Uruguay customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Uruguay's customs system is unique: every arriving passenger must present a written customs declaration—there is no 'nothing to declare' lane. The biggest financial trap is the flat 60% duty on the entire value of goods if you exceed the USD 800 duty-free allowance, not just on the excess.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Value included in the USD 800 goods allowance.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare if carrying UYU 350,000 or more (approx. USD 10,000) or equivalent in foreign currency. Use the 'Declaración Jurada de Ingreso de Capitales' form at customs.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 (or UYU 28,000). Above that, a flat 60% duty applies on the total value, not just the excess. Keep receipts.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with a medical prescription and prior authorization)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (unless with a special permit from the Ministry of Defense)
  • Obscene or pornographic material
  • Endangered species and products made from them (e.g., ivory, turtle shells) under CITES
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated items
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require a prescription and prior authorization from the Ministry of Public Health)
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals (require a phytosanitary or veterinary certificate)
  • Drones and radio transmitters (require approval from the Uruguayan telecommunications regulator URSEC)
  • Cultural heritage items (e.g., antiques, art over 100 years old) require an export permit from the National Cultural Heritage Commission
  • Satellite phones (require a permit from URSEC)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, all passengers must present a completed 'Declaración de Aduana' (customs declaration card) to an officer. There is no red/green channel. If you have nothing to declare, hand over the form and proceed. If goods exceed the allowance or are restricted, declare them and pay duties on the spot.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Uruguay does not offer a tourist VAT refund scheme for purchases made by non-residents.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 90 days are allowed without a prescription, but carry a doctor's prescription or medical certificate for controlled substances (e.g., psychotropics, opioids). Some common medications (e.g., codeine-based painkillers) require prior authorization from the Ministry of Public Health. Always carry original packaging.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy are generally prohibited unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. Processed and packaged foods (e.g., canned goods, chocolates) are usually allowed for personal use. Failure to declare can result in fines.

Rules worth knowing

Flat 60% duty on excess goods

If the total value of your goods exceeds USD 800, you pay a flat 60% duty on the entire value, not just the excess. For example, if your goods are worth USD 1,000, you pay 60% of USD 1,000 = USD 600 duty.

No red/green channel – all passengers declare

Unlike many countries, Uruguay does not have a dual-channel system. Every arriving passenger must fill out a customs declaration card and hand it to an officer. There is no 'nothing to declare' lane.

Cash declaration threshold in local currency

The cash declaration threshold is UYU 350,000 (approx. USD 10,000). If you carry this amount or more in Uruguayan pesos or equivalent in foreign currency, you must complete a 'Declaración Jurada de Ingreso de Capitales' form.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you must declare all food and beverages on the customs declaration card. A bottle of wine (up to 2 litres) is within the duty-free allowance if you are 18+, but mate tea is a food product and should be declared. If it's packaged and for personal use, it's usually allowed.
Yes, but you need prior authorization from URSEC (the telecom regulator). Drones with cameras or radio transmitters are restricted. Apply online at URSEC's website at least 30 days before travel. Without the permit, customs may seize it.
Since the laptop exceeds the USD 800 duty-free allowance, you'll pay a flat 60% duty on the entire value: 60% of USD 1,200 = USD 720. Keep the receipt to prove the value.
No, because USD 9,000 is below the threshold of UYU 350,000 (approx. USD 10,000). However, if you are carrying any amount in Uruguayan pesos that equals or exceeds UYU 350,000, you must declare it.
Codeine is a controlled substance in Uruguay. You need prior authorization from the Ministry of Public Health. Bring the original prescription and a medical certificate, and apply at least 30 days in advance. Without authorization, the medication may be confiscated.
Yes, but the duty-free allowance is 1 litre of spirits OR 2 litres of wine/beer. If you bring both, the whiskey counts as the spirits allowance, and the wine would be subject to duty. You would need to declare the wine and pay 60% duty on its value.
Yes, Carrasco International Airport has a duty-free shop in the arrivals area. However, purchases there count toward your USD 800 duty-free allowance. If you buy USD 200 worth of goods at the shop, you can only bring USD 600 worth of goods from abroad duty-free.

Official source

Dirección Nacional de Aduanas (Uruguay Customs)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Dirección Nacional de Aduanas (Uruguay Customs) before travelling.