Is Uruguay safe to travel to?

Uruguay is a popular South American destination, but it currently sits at an elevated traveler risk level (45/100) with an elevated advisory (45/100). Many visitors have a smooth trip in Montevideo, Punta del Este, and Colonia, but you should be proactive about personal security—especially around petty theft and common tourist scams.

What are the main travel risks in Uruguay?

The biggest travel risks in Uruguay are petty crime (68/100), tourist scams (58/100), and occasional civil unrest that can affect traffic or access to central areas. Violent incidents are rated lower (30/100), but theft from bags, phones taken in busy areas, and opportunistic pickpocketing are common enough that travelers should stay cautious.

What is the current travel advisory for Uruguay?

Uruguay is currently under a Level 2: Exercise increased caution advisory, with an advisory score of 45/100. This means travel is generally feasible, but you should take extra precautions, particularly in crowded neighborhoods, nightlife areas, and transport hubs.

What safety tips should I know before visiting Uruguay?

Use app-based rides or reputable taxis after dark, especially in Montevideo, and avoid walking with your phone out in busy streets. Keep valuables out of sight, carry only what you need, and stay alert around ATMs and on beaches where theft can happen quickly. If demonstrations occur, steer clear and expect temporary road closures.

Uruguay

Americas

Higher risk than 60% of countries. Main concerns: petty crime and tourist scams.

Government Advisory

Elevated

Level 2: Exercise increased caution

Traveler Practical Risk

Elevated

Confidence: high. Main drivers: petty crime, tourist scams, civil unrest.

Risk Profile

Score breakdown across 7 risk dimensions

🔓Petty Crime

Americas avg: 4768

🎭Scams

Americas avg: 5558

📢Civil Unrest

Americas avg: 5650

🚌Transport

Americas avg: 5150

⚠️Violent Incident

Americas avg: 4830

🌊Natural Disaster

Americas avg: 2824

🏥Health

Americas avg: 2418

Practical advice

✓Use app-based rides after dark and avoid displaying valuables in crowded areas.

Data Sources & Updates · Synced 5/10/2026

Government Advisory: U.S. Department of State

Advisory published: 5/7/2025 (by U.S. Department of State)

Our last sync: 5/10/2026

Indicators: World Bank Governance & Stability Indicators (2024)

Recent update: Updated 2026-05-10 from refreshed advisory and traveler risk indicators.

Frequently Asked Questions — Uruguay

Is Uruguay safe to travel to?: Uruguay is a popular South American destination, but it currently sits at an elevated traveler risk level (45/100) with an elevated advisory (45/100). Many visitors have a smooth trip in Montevideo, Punta del Este, and Colonia, but you should be proactive about personal security—especially around petty theft and common tourist scams.
What are the main travel risks in Uruguay?: The biggest travel risks in Uruguay are petty crime (68/100), tourist scams (58/100), and occasional civil unrest that can affect traffic or access to central areas. Violent incidents are rated lower (30/100), but theft from bags, phones taken in busy areas, and opportunistic pickpocketing are common enough that travelers should stay cautious.
What is the current travel advisory for Uruguay?: Uruguay is currently under a Level 2: Exercise increased caution advisory, with an advisory score of 45/100. This means travel is generally feasible, but you should take extra precautions, particularly in crowded neighborhoods, nightlife areas, and transport hubs.
What safety tips should I know before visiting Uruguay?: Use app-based rides or reputable taxis after dark, especially in Montevideo, and avoid walking with your phone out in busy streets. Keep valuables out of sight, carry only what you need, and stay alert around ATMs and on beaches where theft can happen quickly. If demonstrations occur, steer clear and expect temporary road closures.

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