Important details about Uruguay visa

For most people, Uruguay is unheard of - some will think that they have heard it, but will think that it’s in Eastern Europe or Africa. Others will think that they have heard of it and think that it’s in South America, only to realize that they are thinking of Paraguay the whole time.

It’s an easy mistake to make, but we are not judging you!

Located in the southeastern part of South America, Uruguay is officially known as the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. Ranked as one of the most advanced nations in Latin America socially and home to some of the most beautiful scenery, there’s no reason why Uruguay can’t be your next-to-visit destination.

But of course, pay heed. You will need to take care of the basics first, which means, it’s time to take note of the Uruguay visa - after all, it’s one of the most important items that you will take as a traveller to Uruguay.

So, let’s get to know a few things about the Uruguay visa, shall we, before you decide to land up at the nation?

What is the Uruguay visa policy?

The Uruguay visa policy states the list of Uruguay visa free countries, from which the citizens don’t need a visa for Uruguay to visit the nation.

Unlike the citizens from the Uruguay visa free countries, all the other citizens will need a visa for Uruguay to travel to the nation.

There are 85 jurisdictions whose passport holders can visit Uruguay without the need for an Uruguay visa. They can stay in the nation for about 90 days, unless otherwise stated and extendable for all the citizens except the nations, Russia and Argentina.

The citizens of the above 85 jurisdictions can travel to the nation with an ID card only. The citizens can include all the classes of British citizens. They can stay in the nation without a visa for 30 days; the maximum period of stay is 90 days within 180 days.

The citizens of the above jurisdictions can also visit Uruguay without a visa, if they hold an MSAR passport or an MSAR Travel Permit, and they can make do with an ID card only to cross the border of Uruguay.

As per their travel document, the citizens of any nation born in Uruguay don’t need a visa to travel to the nation. Airline crew members are also exempted.

Citizens of 17 nations (including China), those who hold Diplomatic or official/service passports, they don’t require a visa for Uruguay. The citizens of China, who hold a passport for public affairs, don’t need a visa for Uruguay if they stay in the nation for 90 days.

The Chinese citizens who hold a common passport don’t need a visa for Uruguay if their passport is valid for at least 6 months before they arrive at the nation. After that, they must enter through the Carrasco International Airport, Colonia Port, or the Port of Montevideo only. They must also hold valid multiple-entry visas or other visas, which are valid for over 10 months in the UK, Canada, Schengen Area, or the US.

What are the Uruguay visa requirements?

If you plan to apply for a visa for Uruguay, know that you will need to complete multiple procedures to show the Uruguayan authorities that you are eligible to enter the nation and don’t pose a security risk.

The following Uruguay visa requirements are a must if you want to apply for a visa for Uruguay.

First are the commonly required documents that every visa applicant must collect, and second is the specific list of documents that you will need to collect based on your visit to the nation.

Commonly Uruguay visa requirements are:

- A Uruguay visa application form (complete)

- A passport-sized photo (recent)

- A passport, that must be valid for at least 6 months, before your intended arrival in Uruguay

- A photocopy of the main page of the passport

How to apply for Uruguay visa?

As mentioned before, to apply for Uruguay visa, you need to complete several procedures.

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you must book an appointment with the Uruguay Consulate or Embassy; you can also book an appointment with legal and verified visa services of Uruguay authorities in your nation of residence.

Note that if you plan to apply for a visa for Uruguay at the Uruguay Consulate or Embassy, you will need to attend a visa interview with a Consular officer, regarding your visa application. Simple questions will be asked such as your profession, the reasons for your visit to Uruguay, and the activities that you plan to engage in the nation.

The interview, once finished, your visa application will be processed. You will be informed once it is ready.

What is the visa fee for Uruguay?

The Uruguay visa fee depends on the applicant’s nationality. 

After filling up the Uruguay visa application form, many citizens need to pay a fee of $42 (US Dollars); there are many citizens of other nations who, however, don’t need to pay visa fee for Uruguay.

Note that there is an international departure tax of $31 (US Dollars) for those citizens who plan to leave Uruguay by air.

What are the Uruguay visa types and what are their requirements?

As of now, there are six types of Uruguay visa types:

- Uruguay Business visa

- Uruguay Tourist visa

- Uruguay Student visa

- Uruguay Work visa

- Uruguay Humanitarian and Emergency visa

- Uruguay Family Reunification visa

All of the above Uruguay visa types will require a specified set of documents if you plan to apply for one.

Uruguay Business visa

A multiple-entry visa, the Uruguay Business visa is valid for 90 days. To apply for one, you need the following:

- A letter from the inviter

- A photocopy of the ID of the reference in Uruguay

- A photocopy of the ID of reference of your nation of residence

- A letter from the company where you work

- A ticket reservation or a travel ticket from your nation of residence to Uruguay

- A medical certificate

Uruguay Tourist visa

Valid for 90 days, the Uruguay tourist visa is a multiple-entry visa. To apply for one, the following are a must:

- A proof of accommodation such as a hotel reservation

- A proof of income, to show that you are financially capable to sustain yourself during your stay in Uruguay as a tourist

- A ticket reservation or a travel ticket from your nation of residence to Uruguay

- A medical certificate

Uruguay Student visa

Valid for 30 days, the Uruguay Student visa is single-entry. You must take note of the following:

- A registration proof or a note from the educational institution, or private or public educational center, where you will study or hold your internship

- A photocopy of the ID of the reference person in Uruguay

- A proof of income to show that you have sufficient funds to sustain your stay in Uruguay

Uruguay Work visa

Valid for 30 days, the Uruguay Work visa is single-entry. To apply for one, you must have the following:

- The offer of employment by the institution or company, duly registered in Uruguay, including all the details of the institution or company in Uruguay

- A photocopy of the ID of the reference person in Uruguay

Uruguay Humanitarian and Emergency visa

For an Uruguay Humanitarian and Emergency visa, aside from the commonly required documents, you also need to show other documents to prove the purpose of your visit to Uruguay. Reasons can include medical treatment, court hearing assistance, death, or health issues of a loved one.

This visa is single-entry only and valid for 30 days.

Uruguay Family Reunification visa

Valid for 30 days, the Uruguay Family Reunification visa is a single-entry visa. During these 30 days, you need to apply and get your residence permit in Uruguay.

To apply for this visa, you need the following:

- A proof of the link that you have with the family member who you want to join. Marriage certificates or birth certificates are legally accepted.

- Authorization is required from legal representatives of minors under 18 years of age.

- A signed express consent is a must from the relative citizen. The citizen can also be a permanent resident or a resident in process. Proof of income is also a must.

- A photocopy of the ID of the reference person in Uruguay

Experts recommend that you check your visa’s validity with the Uruguayan authorities who will grant you the above visas.

How long does it take for visa of Uruguay to get processed?

For a visa of Uruguay to get processed, it takes about 14 days. However, it can be extended to a period of 20 days, in few cases.

Can the visa of Uruguay be extended?

The Uruguay Business visa and the Tourist visa can be extended - and you can do so for an additional three months. The visa application must be done at the immigration offices and should be done while the current visa is active.

For other Uruguay visas such as the Student visa and the Work visa, you need to apply for a residence permit, and which, you must do so within 30 days of your arrival in Uruguay.