Most people are prepared to wait until the pandemic abates around the world before making any final decisions. But some are very keen to get out of the country where they are now and get to Uruguay as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Uruguay borders to remain closed to tourism for the austral summer
What are Uruguay’s entry requirements currently?
As Uruguay continues to have a relatively “good” pandemic, more and more people from around the world are looking at Uruguay as a safe long-term option for themselves and their families.
This is particularly the case with Argentines who are additionally facing severe economic issues in their own country. But many other nationalities are also interested. Surprisingly, even US citizens are seeing the value in having a Uruguayan passport, as this could allow them to travel to Europe.
Exceptions to Uruguay border closure
By Decree 104/20, the government confirms that the borders are closed until further notice to all people except:
- Uruguayan citizens
- People with resident status (this is being interpreted to include those who have already applied for that status and whose applications are pending), subject to some limited exceptions
- People claiming refugee status
- People coming to reunite with family members (including parents, spouses, partners, children under 18 years old or those with disabilities)
- Other humanitarian reasons not included in other exceptions, where properly justified
- Temporary entry for work, economic, business, or judicial matters where the Ministry competent in the particular area has given its consent and where the person must enter immediately.
60-min exploratory call: Is Uruguay a good fit for me?
A sixty-minute online exploratory call with Karen A Higgs, the founder of Guru’Guay–a internationally-recognised expert on the country–regarding your unique situation and needs. Ask all the burning questions you have!
Book your session now.
What to do if you don’t fall into these categories?
Unfortunately if your case doesn’t fall within these exceptions then you will have to wait until the borders reopen to enter the country.
There is another option, of applying for Uruguay residence from abroad via a Uruguayan consulate however it’s not without its complications.
For most people, it will make sense to wait until the borders reopen to come to the country, although nobody knows when that will be.
________________________
MORE READING
Uruguay borders to remain closed to tourism for the austral summer
The documents you need for Uruguayan residence
________________________
If you think you are eligible to apply for an exception, we recommend you contact Teuten Associates.
________________________
Mark Teuten is a British lawyer based in Montevideo since the 1990s. He has law degrees from both the UK and Uruguay. He can help you with your residency applications, setting up a registered company and other legal matters. Guru’Guay has recommended him to our readers who have praised his trustworthiness, clarity, prompt communication even over great distances and careful advice regarding courses of action.
This article is for information purposes only. Please consult with a lawyer as to your particular circumstances.
[Article created: August 3 2020. Last updated at the date above]
Related Articles:
Is Montevideo safe?
Montevideo is one of the safest cities in Latin America but it is still a capital city. Take the regular precautions — and you’ll be just fine. Read on.
How healthcare works in Uruguay
The cost of living in Uruguay is not low but healthcare is good and affordable. Find out how the Uruguay healthcare system works and how to be eligible.
Thinking of moving to Uruguay?
Over the last decade a growing number of Europeans and North Americans have been moving to Uruguay, a stable country with progressive laws. Find out more.
What you MUST know about sunbathing in Uruguay
A hole in the South Pole ozone layer means the sun in South America is VERY strong. You can get SERIOUS sunburn in minutes. Follow these tips during summer.
New vaccination requirement for residency in Uruguay
From 2018 the Uruguay Ministry of Public Health requires anyone applying for permanent residence to show proof of vaccination.
Why bother getting permanent residence status in Uruguay
Non-visa country nationals can live freely in Uruguay provided they leave for at least one day every six months. So why should you bother getting residency?
Hello,
My husband is Argentinian and I am a Filipina residing here in Uruguay. My Argentina residency is pending due to the pandemic. My husband is in Argentina now and not a resident here. May I know what documents he need to cross here? We tried calling immigrations in Argentina but they are close.
Thank you!
I already applied for my permanent residency here and just waiting for an update.
Thank you Mark!
Maria,
Are you here as a tourist or have you applied for permanent residence? In the former case you husband will not be able to join you here. In the latter he can apply to join you under the family reunion exception.
If you have not yet applied for permanent residence you could apply now and then ask for your husband to be allowed to join you. But there is a 2 month waiting list just to get an apppointment in order to apply for residence.
We can advise you further if you send us more details.
What great news for you, Maria! Thanks, Mark!
Update on travelling to Uruguay on dual citizenship and spouse of Uruguayan.
The Uruguay consulate in London have confirmed my boys and I can travel to Uruguay as Uruguayans, even though our Uruguayan passports are expired (we use our EU valid passports as travel documents).
My non Uruguayan husband can travel with a paper from the consulate. To get said paper we need to get a marriage certificate, apostillado and send it to the Uy consulate. Because we got married in Spain it’s in Spanish but any other language should be translated as well as apostillado. To get this in Spain I have requested electronically a marriage certificate (has to be in holograph paper) which gets posted to our in laws in Spain. Then I need someone (doesn’t have to be me) to book a face to face appointment at the Ministry of Justice in Spain to get the apostilla. Then we send it to the Uy consulate in London. Easy peasy…
Thanks so much for sharing, Marina. This will be helpful for Uruguayans who no longer reside in Uruguay. — K
I expect to arrive MVD on Copa 16/11. Doing the covid test, can prove I have insurance, and while my cedua is expired I have permission from the embassy in DC to enter the country. My question: What can I expect on arrival? I have an apartment in Punta but because of the arrival time, about 3am, I’d prefer to stay at the Hampton Inn near MVD until about noon rather than drive late at night.