With amazing beaches, great wine, the tango, and picturesque views, Uruguay is a great place to visit in Latin America. It’s the least corrupt country in the continent and is known as for gay marriages, legal abortions, and cultivation and sale of marijuana. Don’t know what to do and enjoy there? Here’s our guide in what to do in this charming country; Uruguay.

Though it is not a visa-free country in Central and South America for Philippine Passport Holders, getting a visa is quite simple. You can apply via e-mail at the Consulate of Uruguay in Manila and get your visa there if it is approved. Here is the guide on getting an Uruguay Tourist Visa for Philippine Passport Holders:

Other Articles You can Read:

Quick Facts About The Uruguay Tourist Visa

Validity: 90 days for a 180 day period

Number of Entries: Multiple Entry

Processing Time: 6-7 weeks

Where to Apply: Consulado de la República Oriental del Uruguay en Filipinas
Address: Unit 1412, 14/F Tower One, Philippine Stock Exchange Plaza, Ayala Avenue cor. Paseo de Roxas, Makati City, 1226
Email Address: cdfilipinas@mrree.gub.uy
Telephone: (+632) 848-61-12/13

Exemption: No Visa Required (from October 2019 - April 2020) to passengers on a cruise ship and the cruise ship should stay at the port

Uruguay Tourist Visa Requirements

1. Official Visa Application Form – fill the form digitally in English

2. Solicitud - SIGMA - fill the form digitally in English.

3. Valid Passport – scan a copy of the bio-page in PDF, the passport must be valid for 6 months beyond arrival date in Uruguay

4. Passport Sized Photo – with white background and recent, this must be in JPEG or PNG Formant

5. Proof of accommodation – hotel or lodging reservations, please indicate this as you reference person in Uruguay. Provide complete details such as the address, contact number, contact person and e-mail address.

6. Flight Itinerary - It is not required to pay or buy the ticket until the visa is granted. However, if your visa is approved, you need to present a paid flight ticket.

7. Travel Itinerary – a planned day to day activities in Uruguay

8. Police or NBI Clearance

9. Bank Certificate or Bank Statement

10. Letter of Request – a letter of request for Tourist Visa stating your purpose, departure date, length of stay, and activities addressed to:

Consul Marian Ong
Unit 1412, 14/F Tower OnePhilippine Stock Exchange PlazaAyala Avenue cor. Paseo de Roxas
Makati City, 1226

11. Visa Fee – USD 42.00 (converted to PHP on the current exchange rate)

Step-by-Step Guide on getting an Uruguay Tourist Visa

Getting a visa for Uruguay is relatively easy and can be done in 5 easy steps.

STEP 1: Fill up the digital forms as well as scan documents number 3 – 10 in PDF format except for the picture which should be in JPEG or PNG.

STEP 2: Send all documents through this email address: uruguayconsulate.philippines@gmail.com

STEP 3: Wait for the decision of the Consulate. They may contact you if it is already uploaded to the system and if they need additional supporting documents as well as an interview.

STEP 4: If the visa is authorized, follow instructions for payment. You will be informed of the bank account and the exact PHP conversion.

STEP 5: Go to the consulate with your passport, deposit receipt, and a copy of your paid flight tickets.

FAQS in Applying for Uruguay Tourist Visa

1. How much is the visa fee for a tourist visa?

Visa fee is USD 42; however, payment shall be made in Philippine Peso. The consulate will inform you of the exact amount once your visa is approved.

2. Is the visa fee refundable?

No, once it has been deposited in their account; it is non-refundable.

3. Is there an expedite visa?

There are no expedite visas, if you wish to go to Uruguay for urgent reasons, please contact the Departamento de Servicios Inspectivos (Visa Section) about the details of your trip. E-mail them at dnm-visas@minterior.gub.uy.

4. Where is the Consulate of Uruguay located?

Consulate of Uruguay in ManilaUnit 1412, 14/F Tower OnePhilippine Stock Exchange PlazaAyala Avenue cor. Paseo de Roxas, Makati City, 1226

5. I have questions, where can I contact them?

Here is the information with regards to the consulate:

Telephone: (+632) 848 6112/13
Fax: (+632) 891 9436
Email: cdfilipinas@mrree.gub.uy , uruguayconsulate.philippines@gmail.com

6. Do they accept walk-in applications?

No, applications should be done by e-mail. You may go to the Consulate if it has been approved.

7. How long is the visa processing time?

Regular processing takes 6-7 weeks.

8. How many days before my flight should I process my application?

Since regular processing takes around 6-7 weeks, then it’s better to process it 2 months before your scheduled departure.

9. Can I get my visa via courier?

No, you need to get it personally at the Consulate.

10. Is there an interview?

Not necessarily, but you may be called for an interview in case they see something wrong with your documents, or they want some clarification with the purpose of your stay.

11. Do I need a Paid Flight Booking?

As a requirement for a visa application, a reservation is required. Our Rent-A-Flight Service is the best for this. However, after the visa is approved; you need to present a copy of paid flight tickets for verification.

FAQS about Uruguay

1. What is the language in Uruguay?

Spanish is the official language of Uruguay. English is spoken and studied mostly in business and big cities; however, most Uruguayans are shy in speaking them. It’s better to have a little bit of Spanish knowledge when you visit.

2. What is the currency in Uruguay?

Uruguay Peso (UYU) is used in Uruguay. 1 UYU is 1.30 PHP.

3. When to visit Uruguay?

The best time to visit Uruguay is from December to February for summer time as it is great to go to the beaches. Festivals are ib January or February in Montevideo or in March at Tacuarembó. Dance Tango in October too!

4. Is Uruguay safe?

In Latin America, Uruguay is one of the safest for tourists. However, there may be petty thefts so be vigilant. But to be safe, I always recommend having travel insurance.

5. How to get to Uruguay?

There are no direct flights to Uruguay; you need to pass to have 2-3 stops in the US, Turkey, or other Latin America Countries. If you want to save, you might as well have a tour around all of Latin America.

Uruguay maybe is one of the smallest nations in South America, but it’s as beautiful as its neighbors. With lovely beaches and stunning landscapes, it’s a must place to visit in Latin America. You might as well get an Uruguay tourist visa to tour around all Latin American countries; like Brazil then Uruguay then Argentina. If you need to know the accommodation here are the Best Hostels and Best Luxury Hotels in Uruguay. Happy travels!