United States entry requirements for Uruguay passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 24, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Uruguayan passport holders need a visa to enter the United States for any purpose, including tourism. There is no visa waiver or electronic travel authorization available for Uruguayans, so you must apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before you travel. Start the process well ahead of your planned trip, as interview appointments can be booked weeks or months out.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visaYou cannot enter the US without a valid visa; the eVisa program is not available for Uruguayan citizens. Non-immigrant visa (B1/B2, etc.) | Uruguayan citizens must obtain a non-immigrant visa from a US embassy or consulate before traveling. The visa must be valid for the duration of the intended stay. Apply well in advance as processing times vary. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your planned departure from the US. Valid for 6 months beyond stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the immigration officer to stamp your passport upon arrival. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the US entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your travel itinerary to confirm you plan to leave the US. Proof of departure | You must have a return or onward ticket to a country other than the US, showing your departure within the authorized stay period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsAlthough not always required, having proof of funds can help demonstrate you can support yourself during your visit. Sufficient financial means | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay, such as bank statements, credit cards, or traveler's checks. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou will still need to complete the standard customs declaration process upon arrival, but no pre-arrival form is needed. Customs and Border Protection form | No separate arrival declaration is required for Uruguayan citizens; the customs declaration is typically completed electronically on the flight or at a kiosk. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationDo not attempt to apply for an eVisa; it is not available for your nationality. Not applicable | Uruguayan citizens are not eligible for the US eVisa program. You must apply for a visa at a US embassy or consulate. | Not required |
No visa waiver or ESTA for Uruguayans
Uruguay is not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, and there is no electronic travel authorization (ESTA) option. You must apply for a full B1/B2 visa at the U.S. Embassy in Montevideo. Do not attempt to travel without a visa — you'll be denied boarding and entry.
Plan ahead for interview wait times
U.S. visa interview slots in Montevideo can be limited. As of 2026, it's wise to apply at least 3–4 months before your intended travel date. Check the embassy's appointment calendar early and be flexible with your travel dates.
Overstaying is serious
If you stay beyond your authorized period, you risk a 3- or 10-year ban from the U.S. Always track your departure date and leave on time. Even a few days of overstay can have long-term consequences.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the CEAC website and fill out the DS-160. You'll need to upload a digital photo that meets specs. Save the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the next steps.
2
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee through the official payment portal. Keep the receipt — you'll need the number to schedule your interview and bring the receipt to the appointment.
3
Schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy in Montevideo
Use the same portal to book an appointment at the embassy located at Lauro Müller 1776, Montevideo. Wait times vary — check the current calendar. If you're under 14 or over 79, you may not need an interview; check the embassy's instructions.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and appointment letter. Expect security screening. The consular officer will ask about your trip, purpose, and ties to Uruguay. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Wait for visa processing and passport return
If approved, your passport will be stamped with the visa and returned via courier or pickup. Processing typically takes a few business days, but can take longer if administrative processing is needed. Track your status online.
6
Travel to the U.S. and pass through immigration
At the U.S. port of entry (e.g., JFK, Miami, Houston), present your passport with the visa. A CBP officer will check your documents, take fingerprints, and may ask questions. The officer decides your allowed stay (usually up to 6 months for B1/B2).
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Uruguay Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B-1/B-2 visitor visa
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$345 total (MRV + reciprocity)
Standard visa for tourism/business; multiple entries allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 visa application fee (MRV fee)Non-refundable, paid before interview. | $185 |
| Visa issuance fee (reciprocity fee for Uruguayans)Additional fee for certain nationalities; check current reciprocity schedule. | $160 |
| SEVIS fee (if applying for F/M/J visa)Only for student/exchange visitor visas. | $350 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application30%
Insufficient ties to home country25%
Inadequate financial evidence20%
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 United States
Transit visa required
Uruguayan passport holders need a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visa to transit through the U.S., even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid U.S. visa or ESTA (not available for Uruguayans) may transit without additional visa.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International (JFK) · Los Angeles International (LAX) · Miami International (MIA)
Health & vaccines for United States
Required for entry
COVID-19Non-U.S. citizens must show proof of full vaccination to enter the U.S. (as of 2026, check current rules).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsider
Health risks
Zika virusLow risk
Rare in U.S., but present in some southern states.
West Nile virusLow risk
Seasonal risk in summer/fall.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Montevideo
U.S. Embassy Montevideo - Consular Section
Lauro Müller 1776, Montevideo 11200
Monday-Friday 8:00-16:30 (by appointment only)
Washington D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) - Potomac Service Center
not applicable for visa extensions
Monday-Friday 8:00-17:00
Practical information for UY travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The timeline varies. After submitting your DS-160 and paying the fee, you'll schedule an interview. As of 2026, wait times in Montevideo can range from a few weeks to a couple of months. After approval, visa issuance typically takes 3–5 business days, but administrative processing can add weeks.
The application fee (MRV fee) is $185 for B1/B2 visas. This is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome. There are no additional embassy fees, but you may pay for photos, courier services, or travel to Montevideo.
No. The B1/B2 visa does not allow extensions. You must leave before the date stamped by the CBP officer at entry. Overstaying can lead to visa cancellation and future entry bans.
Yes. Even for a layover, you must have a valid U.S. visa (usually B1/B2) unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program — which Uruguayans do not. There is no transit visa exemption for Uruguayans.
You'll receive a written explanation under section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, usually meaning you didn't prove strong enough ties to Uruguay. You can reapply, but you must pay the fee again and schedule a new interview. There's no appeal process.
Some countries (like Mexico, Canada, and certain Caribbean nations) allow visa-free entry for U.S. visa holders, but this is at their discretion. Always check the specific country's entry rules before relying on your U.S. visa.
The visa itself is valid for up to 10 years (multiple entries), but each entry's stay is determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry, typically up to 6 months. You must leave before that date or risk overstaying.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.