Comprehensive Guide to Uruguay’s Tourist Visa

Visiting Uruguay? You’ll learn here exactly who must apply for a tourist visa, what documents to gather, where and when to submit your application, how much you’ll pay—including special reciprocity fees—and even insider exemptions for crew members, diplomats and select Chinese passport holders. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to secure entry without surprises.

What Is the Uruguay Tourist Visa?

Uruguay offers a short-stay tourist visa for nationals who do not qualify for visa-free entry. It allows you to stay up to 90 days for tourism, family visits or attending business meetings. Once issued, the visa is generally valid for six months from the date of issue, as detailed by the Uruguay Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Issuing authority: Uruguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Maximum stay: 90 days per entry
Visa validity window: 6 months from issuance

Who Must Apply—and Who Is Exempt?

Depending on your nationality, you either apply in advance or enter visa-free. Countries requiring a visa include many African and Asian nations, while most European Union members, the U.S., Canada, Australia and Japan enjoy visa-free status for 90 days, as outlined in the iVisa guide to Uruguay visa requirements.

Visa-exempt example: United States, Germany, South Korea
Visa-required example: Nigeria, Pakistan, India

Special Exemptions: Crew Members, Diplomatic, Service and Official Passport Holders

Uruguay grants visa exemptions under bilateral or operational agreements for certain categories of travelers. Crew members on airlines and ships may enter without a tourist visa if they present a valid crew member certificate or seaman’s book. Similarly, holders of diplomatic, service or official passports from specific countries—including Angola, Albania, Egypt and Suriname—can visit Uruguay visa-free under established treaties. Full details on these exemptions are available on the official site of Uruguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Chinese Public Affairs Passport Provision

Chinese nationals possessing Public Affairs passports may enter Uruguay visa-free for up to 90 days if they hold a valid multiple-entry visa to the U.S., U.K., Schengen Area or Canada and arrive via Montevideo or Colonia. This arrangement is documented by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Uruguay.

Step-by-Step: Applying for a Tourist Visa

Follow these stages to complete your application smoothly.

Required Documents

Valid passport with at least six months’ validity
Completed visa application form
Recent passport-style photo
Proof of onward or return travel
Hotel reservation or invitation letter
Bank statements showing sufficient funds

Application Procedure

Gather all required documents in original and copy.
Schedule an appointment at your nearest Uruguayan consulate or via VFS Global.
Submit your application in person or by courier.
Pay the applicable fees (see next section).
Await notification—collect your passport once the visa is stamped.

Timeline: Plan Ahead

All applications must be lodged at least 20 business days before your departure date. Late submissions can lead to denial or rushed service fees, so it’s critical to plan sufficiently in advance.

Fees, Including Reciprocity Charges

Visa costs vary by nationality and whether your country imposes a reciprocal fee on Uruguayan citizens. Standard charges include:

Basic tourist visa fee: USD 46
VFS service fee (if using): approx. USD 30
Reciprocity fee: Applied when your country charges Uruguayans a visa fee of similar amount

For the latest fee schedule and payment instructions, refer to the VFS Global Uruguay visa information.

Where to Apply & Visa Validity

You can submit your visa application at:

The nearest Uruguayan embassy or consulate
Authorized visa centers like VFS Global

Once approved, your tourist visa permits multiple entries within six months and a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.

Your Next Steps

You’ve seen who must apply, what exemptions exist, the documents to prepare, the fees involved and where to submit your file. Now you can:

Confirm whether you qualify for visa-free entry
Book an appointment well before your trip
Double-check your document checklist
Budget for any reciprocity fees

Getting organized now means you’ll breeze through the process and spend less time on red tape—and more time exploring Uruguay’s beaches, vineyards and historic towns.