Uruguay customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Uruguay allows non-resident adults to import up to USD 800 in personal goods duty-free. Strict prohibitions apply to narcotics, certain meats, and unregistered firearms. Cash over USD 10,000 must be declared. These rules are current for 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Traveller must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Cash or equivalent instruments exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared on the customs declaration form.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 (retail value) are duty-free. Items above this threshold are subject to 60% duty on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with medical prescription and prior authorization)
  • Fresh or frozen beef, pork, poultry, and derived products (due to foot-and-mouth disease and avian flu restrictions)
  • Unregistered firearms, ammunition, and explosives
  • Pornographic material (defined as obscene or offensive to public morals)
  • Endangered species products (CITES-listed items without permits)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated media

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (require a medical prescription and prior authorization from the Ministry of Public Health)
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals (require phytosanitary or veterinary certificates)
  • Drones and radio-transmitting equipment (require authorization from the Uruguayan telecommunications regulator, URSEC)
  • Cultural heritage items (antiques, artworks over 100 years old need export permit from the National Cultural Heritage Commission)
  • Firearms and ammunition (require registration with the National Directorate of Weapons and Explosives)

Rules worth knowing

Temporary import of vehicles

Non-residents may temporarily import a vehicle for up to 90 days without paying duty. A vehicle passport (carnet de passages) or a deposit equal to the duty is required. Overstaying results in seizure and fines.

Duty-free shops at border crossings

Uruguay has duty-free shops at the Chuy border crossing with Brazil. Non-residents can buy additional duty-free goods there, but limits are separate from the airport allowance. Check local limits before purchasing.

Agricultural products inspection

All food products, including honey, cheese, and cured meats, must be declared and inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture. Failure to declare can lead to confiscation and fines.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if they are for personal use and the total value of all goods (including electronics) does not exceed USD 800. If the total exceeds USD 800, duty is charged on the entire amount above the allowance at 60%.
No, the declaration threshold is USD 10,000 or equivalent. Amounts below that do not need to be declared. However, if you are carrying USD 10,000 or more, you must declare it on the customs form.
No. The alcohol allowance is either 1 liter of spirits (e.g., whisky) OR 2 liters of wine/beer. You cannot combine both. If you bring both, the whisky will be subject to duty.
Medication for personal use is generally allowed without a prescription if it is not a controlled substance. For controlled medications (e.g., painkillers, sedatives), you need a medical prescription and prior authorization from the Ministry of Public Health. Carry medications in original packaging.
Yes, but you must obtain authorization from URSEC (the telecommunications regulator) before arrival. Drones are considered radio-transmitting equipment. Without authorization, they may be confiscated.
If customs finds undeclared goods exceeding the allowance, they will be confiscated and you may face a fine of up to 100% of the goods' value. Repeated offenses can lead to legal action.

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.