Last updated: 24 Oct 2025
Uruguay
About
| Spend the day parasailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, sport fishing or lounging on Punta del Este's long sandy beaches, then party with the rich and famous at PAs South America's smallest Spanish-speaking country, Uruguay is often overlooked by tourists visiting the region. However, with its vibrant nightlife and stunning coastline Uruguay is well worth discovering. unta's glitzy casino and chic nightclubs. Get lost in a sea of street vendors at Montevideo's Tristán Narvaja market, just east of downtown. Every Sunday several city blocks are filled with stalls selling everything from antiques to jewelry to live birds. Soak in the many hot springs near Salto: including the remote and tranquil Termas de Arapey. Climb into the beautiful hills around Minas, visiting the source of Uruguay's popular Salus mineral water or basking in the rural tranquility of Villa Serrana; a tiny hilltop village. |
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| Capital: | Montevideo (MVD) |
| Currency: | Peso Uruguayo (UYU) |
| Language: | Spanish. English is spoken in tourist resorts. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 598 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT -3 hours (5 hours behind South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | From 1st Sunday in October – 2nd Sunday in March: UTC/GMT -2 hours (4 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best time to go: | December – March. January is the peak period for tourist resorts, and also the hottest month. December and March are the best months to visit. |
| Best For: | Colonial Architecture |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style round two-pin plugs and Australian-style flat, angled three-pin plugs are used. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Smoking is not allowed in public places. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Rural towns may not accept credit cards. Avoid making critical comments of the country or comparing it to other South American states. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Uruguay without incurring customs duty: • Goods to the value of US$150 (travellers arriving by land), US$300 (travellers arriving by air or sea from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay) or US$500 (all other travellers arriving by air or sea). • An additional US$500 of goods purchased at the duty-free shop on arrival, including 4L of alcohol (including 2L of spirits) and 4 cartons of cigarettes. Travellers under 18 receive 50% of the usual allowance. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Prohibited items include flammable objects, narcotics and obscene or pornographic materials. Restricted items include firearms, plants, fruit, vegetables, seeds, flowers, and animals and their products. |
Issuing Authorities
Consulate of Uruguay
Office W3 Brooklyn Court, 361 Veale Street, Brooklyn
Tel: 012 362 6521 / 2
E-mail: cdpretoria@mrree.gub.uy
Hours: 08:30-15:30
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 6; Mar 3-4; Apr 17-19; May 1, 18; June 19; Jul 18; Aug 25; Oct 12; Nov 2; Dec 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 6; Feb 16-17; Apr 2-3, 19; May 1, 18; June 19; Jul 18; Aug 25; Oct 12; Nov 2; Dec 25
Visa Requirements
Visas are not required by South African passport holders for tourism purposes, for a stay of up to 90 days.
To check if you need a visa: www.gub.uy
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Passport must be valid for 6 months after arrival date, with 1 blank page
- Onward / return flight reservations
- Recommended documents: proof of sufficient funds, proof of accommodation.
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Buenos Aires, Argentina
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio |
