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Print Version
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TRAVEL REPORT
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Last Updated: November 8, 2006 12:08
EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 23:17
EST
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| Uruguay |
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1. INTRODUCTION
Section 2 of this Travel Report has been updated.
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2. ATTENTION
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country if they are going to be there for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
Street crime such as pickpocketing, armed robbery, and muggings occurs with some frequency in Montevideo, particularly in Plaza Independencia, the port area, La Ciudad Vieja (the Old City) and Avenida 18 de Julio. Avoid the "Cerro" neighbourhood and be cautious when walking downtown, including in well-travelled areas. During the summer (Canadian winter), tourist police patrol the following Montevideo neighbourhoods, where most hotels are located: Pocitos, Punta Carretas, El Centro, La Ciudad Vieja, El Cordón, and El Parque Rodo. Uruguayan law enforcement authorities have increased the number of uniformed police officers on foot in areas where criminal activity is concentrated, and the number of patrol cars in residential areas. The clearly marked patrol cars are equipped with cellular phones, and the phone numbers are conspicuously painted on the vehicles.
The emergency number in Montevideo for police, fire and medical assistance is 911. In the rest of the country, dial 02-911 to connect with the Montevideo central emergency authority, which will then contact the local emergency service.
You should exercise caution when visiting towns bordering Brazil due to occurrences of petty crime, and not display large amounts of money in public. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times.
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4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Exercise caution and common sense when travelling by motor vehicle. The accident rate is high. Roads are often winding, the terrain is hilly, and most intersections do not have stop signs or traffic lights. Many cars are poorly maintained and traffic regulations are routinely ignored. It is advisable to buy gas near urban centres because gas stations may not be found for long distances. The main toll road to Punta del Este is good and well marked. The use of cellular phones while driving is prohibited.
You should exercise caution when choosing taxis in Montevideo. When possible, select one with three-point seat belts in the back seats or insist on sitting in front along with the driver. Taxis are equipped with a thick glass partition installed to protect drivers against crime. About three injuries a day are reported as people are thrown against the partition when the driver brakes suddenly or is involved in an accident. Injuries (usually facial) can be severe even in minor collisions.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
Droughts and floods occur. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
Customs authorities may strictly enforce regulations concerning the import or export of items such as precious jewels, gold, firearms, antiquities, medications, and business equipment. For more information, contact the Embassy of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay or one of its consulates (see Section 8, below).
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:
Uruguay - MONTEVIDEO, Embassy of Canada
Address: Plaza Independencia 749, oficina 102, 11100, Montevideo, Uruguay
Tel.: 598 (2) 902-2030
Fax: 598 (2) 902-2029
E-mail: mvdeo@international.gc.ca
Internet: www.montevideo.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Montevideo and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.
Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Uruguay is 000-419, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.
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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Uruguayan authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on June 26, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Uruguay. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.
Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required
A departure tax of US$10 is charged for travellers departing to Argentina and US$22 to any other international destination.
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Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
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9. MONEY
The currency is the Uruguayan peso (U$). U.S. dollars can be converted. Major hotels and restaurants accept credit cards. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
Uruguay (capital: Montevideo) is located in South America bordered by Brazil, Argentina and the Atlantic ocean. The official language is Spanish. Tourist facilities are available, but quality varies according to price and location.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
N/A
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
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18. ANNEX
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