Uruguay Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in Uruguay due to crime.

Exercise increased caution in Uruguay due to crime.

Crime is most common in these departments:

• Montevideo
• Canelones
• Maldonado
• Rivera

Violent crime occurs across the country. Crimes include homicide, armed robbery, carjacking and theft. These crimes can happen at any time and have affected U.S. citizens.

Criminals often travel in pairs on motorcycles. They may approach victims with a weapon and demand personal belongings. Armed criminals also target grocery stores, restaurants, financial centers, and small businesses. Sometimes innocent bystanders become victims. Review our Travel Guidance for Uruguay to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Uruguay

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Uruguay, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Street crime in Montevideo

Street crime happens in Montevideo, including:

• bag-snatching and pickpocketing
• mugging and robbery (sometimes armed)

You should:

• keep valuables, spare cash and credit cards in a safe
• take care using ATMs – where possible use machines not on the street (for example, in shopping centres or banks)
• avoid carrying lots of cash or wearing expensive jewellery
• consider carrying cash and bankcards in separate pockets and only carry the money you need

Keep away from isolated or poorly lit areas at night and avoid walking downtown or in the port area alone, especially at night and on weekends.

Theft from cars in Montevideo

Criminals regularly break into cars left on the street. Try to park in paid car parks or well-lit, busy areas.

Always lock your car and avoid leaving valuables, luggage, personal documents and cash in the vehicle. Do not drive with bags or other valuables visible, especially on the front seat. Thieves can smash windows and grab valuables at traffic lights and junctions.

Crime outside Montevideo

Crime rates are generally lower in other parts of Uruguay, but still take usual precautions.

Risk level

Uruguay - Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in Uruguay.

Regional risks

Montevideo - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Montevideo due to crime.

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. It’s more common in Montevideo and towns on the border with Brazil. However, during the summer (December to March) tourism season, criminals tend to move to tourist destinations such as:

• Punta del Este
• Rocha
• Colonia del Sacramento

Criminals may be on foot or on motorcycle. Those using motorcycles often work in pairs. The driver will approach the target at a traffic light, parking lot, ATM or hotel, while the other thief steals their wallet, purse or cell phone and escapes quickly.

• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times and ensure that the original is stored in a safe location
• Keep bags and valuables out of sight in your vehicle
• Avoid showing signs of affluence
• Carry only small amounts of cash
• Use ATMs located inside a bank or business

Montevideo

Be cautious when walking at night in downtown Montevideo, including in well-travelled areas. Petty crime, muggings and armed robbery are more common in:

• 18 de Julio Avenue
• La Ciudad Vieja (the Old City)
• Plaza Independencia
• Puerto de Montevideo (the port area)

Always exercise a high degree of caution in the following critical neighbourhoods:

• 40 Semanas
• Barrio Borro
• Bella Italia
• Casabó
• Casavalle
• Hipódromo
• La Teja
• Malvín Norte
• Marconi
• Tres Ombúes
• Villa del Cerro
• Villa Española

During the summer months, the tourist police patrol the following Montevideo neighbourhoods, where most hotels are located:

• El Centro
• La Ciudad Vieja
• El Cordón and El Parque Rodó
• Pocitos
• Punta Carretas

There is an increased presence of uniformed police officers on foot in areas where tourists are concentrated. Authorities have also increased the number of patrol cars in residential areas.

Burglaries

Burglaries occur in both occupied and unoccupied residences, even during the day. Houses are more vulnerable than apartments.

• Keep doors and windows locked
• Don’t open your door to people you don’t know

ATMs

• Be particularly cautious when using ATMs
• Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business

乌拉圭风险等级为蓝色（低风险）