Uruguay

Recommended Vaccinations For Uruguay

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is an intermediate risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies Vaccine

The risk of exposure to rabies is low, but pre-travel vaccination against rabies is recommended for travelers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travelers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Persons with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travelers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Uruguay

There are no recommendations for Uruguay at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Uruguay

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of hepatitis A in Uruguay through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Hepatitis B

There is an intermediate risk of hepatitis B in Uruguay.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever can occur in Uruguay.

For Some Travellers

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya may occur in this country.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites.

West Nile Fever

There is a risk of acquiring West Nile virus in this country.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Chagas Disease

The risk for travellers is extremely low. There is a higher risk if staying in poor quality housing that might harbour the insect that transmits this disease.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Uruguay, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies

Rabies has been reported in domestic animals and bats. Travelers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travelers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) are at higher risk. Long-term travelers and expatriates may come in contact with rabid animals..

Safety & Security in Uruguay

Personal Safety

Visitors to Uruguay should exercise the usual precautions recommended for travellers, such as keep valuables in a hotel safe, exercise care when withdrawing money from an ATM, do not carry large amounts of cash, stay away from poorly lit or isolated areas, etc. Avoid walking alone or at night. Keep your personal belongings secure, and do not display money or expensive items, such as jewelry or watches.

Petty crime does occur in Uruguay, such as pickpocketing, robbery, mugging, or theft from cars, particularly in Montevideo. The tourist police patrol Montevideo. Pay particular attention when in the Old City, the port area, Avenida 18 de Julio, and Plaza Independencia. There have been some reports of smash and grab theft from cars stopped at traffic lights.

Avoid the “Cerro” neighbourhood.

Traffic accidents are common. Drivers may not follow standard driving rules. Traffic may be disorganized, and many roads are winding and hilly.

There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Forest fires are likely during the summer months (December-March).

Although Uruguay has recently legalized the sale of marijuana by registered pharmacies for recreational use, only Uruguayan nationals in possession of a license may purchase it. Tourists are not allowed to buy marijuana.

In Uruguay, same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. Incidents of discrimination are rare.

Extreme Violence

There is a low rate of violent crime in Uruguay.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations occur frequently, but violence is rare to nonexistent. Transportation services can be disrupted, particularly on bridges connecting Uruguay and Argentina.

Avoid taking photographs of political demonstrations.

Areas To Avoid

Exercise caution in the following places during the tourism season as petty crime increases: Punta del Este, Rocha, Colonia del Sacramento, La Barra, La Paloma, Cabo Polonio, La Pedrera and Punta del Diablo. Exercise caution in the following neighborhoods: 40 Semanas, Barrio Borro, Bella Italia, Casabó, Casavalle, Hipódromo, La Teja, Malvín Norte, Marconi, Tres Ombúes, Villa del Cerro and Villa Española.