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Uruguay

The laws most likely to catch a visitor off guard. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.

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Cannabis

PROHIBITED

Uruguay's legal cannabis system is restricted to citizens and permanent residents only; tourists may not legally purchase or consume marijuana and risk arrest and prosecution.

Arrest and prosecution possible.

§ US State Dept — Uruguay

Medications

GOOD TO KNOW

There is no restriction on the types of medication you may bring into Uruguay for personal use, but carry it in its original packaging with your doctor's prescription and bring enough for your whole stay.

§ US State Dept — Uruguay

Customs & Cash

RESTRICTED

You may carry up to USD 10,000 in or out of Uruguay without declaring it; any greater amount must be declared to Uruguay's customs authorities.

§ US State Dept — Uruguay

Imports & Customs

RESTRICTED

Uruguayan customs strictly regulate bringing in precious jewels, gold, firearms, pornography, flammable articles, acids, prohibited drugs, plants, seeds, foodstuffs, antiquities and business equipment, though tourists may import personal effects duty-free.

Travellers bringing commercial goods must declare them at the port of entry or face possible detention, seizure of the goods and criminal charges.

§ US State Dept — Uruguay

Driving

PROHIBITED

Uruguay enforces a zero blood-alcohol limit: if you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system you can be fined, have your licence suspended or face imprisonment.

A fine and possible imprisonment, a driving suspension or a community work order; you will also be fined if found driving under the influence of drugs.

§ UK FCDO — Uruguay
CONDITIONAL

A foreign photocard driving licence is valid in Uruguay for your first 90 days (after that you must get a Uruguayan licence), and the law requires seat belts front and back, a first aid kit in the car, and dipped headlights during the day.

After 90 days you must hold a Uruguayan driving licence.

§ UK FCDO — Uruguay

LGBTQ+ Safety

GOOD TO KNOW

Same-sex marriage and civil unions are legal in Uruguay, anti-discrimination laws apply, and hostility or discrimination towards LGBT+ visitors is rare.

§ UK FCDO — Uruguay
LawLert is an independent app and is not affiliated with any government. It summarizes laws from official government and U.S. State Department sources for general information only. This is not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm with official sources and local authorities before you travel.