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COVID-19 Information
Updated: January 26, 2021
Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions. This requirement does not apply to travelers entering the United States by land or sea or to children under two years of age. It applies to U.S. citizens, as well as foreign nationals, regardless of vaccination status.
Country-Specific Information:
- Uruguay has a total of 38680 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since March 13, 2020. 7418 cases are currently active, and there have been 401 recorded deaths due to the virus. Active cases are currently located in the following departments: Artigas, Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandú, Río Negro, Rivera, Rocha, Salto, San José, Soriano, Tacuarembó, Treinta y Tres.
- Essential services are open. Hospitals are operating at normal capacity. Public transportation is operating; however, the number of passengers in the interdepartmental transport units (bus fleets) will be reduced to a 50% maximum capacity, during times of greatest mobility from December 21, 2020 to January 10, 2021. Schools and universities are open for in-person classes on at least a part-time basis. Masks are strongly encouraged in all public spaces.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? No
- Entry into Uruguay was suspended beginning December 21, 2020 for all travelers, including Uruguayan citizens, arriving via air, land, or ferry. The only exceptions are for Uruguayan citizens or residents arriving by air who purchased their travel tickets before January 6, 2021. These stricter border closures remain in effect until January 31, 2021, and may be extended beyond that date.
- The government of Uruguay considers requests for exemptions for U.S. citizens to enter Uruguay submitted through this online application.
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
- Sanitary requirements for entry into Uruguay, per the Ministry of Tourism:
- Negative PCR coronavirus results, carried out up to 72 hours before the start of the trip conducted by a laboratory in the country of origin or another country in transit .
- An affidavit stating the absence of symptoms and contact with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases in the 14 days prior to admission.
- Proof of medical insurance with specific coverage for COVID-19.
- Contact information (phone number) in Uruguay for traceability.
- All immigration regulations in Uruguay remain under the purview of the National Directorate of Migration. Please adhere to all visa laws when visiting Uruguay. For questions regarding your specific situation or visa, please contact the National Directorate of Migration directly for the most accurate information:Dirección Nacional de Migración Uruguay
minterior.gub.uy/index.php/contacto
Tel: 00 (598) 2030 1833
Movement Restrictions:
- Is a curfew in place? No
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No
Quarantine Information:
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
- Mandatory preventive social isolation is required for the first 7 days of your stay. Following the initial 7 days of social isolation, you may either perform a new RT-PCR test on the 7th day of stay (with negative result), or extend the mandatory preventive social isolation for an additional 7 days, for 14 days in total.
- You must provide contact information (phone number) for traceability.
- You may not use public transportation during the mandatory social isolation period.
- If a case of COVID-19 occurs, you are instructed to contact the Ministry of Public Health in order to facilitate monitoring and communication.
COVID-19 Testing:
- Tests are generally available through insurance companies. Contact your health provider for more information.
- The current cost of a PCR-CT COVID-19 test is $6000 Uruguayan pesos, or approximately $126 U.S. dollars.
- Negative results from a COVID-19 test within 72 hours are required for entry into Uruguay.
Transportation Options:
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes
- Is public transportation operating? Yes
- Masks are required for public transportation, and strongly encouraged in public settings.
- Taxis and Uber are generally limited to three passengers at a time.
Fines for Non-Compliance: (if applicable)
- Fines may be applied to businesses or individuals who do not comply with COVID-19 protocols.
Consular Operations:
- Prior to making an appointment for Consular services, please ensure you are in compliance with all current COVID-19 protocols, as referenced on this page.
- United States Citizen Services: The U.S. Embassy Montevideo is offering appointments for passports, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA), and notary services. To make an appointment for a passport, CRBA, or notary please visit our appointment page for U.S. Citizens. We also continue to offer emergency services for U.S. citizens.
For U.S. Citizens issues please write to MontevideoACS@state.gov - Immigrant Visa Services: The United States Embassy in Montevideo is currently offering limited immigrant visa services including IR-1, IR-2, CR-1, CR-2, K1, K2, and DV immigrant visas. Notices containing detailed information about the current status of visa services worldwide and visa restrictions related to the COVID-19 global pandemic can be found here.
For questions related to immigrant visa issues please write to: MontevideoIV@state.gov - Nonimmigrant Visa Services: The United States Embassy in Montevideo resumed offering routine B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa services in October 2020. Appointments are available for other categories, including F1, M1, H-2A, C1/D, I, O1, O2, P1, P3, E1, and E2. Applicants for H1B, H2B, H4, L and certain J categories should carefully read the Department of State notice on the court order regarding Presidential Proclamation 10052 before requesting an interview.
Questions about nonimmigrant visas can be sent to: MontevideoVisas@state.gov
Local Resources:
- Uruguayan sources for useful COVID-19 related information:
- Official Statements regarding the COVID-19 situation in Uruguay (SINAE)
- Government measures to address the coronavirus health emergency (COVID-19)
- Uruguayan Ministry of Public Health.
- Uruguayan Ministry of Tourism and Required Documentation for Entry
- Uruguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Montevideo City Government – Health page
