Imminent reopening of Uruguay’s borders prompts numerous queries from Argentina

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Uruguay’s first phase of border reopening attracts property owners in the country who do not have a residence there.

With this reopening announced, there was a notable increase in interest from foreigners wanting to cross to Uruguay to settle there, reflected in an increase in the number of consultations in different sectors.

The National Directorate of Land Registers stated that some 90,000 Argentines own property in Uruguay. The Tourism Directorate of Maldonado (department where Punta del Este is located) believes that between 30,000 and 40,000 are located in Maldonado, the remainder are in Colonia and to a lesser extent in Canelones and Rocha.

Maldonado Mayor Enrique Antía said that he estimates that between 8,000 and 10,000 families will enter in the reopening’s first stage on September 1.

In addition, it was reported that before the pandemic Uruguay received between 20 and 30 residency applications per month. With the pandemic, they increased to 600 and currently stand at 700. In the first half of 2021, the consulate of Rosario processed over 570 residency applications – 300 in Gualeguaychú and 350 in Córdoba.

Javier Sena, president of the Punta del Este and Maldonado Real Estate Chamber, spoke on behalf of the Chamber’s members to say that, although many inquiries have been received, confirmations have been few. He believes that this may be the result of a lack of knowledge of the exact requirements for entry.

However, the requirements have already been confirmed in a decree issued by the government.

It is also true that most foreigners owning real estate in Uruguay are Argentines, a country where full vaccination barely reaches 30% of the population. Among the entry requirements is, precisely, to have both doses of any Covid-19 vaccine.

Another indication mentioned is the increase in the number of students enrolled in schools, most of them from Argentine families. The International College stated that it has received tuition and enrollment payments for 2022 from foreigners.

The increase in foreign memberships to mutual health insurance companies was also noted. Last Monday, one of the main health clinics in Maldonado, Argentines’ main destination, experienced a surge in demand through telephone calls.

Although Aerolíneas Argentinas will resume flights on September 14, river transport companies’ operations are still uncertain. With Buquebus operating a low number of crossings, more information is pending.

Returning to their country of origin is also uncertain for Argentines. The Argentine government has determined that between September 6 and October 1, the entry quota for Argentines will amount to 2,300 people per day.

Another issue Argentines will have to face when crossing into Uruguay is the exchange rate, reaching over 800 Argentine pesos to the dollar, more than 10 times the official rate in Argentina.

On the other hand, the Mayors of the Departments of Salto, Paysandú and Río Negro have expressed concern over the commercial impact that the reopening may have on Uruguay. Once the Argentine borders are opened, it could be attractive for Uruguayans to cross into the neighboring country to buy products 3 times cheaper thereby affecting local businesses.

SECOND PHASE

The second phase of border reopening in Uruguay will begin on November 1. At that time, foreigners will be allowed entry without the need to own property in the country, but requiring full vaccination against Covid-19. This will remain in force provided that the health situation remains stable after the first reopening phase.

With respect to unvaccinated minors, they will be required to quarantine once they enter the country.