Uruguay entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadians can visit Uruguay without a visa for up to 90 days. You just need a valid passport. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid only for the length of your stay in Uruguay. Airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Uruguay | Immigration officers at Carrasco Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight reservation ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You may be asked where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can ask for evidence of sufficient funds. A credit card or bank statement showing a few hundred dollars is usually enough. | Recommended |
No visa needed, but be prepared
You don't need a visa, but immigration can still deny entry if you can't show a return ticket or your passport is too close to expiry. Have everything ready.
Passport validity is strict
Uruguay requires 6 months of passport validity from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — if you're short, you won't fly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Carrasco International Airport (MVD) or any land border crossing, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Get stamped in
The officer stamps your passport with a 90-day entry. Check the stamp before walking away — make sure the date is correct.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from baggage claim and walk through customs. No arrival declaration form needed.
Download Uruguay Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not required for Canadians)
Canadians do not need a visa for tourism; this option is for those who want a formal visa for other purposes.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year from issue
CostFree (not required for Canadians)
Canadians do not need a visa for tourism; this option is for those who want a formal visa for other purposes.
Long-stay visa (residencia temporaria)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
CostApproximately $150 USD (processing fee)
Requires proof of income, clean criminal record, and health insurance. Allows longer stays and work.
retirement visa
Residencia Permanente para Jubilados (Retirement Visa)
Permanent residency after 2 years temporary
~$150 USD processing fee + proof of pension income
For retirees with a stable pension (minimum ~$1,500 USD/month). Requires health insurance and clean criminal record. Allows indefinite stay and work.
digital nomad visa
Residencia Temporaria para Trabajadores Remotos (Digital Nomad Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD processing fee
For remote workers with foreign income (minimum ~$1,500 USD/month). Requires health insurance and proof of remote employment. Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
investor visa
Residencia por Inversión (Investor Visa)
Permanent residency after 2 years temporary
~$150 USD processing fee + minimum investment of ~$100,000 USD
For investors in real estate, business, or government bonds. Requires proof of investment and clean criminal record. Fast track to permanent residency.
work visa
Residencia Temporaria por Trabajo (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD processing fee
For those with a job offer from a Uruguayan employer. Requires work contract and employer sponsorship. Allows stay and work in Uruguay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourism; no visa required. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers tourism; no visa required. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; no official cap published. | Approximately $10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Uruguay
No transit visa needed
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at any Uruguayan airport, even if leaving the airside transit area.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsCarrasco International Airport (MVD) · Punta del Este Airport (PDP)
Health & vaccines for Uruguay
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in northern regions; use mosquito repellent.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Rare cases reported; same prevention as dengue.
ZikaLow risk
Low risk; pregnant women should take precautions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Montevideo
Dirección Nacional de Migración
Misiones 1513, Montevideo
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions, residency applications, and overstay payments. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Punta del Este
Oficina de Migración de Punta del Este
Av. Gorlero y Calle 28, Punta del Este
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Handles basic immigration services for tourists; limited capacity for complex cases.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalMontevideo
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyUruguayan peso (UYU)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 39.78 UYU
Time zone
Local timeUTC-3
vs New York+2h
vs Los Angeles+5h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,F,LTypes C (Europlug), F (Schuko), and L (Italian) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave Uruguay (e.g., cross into Argentina for a day) and come back. But immigration may question frequent re-entries. Best to plan your trip within 90 days.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Uruguay requires 6 months of validity from your entry date. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, an onward ticket to any destination works. It just proves you're leaving Uruguay within the allowed period. A bus ticket to Argentina or a flight to Brazil is fine.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Uruguay can be high — a simple hospital visit can run hundreds of dollars. Get insurance to cover yourself.
No, Uruguay does not require an arrival declaration for Canadian passport holders. Just walk through immigration with your passport and documents.
Technically, the visa-free entry is for tourism only. Remote work for a foreign employer is usually tolerated, but it's a grey area. If you plan to work for a Uruguayan company, you'd need a work visa. For short-term remote work, most travellers do it without issues.
Overstaying can result in fines, a ban from re-entering Uruguay, or both. The fine is calculated per day over. Avoid it by leaving on time or applying for an extension before your 90 days are up (though extensions are not granted).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.