tolerance alcohol policy when driving.

 

More information about transport regulations (in Spanish only) can be found on the Montevideo municipality website.

 

The main bus terminal for long distance journeys is Tres Cruces. The bus station has visible security patrols but you should keep a close eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

 

Air travel

 

The main international airport is Carrasco International Airport on the outskirts of Montevideo.

 

Beaches

 

Some beaches in Uruguay have lifeguards during the summer season. Take care when swimming in the rivers and the Atlantic Ocean taking into account currents, rocks and sand banks that have sudden descents. Beaches with lifeguards display red, amber and green flags depending on the conditions.

 

Money

Credit cards are widely accepted in most major towns. UK cash cards can be used in most ATMs in Montevideo and Punta del Este, but there may be a charge for taking money out.

 

The Uruguayan Ministry of Tourism & Sport has introduced a series of tax benefits for tourists who pay for certain items (e.g. eating out, car hire) using a foreign credit card.

 

Health

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

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Natural disasters

Early 2014 saw very unsettled weather and flooding in many parts of Uruguay. The Presidency normally issues statements with warnings, precautions and updated information. The Uruguayan organisation which coordinates this type of crisis is SINAE; you may wish to follow them on Twitter for the latest updates (in Spanish) @SINAE.

 

Forest fires can break out during the summer months (December to March) in dry areas. Make sure you extinguish cigarettes and fires appropriately. There are occasional large storms that can last 2-3 days and cause severe damage

 

Visas   

 

EU passport holders visiting for up to 90 days don’t need a visa. For information on how to extend your stay or take up residency in Uruguay visit Dirección Nacional de Migración (in Spanish). For other information on entry regulations and living in Uruguay contact the nearest Uruguayan Embassy.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for at least the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

 

The Uruguayan authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Uruguay. The validity requirements are the same as for full validity British passports. If you plan to travel to Argentina or the US you will need a visa in your ETD. You must contact the nearest Embassies of those countries in order to apply.

 

Customs controls

 

Strict customs controls prohibit visitors from importing animal and dairy products, fruit and vegetables. All baggage is x-rayed on arrival and may be searched.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Travelling with children

 

There are various requirements for travelling out of Uruguay with Foreign or dual national minors under the age of 18 who live in Uruguay. The Ministry of Interior’s website has more information, or you can contact a law firm with expertise in this subject.