Uruguay: Current Travel and Safety Information for 2026

The travel and safety advisories for trips to Uruguay have been updated. The changes focus on the crime situation in Montevideo, information on natural hazards, and updated details on transportation infrastructure. Tourists and business travelers planning a stay in Uruguay should take a close look at these points to ensure a safe trip and stay.

According to available data, the capital, Montevideo, has seen a noticeable increase in crime, particularly in cases of robbery and theft, some of which involve the use of firearms. In addition to the Old Town and the city center, upscale entertainment districts such as Punta Carretas, Pocitos, and Carrasco are also affected, where armed robberies at restaurants are on the rise. Based on current reports, certain northern and western neighborhoods—including Villa del Cerro, Casavalle, Cerro Norte, Marconi, and others—should be avoided even during the day. Since April 2026, there has also been an increase in violent homicides linked to drug-related crime in several of these areas, a fact that should be taken into account when planning a trip.

Practical precautions are recommended for your stay in Montevideo: Walk in groups whenever possible, exercise extra caution, especially after dark, avoid wearing visible jewelry or carrying handbags and cameras, and opt for cashless payments. Important documents such as passports and driver’s licenses should be kept in a safe place and, ideally, backed up digitally—this makes it easier to obtain replacement documents in the event of theft or loss. In the event of a robbery, you are strongly advised not to resist, as the threshold for the use of violence is considered low.

Climatic and natural hazards also play a role in travel planning. Uruguay has a temperate, warm climate, but droughts, floods, and severe storms can occur throughout the year. During the winter months from April through August, severe extratropical storms are possible, while during the summer months from December through March, dry conditions can lead to brush and forest fires. Travelers should take local warnings, signs, and instructions seriously and keep an eye on weather developments throughout their trip.

Strict traffic rules apply in Uruguay, which also apply to tourists driving rental cars. There is a strict ban on drinking and driving; the speed limit in urban areas is 45 km/h; and the use of cell phones while driving is also prohibited. Police checkpoints are common, and violations are subject to hefty fines. In the event of traffic accidents resulting in personal injury, even negligent behavior can lead to criminal consequences, including pretrial detention. For safety reasons, nighttime cross-country drives should be avoided, and for taxi rides, it is recommended to book in advance using a trusted phone number and to note the license plate number.

Anyone planning a trip to Uruguay should take care of all necessary entry formalities well in advance. You can easily submit the appropriate visa application using our application form, while reviewing the overview of all visa types will help you find the category that best suits your travel purpose. This ensures that, in addition to the local security situation, your entry planning remains well organized.