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.
Get alerted when this changesLawLert pings you if Uruguay's laws change. Free.Get the free appCannabis
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 — UruguayMedications
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 — UruguayCustoms & Cash
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 — UruguayImports & Customs
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 — UruguayDriving
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 — UruguayA 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 — UruguayLGBTQ+ Safety
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