United States entry requirements for Uruguay passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Uruguayan passport holders need a visa to enter the United States for tourism or business. You must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the U.S. embassy in Montevideo before you travel. As of 2026, there is no visa waiver or ESTA option for Uruguayans.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa (B-1/B-2 or other)You need to get a visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate before you travel. Visa required | Uruguayan passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to the United States. Apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate; the visa type depends on the purpose of travel (e.g., B-1 for business, B-2 for tourism). | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire for at least 6 months after you plan to leave the U.S. 6 months beyond intended stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the visa sticker. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the U.S. visa stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's a good idea to have a ticket out of the U.S. to show you plan to leave. Recommended | While not always checked, having a return or onward ticket is strongly recommended to demonstrate your intent to leave the U.S. before your visa expires. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsBring bank statements or a letter from a host to show you can pay for your trip. Recommended | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay, such as bank statements or a sponsor letter. No specific amount is required by law. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before you travel. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Uruguayan passport holders entering the United States. | Not required |
| ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)You cannot use ESTA; you must apply for a visa instead. Not applicable | Uruguayan passport holders are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and cannot use ESTA. A visa is required. | Not required |
Visa required — no ESTA option
Uruguayan passport holders cannot use the ESTA system. You must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the embassy. Do not book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive in the US. If your passport expires in less than 6 months from your planned entry, renew it before applying for the visa.
Overstaying is serious
If you stay in the US beyond the date stamped on your I-94, your visa may be cancelled and you could be barred from re-entering for 3 or 10 years. Always check your I-94 online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov after entry.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to ceac.state.gov and fill out the DS-160. Select Montevideo as the post where you'll apply. Upload a compliant photo (2x2 inches, white background, no glasses). Print the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll bring this to the interview.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 USD MRV fee at a Banco República or other designated bank in Uruguay. Bring your DS-160 confirmation number. The bank will give you a receipt — keep it safe. You'll need the receipt number to schedule the interview.
3
Schedule the interview
Use the appointment system on the U.S. Embassy Montevideo website (uy.usembassy.gov). Choose a date and time. Wait times can be 2-6 weeks depending on the season. If you need an urgent appointment (medical emergency, funeral), request an expedited slot.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy (Lauro Müller 1776, Montevideo) 15 minutes early. No electronics, bags, or large items allowed — there's a storage service nearby. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and supporting documents. The officer will ask about your trip purpose, ties to Uruguay, and travel history. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, the officer will keep your passport for visa stamping. Processing takes 3-7 business days. You'll get an email or SMS to pick up your passport at the courier location you chose. If refused, you'll get a refusal letter explaining why — you can reapply later with new evidence.
6
Enter the US
At the US port of entry (airport, land border), present your passport with the visa. A CBP officer will ask about your trip. They may also ask to see your return ticket and hotel booking. They'll take your fingerprints and photo. The officer decides your allowed stay — usually up to 6 months, but it's at their discretion.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Uruguay Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B-1/B-2 visitor visa
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$345 total (MRV + reciprocity)
Standard visa for tourism/business; multiple entries allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 visa application fee (MRV fee)Non-refundable, paid before interview. | $185 |
| Visa issuance fee (reciprocity fee for Uruguayans)Additional fee for certain nationalities; check current reciprocity schedule. | $160 |
| SEVIS fee (if applying for F/M/J visa)Only for student/exchange visitor visas. | $350 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application30%
Insufficient ties to home country25%
Inadequate financial evidence20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Uruguayan passport holders need a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visa to transit through the U.S., even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid U.S. visa or ESTA (not available for Uruguayans) may transit without additional visa.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International (JFK) · Los Angeles International (LAX) · Miami International (MIA)
Health & vaccines for United States
Required for entry
COVID-19Non-U.S. citizens must show proof of full vaccination to enter the U.S. (as of 2026, check current rules).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsider
Health risks
Zika virusLow risk
Rare in U.S., but present in some southern states.
West Nile virusLow risk
Seasonal risk in summer/fall.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Montevideo
U.S. Embassy Montevideo - Consular Section
Lauro Müller 1776, Montevideo 11200
Monday-Friday 8:00-16:30 (by appointment only)
Washington D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) - Potomac Service Center
not applicable for visa extensions
Monday-Friday 8:00-17:00
Practical information for UY travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
From start to finish, expect 4-8 weeks. The DS-160 takes about an hour to fill. Interview wait times vary — currently 2-4 weeks in Montevideo. After approval, passport return takes 3-7 business days. Check the current wait time at travel.state.gov before planning your trip.
No. All Uruguayan citizens aged 14-79 must appear in person for an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Montevideo. The only exception is for children under 14 or adults over 79, who may qualify for a drop-off application. The interview is a standard part of the process — plan for it.
You'll receive a refusal letter under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which means the officer wasn't convinced you have strong enough ties to Uruguay. You can reapply at any time — there's no waiting period. Address the reason for refusal (e.g., get a job letter, show more assets) and submit a new DS-160 with a new fee.
Yes, but you must apply to USCIS for an extension of stay (Form I-539) before your authorized stay expires. The fee is $370 (as of 2026). Extensions are not guaranteed — you need a valid reason (e.g., medical treatment, family emergency). Overstaying even one day can get your visa cancelled.
Yes. Uruguay is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, so even for a layover where you don't leave the airport, you need a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. The C-1 visa is cheaper ($160) but only valid for transit. If you plan to leave the airport during a layover, you need a B-1/B-2.
No. A US visa only allows entry to the United States. It does not grant access to Canada, Mexico, or any other country. However, some countries (like Costa Rica, Panama, and several Caribbean nations) allow visa-free entry for US visa holders — check each country's rules separately.
Bring your passport (valid 6+ months), DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, one photo, and any supporting documents: employment letter, bank statements, property deeds, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and previous visas. Organize them in a folder. The officer will ask for specific items — have them ready. No electronics allowed inside.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.