Uruguay: Authorities likely to maintain international and domestic COVID-19-related restrictions through March /update 12

Event

Authorities in Uruguay will likely maintain the ban on entry for most nonresident foreign leisure travelers and certain domestic restrictions through at least March, as part of the nation's ongoing COVID-19 response.

International Travel Restrictions
Under the partial border closure, in addition to nationals and foreign residents, the temporary entry of certain foreign nationals is permitted subject to prior approval, for family reunification or labor, economic, business, and judicial purposes. Aircraft and ship crews may also enter. Officials also allowed Brazilian nationals residing at the border to enter if they remained in the border cities in which they arrive. Despite the continued ban on entry for most foreign passenger travel, cargo transport, humanitarian, and repatriation flights are continuing normally.

All arriving passengers must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival. All persons entering the country must complete a seven-day self-quarantine. If the traveler is staying in the country for more than seven days, the traveler will be required to take another COVID-19 test on the seventh day or to complete an additional seven days of self-quarantine.

Domestic Restrictions
As of March 2, officials have not announced any changes to the following previously established restrictions:

• Restaurants, bars, and similar establishments are required to close by 0200.

• Telework has been mandated at all public offices. The private sector has been urged to adopt similar protocols.

• Private meetings and gatherings are to be limited to groups of no more than 10 people.

• Shopping malls, commercial centers, public shows, and other nonessential businesses are permitted to open and with reduced capacity.

• Interdepartmental passenger transport will be limited to 50-percent capacity during peak mobility periods.

Authorities could further tighten, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on local disease activity. Highly targeted localized measures could be enforced in some areas assessed to be high-risk.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Resources

World Health Organization
Uruguay Coronavirus Updates
Traveler Authorization Form