Most foreign visitors need a visa to enter Uruguay. You can apply at the Uruguayan embassy or consulate in your own country, or through an authorized visa agency. When applying, you’ll typically need to provide your passport, passport-sized photos, travel itinerary, and proof of sufficient funds. Processing can take several weeks, so plan in advance. If you're entering overland from Argentina or Brazil, check the respective visa and transit requirements for those countries. It’s also a good idea to carry your return or onward flight ticket, as well as proof of accommodation, upon arrival.
| Category | Daily Cost (excluding flights) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $49–$77 | Staying in hostels or basic hotels, eating simple meals from markets, and using local buses. |
| Comfortable | $99–$155 | Staying in three-star hotels, dining on traditional parrilla meals, and taking intercity buses. |
| High-end | $225 and above | Staying at beach resorts, visiting wineries, and hiring private guides. |
Uruguay is generally safe compared to other countries in South America, but it’s still wise to stay in groups when visiting Montevideo’s old town or bus terminals at night. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, but it’s a good idea to carry cash when visiting smaller towns, using buses, or shopping at markets. Both the Uruguayan peso and US dollar are used, but change is usually given in pesos, and the exchange rate may not be favourable.