Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Uruguay is one of the safest and most stable countries in South America. Watch for pickpockets and petty theft in parts of central Montevideo and after dark.
- Overall risk
- Relatively low for the region, but urban crime has risen in recent years
- Main concern
- Pickpocketing, bag snatching and robbery in some Montevideo districts
- Emergency number
- 911 (all services)
- Uruguay has strong democratic institutions and a stable society. Take normal precautions in Montevideo, especially Ciudad Vieja, Centro and the port area, and stay alert at night. Keep valuables out of sight.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no formal no-go areas, but some Montevideo districts warrant extra care, especially at night: Ciudad Vieja, Centro and the port area.
- Higher-risk spots
- Parts of Ciudad Vieja, Centro and around the port after dark
- At night
- Avoid quiet or poorly lit streets; use taxis or ride apps
- Crime is concentrated in a few urban neighbourhoods and is mostly opportunistic. Stay in busy, well-lit streets, avoid displaying valuables, and prefer registered taxis or ride-hailing apps late at night.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Earthquake risk is negligible. The main hazards are strong windstorms (pampero), summer thunderstorms and flooding, and dangerous surf and rip currents on the coast.
- Storms
- Strong pampero winds and severe summer thunderstorms
- Flooding
- Heavy rain can cause localised flooding in summer
- Coast
- High waves and rip currents on the Río de la Plata and Atlantic beaches
- Uruguay lies outside major seismic zones. Watch weather warnings for the pampero windstorm and summer storms, and heed lifeguard flags at the beach, as rip currents can be dangerous.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Healthcare is among the best in South America. Tap water in cities is generally safe. Watch for summer sun, heat and mosquitoes.
- Healthcare
- Good public and private care, best facilities in Montevideo
- Tap water
- Generally safe in urban areas
- Emergency
- 911 for ambulance
- Medical care is reliable, especially in Montevideo. Use sunscreen and stay hydrated in the hot summer, and use repellent as a precaution against mosquito-borne illness. Carry personal medication with a prescription.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Watch for pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft from vehicles in Montevideo. Be alert around ATMs and beware of counterfeit banknotes.
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft from parked cars
- Hotspots
- Crowded streets, markets, transport and ATMs
- Advice
- Keep valuables hidden and check banknotes for fakes
- Thieves target distracted travellers. Do not leave valuables in view in vehicles, use ATMs inside banks or malls during the day, and check change and notes as counterfeit currency circulates.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Uruguay is a stable democracy with strong institutions and a long tradition of political stability.
- Government
- Stable presidential democracy
- Demonstrations
- Peaceful and rarely disruptive to tourists
- Political unrest is uncommon. Occasional demonstrations, mainly in central Montevideo, are usually peaceful; avoid large gatherings as a routine precaution.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Cannabis is legal for personal use under a state-regulated system, but sales to tourists are not permitted. Drug trafficking is a serious crime and drink-driving is heavily penalised.
- Cannabis
- Legal for residents via a registered system; not sold to visitors
- Drug trafficking
- Serious offence with severe penalties
- Drink-driving
- Zero-tolerance limit, strictly enforced
- Uruguay regulates cannabis for personal use by registered residents; it is not available for sale to tourists. Trafficking of narcotics carries heavy prison terms, and driving with any alcohol is illegal. Carry photo ID.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 911 for all emergencies: police, ambulance and fire. Operators mainly speak Spanish.
- All emergencies
- 911
- Police
- 911 (integrated number)
- Language
- Spanish; limited English
- 911 covers police, ambulance and fire nationwide. Operators mainly speak Spanish, so a few phrases or a translation app can help. Keep your embassy contact details handy too.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Confirm cover for medical treatment and emergency evacuation or repatriation.
- Recommended
- Comprehensive policy with medical cover
- Check
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
- Include
- Cover for any adventure or water activities
- Private medical care can be costly for uninsured visitors. Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, hospital stays and repatriation, and keep the insurer's emergency number with you.