Exploring Uruguay: Travel Options For Mexican Citizens

Mexican citizens do not need a tourist visa to enter Uruguay and can stay for up to 180 days with a valid passport. However, it is important to note that crime is prevalent in Montevideo, with petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occurring frequently. Therefore, it is recommended to take necessary precautions when visiting Uruguay, such as keeping your belongings secure and avoiding displaying signs of wealth.

Travel from Mexico City to Uruguay

Mexican citizens can travel to Uruguay without a visa. However, they must have a valid passport, and there may be other requirements, such as proof of a return flight or departure, and possibly a background check.

There are several ways to travel from Mexico City to Uruguay. The fastest way is to fly, which takes around 14 hours and costs between $420 and $1,100. Flights go from Mexico City (MEX) to Montevideo (MVD), with some going via Lima or Sao Paulo.

It is also possible to take a car ferry from Puerto Madero to Puerto Montevideo. This option takes longer and is more expensive, costing between $450 and $800 and taking over 22 hours.

Another option is to drive from Mexico City to Uruguay. The distance is around 540 miles, and the journey takes approximately 10 hours. This is the cheapest option, costing between $90 and $130.

Visa requirements for Uruguayan citizens travelling to Mexico

As of 23 July 2024, Uruguayan citizens can enter 157 countries and territories without a visa or with a visa on arrival, including Mexico. This makes the Uruguayan passport the 23rd most powerful in the world, according to the Henley Passport Index.

Uruguayan citizens do not need a tourist visa to enter Mexico and can stay for up to 180 days. However, they must have a valid passport, and it is recommended that they check the latest entry requirements before travelling.

Upon arrival in Mexico, Uruguayan citizens must fill out an immigration form, known as a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) or tourist card, unless they arrive at and depart from the following airports:

• Cancun International Airport (CUN)
• Cosumel International Airport (CZM)
• Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
• Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR)
• Mexico City International Airport (MEX)

Mexico charges a fee of approximately USD 25 to all tourists and business visitors.

Passport Requirements

The Uruguayan passport must be:

• Valid for the duration of the trip.
• Contain at least one blank page for the entry stamp.

Customs Regulations

When entering Mexico, travellers can bring in the following:

• One of the following for those 18 and over: 10 packs of cigarettes or 200g of loose tobacco.
• Both of the following for those 18 and over: three litres of alcohol and goods to the value of USD 500 if travelling by air or sea, or USD 300 if travelling by land.
• Personal goods, such as clothing, toiletries, electronics, sports equipment, toys, and medicine for personal use.

Any amount of money over USD 10,000 must be declared to customs.

Average flight time from Uruguay to Mexico

The average flight time from Mexico City, Mexico, to Montevideo, Uruguay, is 9 hours and 52 minutes. This is based on a commercial airliner flying at 500 mph or 805 km/h. The total distance covered is roughly 4,680 miles or 7,532 kilometres.

This flight time is an estimate and does not include taxiing or possible delays. It is also worth noting that flight times can vary depending on wind speeds and other factors.

There are multiple airlines that service this route, including LATAM Airlines, Copa Airlines, and Avianca.

Travel advisories for Mexican citizens travelling to Uruguay

Crime and Safety

In Montevideo, Canelones, and Rivera, violent crimes such as homicides, armed robberies, carjackings, and thefts are prevalent. Criminals often travel in pairs on motorcycles and target unsuspecting victims, demanding their belongings at gunpoint. It is advised to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in poorly lit areas and tourist locations. Do not physically resist robbery attempts, and call 911 if you encounter a crime in progress.

When visiting banks or using ATMs, do so during daylight hours and avoid remote locations as criminals often target these places early in the morning. Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive jewellery or watches, and do not leave valuable objects in parked vehicles or in plain sight.

Health

There is a risk of hepatitis A, measles, hepatitis B, COVID-19, dengue, and chikungunya in Uruguay. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A and B, and COVID-19. To lower the risk of infection, practise safe food and water precautions, wash your hands frequently, and get vaccinated before travelling.

Transportation

Taxis in Uruguay are equipped with thick glass partitions for safety. However, injuries may occur during sudden braking or accidents as passengers can be thrown against the partition. Ridesharing services are also available and are monitored for safety standards. When using ridesharing apps, confirm the driver's identity and license plate before getting into the car.

Bus travel in Montevideo and around the country is considered safe and reliable. However, the Mexico City metro is often crowded and a common place for pickpocketing.

Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognised in Uruguay. However, this may limit the consular services that the Canadian government can provide to Canadian citizens.

Entry rules and requirements for Uruguayan citizens travelling to Mexico

Uruguayan citizens do not need a tourist visa when travelling to Mexico. Uruguayan passport holders can stay in Mexico for a short period of time (up to 180 days). However, they must have a valid passport on arrival.

Rules for entry and stay

• Tourist card (Forma Migratoria Multiple, FMM): If you arrive at Cancun International Airport (CUN), Cosumel International Airport (CZM), Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), or Mexico City International Airport (MEX), you no longer need to fill out the FMM. For other airports, you may have to fill out an immigration form manually.
• COVID-19 requirements: There are no longer any COVID-19 entry rules.
• Insurance: An insurance policy is recommended but not required. However, travel insurance with medical coverage is mandatory for visitors to Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit.
• Passport validity: The Mexican government requires your passport to be valid for the duration of your trip.
• Entry fees: Mexico charges a fee of approximately USD 25 to all tourists and business visitors.
• Driving in Mexico: To drive in Mexico, you must have a valid passport, driver's license, and international driver's license. The minimum driving age is 18, and the maximum legal blood alcohol content for drivers is 0.8 g/l.
• Customs regulations: You must declare currency of more than USD 10,000 to customs. Personal goods, such as clothing, electronics, and sports equipment, are allowed.

Frequently asked questions