Useful Information

ABOUT URUGUAY

Uruguay is a captivating and charming country, located in the Southern Cone of the Americas. Officially referred to as the Eastern Republic of Uruguay, it is virtually bordered by rivers, and its name derives from its geographical location with respect to one of these. It occupies a land area of 176,215 km2, between Argentina and Brazil being the second smallest country in South America. A size that belies its great natural beauty and agricultural wealth. It boasts 650 kilometers of coastline stretching south from the River Plate to the Atlantic Ocean. These waters of beautiful biodiversity form coves and open beaches that happen to be some of the most famous and exclusive seaside resorts in Latin America. It is a country with a gently rolling landscape, with no major natural features which makes the omnipresence of nature even greater and the perfect balance with its infrastructure that allows you to travel across the country and enjoy it. It has a very pleasant climate, in the whole scope of the word, with a warm spring and summer and a gentle winter, characteristics which are also distinctive of its people, friendly, approachable and welcoming. Uruguay’s genuineness surprises, its harmonious and entrepreneurial spirit, its ongoing commitment to a philosophy of life that seeks human balance, strengthening its path towards development always remaining people-centered.

HOW TO GET TO URUGUAY

By Air

The world’s main airlines reach the country’s international airports, with regional flights from and to Buenos Aires, Porto Alegre, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Asuncion, Panama City, Santiago de Chile and Lima. In addition, international flights connect us with the United States and Europe. The main airports include the Carrasco International Airport (18 kilometers from downtown Montevideo). It was inaugurated in 2009 and is considered one of the most modern and attractive in the world. From there you have easy access with direct buses to Montevideo. It is also possible to hire a transfer, take a taxi or rent a car at some of the rental companies at the airport.

By River

Frequent ships and ferries connect Buenos Aires with Colonia, Carmelo and Montevideo, enabling the transit of both people and cars, while numerous marinas provide access to private vessels. The companies Buquebus and Colonia Express arrive at the port of Colonia from Buenos Aires and offer packages with a bus transfer to Montevideo or Punta del Este. The former (Buquebus) also travels to Montevideo directly from Buenos Aires. The company Cacciola connects Tigre (Argentina) and Carmelo (Uruguay), and also combines packages that complete the Buenos Aires-Montevideo trip by land.

WEATHER AND LANGUAGE

Weather

Climate in Uruguay is temperate and humid (average in May 14 °C), with warm summers and quiteeven rainfalls throughout the year. Owing tothe country’s latitude (between 30ºS and 35ºS), there are four clearly cut seasons. However, there is a clear difference between the north and the south of the territory. The country’s furthest northwest region (Artigas, Salto, Rivera) is considerably warmer, with average temperatures ranging between 18-19°C and an average annual rainfall of about 1400 mm (the northernmost area has a typical “temperate subtropical”behavior). Instead, the South and East (Montevideo, Maldonado, Rocha, Lavalleja) are cooler, with an average temperature of around 16° C and annual rainfalls around 1000 mm (these areas have more characteristics in common with the “temperate maritime”).

Language

The language spoken in Uruguay is Spanish; on the borders, local people may be heard speaking Portuñol – a mixture of Spanish and Portuguese.

PAPERS AND VACCINES

What papers do I need to travel to Uruguay?

Foreign travelers do not need to go through any special immigration procedures; they can enter the country just with a valid passport. Citizens of neighboring countries are only required to present their national identity cards. The papers of minors traveling on their own will be specifically checked to ensure compliance with the emigration rules of the country of origin, which usually include the written permission signed by both parents. To be on the safe side, you are recommended to check it at the country’s diplomatic representations.

Do I need any vaccines to enter the country?

The country’s sanitary conditions are very good. Being there no epidemics or endemic diseases, no special vaccines are needed or required to enter the country.

Headquarters: (005982) 410.41.55 / Airport office: (005982) 604.03.20 / Web site