Sandwiched between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay is often overlooked by visitors. Carnival seasons, dynamic coastlines, exotic cuisines, what's not to like about Uruguay? Of course, you have to have a visa first to travel to Uruguay. Let's get to know them.
What is the visa policy of Uruguay?
The visa policy of Uruguay states the rules and regulations that foreign citizens need to follow if they are to travel to Uruguay. Almost all foreign citizens will require a visa to enter Uruguay. 85 Uruguay visa-free countries don't need a visa to enter the country and stay in Uruguay for 90 days. These citizens can enter Uruguay with an ID card only. • Airline crew members and citizens of any country born in Uruguay don't need a visa to enter the country • There are 18 countries holders of diplomatic or official/service passports that don't need a visa to enter the country • The nationals of China who hold passports for public affairs also don't need a visa and can stay in Uruguay for about 90 days • Holders of common Chinese passports don't need a visa to Uruguay if they meet the following requirements: - The passport must have at least 6 months left to expire. - The holders must have multiple-entry visas or visas, which must be valid for over 18 months in the Schengen Area, US, UK and Canada. - The holders must enter through Carrasco International Airport, Colonia Port or Port of Montevideo only.
Do I need a visa for Uruguay?
Yes, you need a visa for Uruguay if you plan to travel to the country. There are, however, 85 Uruguay visa free countries that don't need a visa to travel to the country. The foreign citizens of these Uruguay visa free countries can enter Uruguay without a visa for 90 days. These citizens can enter the country with only an ID card.
What are the Uruguay visa requirements?
If you need an Uruguay visa, then following the Uruguay visa requirements are a must. You will need to complete several procedures to convince the Uruguay authorities that you are eligible to enter Uruguay and pose no threat to its security and citizens. For an Uruguay visa, you need two groups of documents - the commonly required documents and the visa-specific documents that you need to have, depending on the purpose of your visit to Uruguay. The commonly required documents for an Uruguay visa are listed as follows: • Uruguay visa application form - The Uruguay visa application form must have all the details duly filled • Passport photo - A recent passport-sized photo taken within the last 6 months • Passport - You must have a passport with at least 6 months of validity left on the date you plan to leave for Uruguay • Photocopy - A photocopy of the passport's main page
What are the Uruguay visa types?
As of now, there are 7 Uruguay visa types that the Uruguay government offers to foreign citizens who plan to travel to the country: • Uruguay Business visa • Uruguay Tourism visa • Uruguay Work visa • Uruguay Student visa • Uruguay Family Reunification visa • Uruguay Humanitarian and Emergency visa • Uruguay visa for Congresses, Conventions and Seminars
How to get a visa for Uruguay?
To get a visa for Uruguay, you need to follow a few procedures. First, gather all of the necessary documents. Following this, book an appointment with the Uruguay embassy or consulate in your native country or at the one closest to your place of residence. Before your appointment, you can send the documents either by courier service or bring them with you on the day of your appointment. On the day of your appointment, you will need to interview with the embassy or consulate regarding your Uruguay visa application. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your life in your country of residence, your reasons for travelling to Uruguay, and the activities that you plan to engage in. After your interview is over, your Uruguay visa application will be processed, and you will get a notice when your visa is ready for you to pick up. Also, remember that you will need to pay the fee of the Uruguay visa - it differs based on your nationality. Now that the basics are out of the way, let's focus on the main question at hand.
What is the difference between Uruguay short and long stay visa?
Most of the Uruguay government's visas offer to foreign citizens visas valid either for 30 days or for 90 days. The Uruguay visas that are valid for 30 days are known as Uruguay short stay visas, and the ones that are valid for 90 days are called Uruguay long stay visas. The Uruguay long stay visas are of the following listed types: - Uruguay Work visa - Uruguay Student visa - Uruguay Family Reunification visa - Uruguay Humanitarian and Emergency visa Let's go a bit in detail. • Uruguay Work Visa If you plan to engage in paid activities in Uruguay, then this visa is for you. Also known as the Uruguay employment visa, this visa is a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. You have to enter Uruguay within this period and apply for residency in Uruguay before the visa expires. Note that you have to be at least 18 years of age if you apply for this visa. As for requirements for this visa, you will need an employment offer by the company or institution that's duly registered in Uruguay. You will also need a photocopy of the ID of the reference person in Uruguay. • Uruguay Student Visa If you want to complete an internship or wish to study in Uruguay, you have to apply for an Uruguay student visa. Also, a single-entry visa is valid for 30 days, during which you have to enter Uruguay and apply for a residence permit. There are certain Uruguay student visa requirements if you plan to apply for this visa. You will need registration's proof or the institution's note where you plan to complete your internship or wish to study. You will also need an ID of the reference person in Uruguay, and lastly, proof of funds to show that you can sustain yourself financially in the country during your stay. Based on your nationality, you may be asked for other supporting documents, but the above Uruguay student visa requirements are a must for all foreign citizens who wish to apply for this visa. • Uruguay Family Reunification Visa Also known as the Uruguay retirement visa, this visa is for those applicants who want to join a family member based in Uruguay; the family member can be a parent, spouse, older child or an underage child. The Uruguay retirement visa is a single-entry visa and valid for 30 days, during which you have to enter Uruguay and apply for a residence permit in Uruguay. To apply for this visa, you will need either a birth certificate or a marriage certificate duly legalized. An authorization from legal representatives is also a must if the family member is a minor. A photocopy of an ID of the reference person in Uruguay is also necessary. • Uruguay Humanitarian and Emergency Visa If you want to travel to Uruguay for medical treatment, death or health situations of a loved one, you can apply for this visa. This visa is a single-entry visa and is valid for 30 days only. As for the requirements, you have to show the commonly required documents, apart from other documents that state your purpose of travelling to Uruguay. As for the Uruguay short stay visas, they are of the following listed types: - Uruguay Business visa - Uruguay Tourism visa Let's get to know them a bit: • Uruguay Business Visa If you want to travel to Uruguay to perform business activities, you need to apply for an Uruguay business visa. A multiple-entry visa and valid for 90 days, this visa requirement includes having a letter from the inviter and a photocopy of the ID of the reference person in Uruguay. You will also need the company's letter for which you work, a travel ticket or reservation, and a medical certificate. • Uruguay Tourism Visa If you plan to travel to Uruguay for tourism or other recreational and leisure reasons, this visa is for you. A multiple-entry visa and valid for 90 days, this visa has requirements such as your hotel reservation, proof of income to show your financial standing, travel ticket or ticket reservation and a medical certificate.
