What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Uruguay, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
Does not advise against travel
No numbered levels
Updated 10 December 2025
Latest change, in the source's words: New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Level 2 of 4
Updated 28 July 2026
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Exercise normal security precautions (with regional advisories)
Level 1 of 4
Updated 24 September 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
From the section “Emergency services in Uruguay” of the UK government's travel advice for Uruguay, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Uruguay, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
You cannot always use credit cards outside of major towns. ATMs may not always accept UK debit cards.
It is illegal to smoke, including e-cigarettes, in enclosed public places such as restaurants, shopping centres and cinemas.
If they have registered with the Uruguayan government, it is legal for Uruguayan nationals or foreign nationals who have been resident for more than 2 years, to grow marijuana or buy it from registered pharmacies. However, it is illegal for tourists to do this.
Same-sex marriage is legal and there are anti-discrimination laws. Uruguay also recognises same-sex civil unions. It is common to see same-sex couples together in public, and hostility or discrimination towards LGBT+ visitors is rare.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Uruguay, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition and take regular prescribed medication, take enough for your visit. You can find most medication in pharmacies in large cities, but medicine for complex treatment may be unavailable in smaller towns.
You will need a prescription from a local doctor to get prescribed medication. All medication in pharmacies, whether prescribed or not, is stored behind the counter and must be asked for.
From the section “Extreme weather and natural disasters” of the UK government's travel advice for Uruguay, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
The Uruguay government usually issues warnings and updates on extreme weather through news channels and the press. Sistema Nacional de Emergencias (in Spanish) coordinates crisis responses.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Occasional heavy storms can last 2 to 3 days and cause severe damage and flooding. Check for severe weather warnings from the Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (in Spanish). See UK Met Office forecasts for Uruguay.
Forest fires can break out in the hottest months from December to March in dry areas. Extinguish cigarettes and fires appropriately. Call 911 to contact the fire brigade.
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Rainfall Average temperature
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
What is acceptable to wear is a matter of local law and custom: read Local laws and customs. For seasonal hazards such as storms, floods or extreme heat, read the official section Extreme weather and natural disasters.
A general list for any trip. Ticks are not saved.
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Uruguay.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.