Uruguay: Authorities extend most domestic COVID-19-related restrictions through at least May 30 /update 17

Officials in Uruguay extend most nationwide domestic restrictions through at least May 30 due to COVID-19 activity.

Event

Authorities in Uruguay have extended most of the nation's existing COVID-19-related restrictions on nonessential businesses, public services, and activities through at least May 30.

Despite the extension of these curbs, the government has eased restrictions for gyms, fitness centers, and duty-free shops. From May 24, indoor gyms and other sports centers are allowed to operate at 30 percent capacity, and groups are limited to an hour of indoor activity. Duty-free shops located near the border with Brazil will also be allowed to reopen with restrictions in place.

Under current directives, all government offices are closed except for providing essential services. In the private sector, restaurants, bars, and similar establishments must enforce capacity limits and are required to close nightly by 00:01. All casinos and clubs must remain closed. Parties, social events, and public shows are suspended. Nationwide requirements concerning the use of facemasks in public and social distancing are in effect. Residents over the age of 65 are encouraged to stay at home.

International Travel Restrictions
Uruguay's ban on entry by most nonresident foreign leisure travelers remains in effect. Entry is largely restricted to citizens and legal residents; certain foreign nationals may be granted temporary entry for family reunification or labor, economic, business, and judicial purposes subject to prior approval. Aircraft and ship crews may also enter the country. Brazilian nationals residing at the border may enter if they remain in the border cities in which they arrive. Cargo transport, humanitarian flights, and repatriation flights are exempt from the entry bans and are continuing normally.

All arriving passengers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test taken within 72 prior to departure for Uruguay. With the exception of travelers who have been fully vaccinated for over 15 days, all persons entering the country must complete a seven-day self-quarantine period. Travelers who are required to quarantine and plan to stay in the country for more than seven days must take a second COVID-19 test on the seventh day or complete an additional seven days of self-quarantine.

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.