Covid-19: Uruguay’s border reopening is now official

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Uruguayan government has published the Decree enabling the entry of foreigners who own real estate and can prove that they have been vaccinated against the coronavirus, including their relatives, as of September 1.

Accordingly, entry into Uruguay is authorized for foreign property owners and holders of corporate shares or stock and the beneficial owners of real estate located in the country, who can prove that they are immunized against Covid-19.

The decree states that “entry into the country of foreign citizens from any country is banned, except for the following:

“Foreign residents in the country. Aircraft crews and ship captains. Drivers involved in the international transportation of goods, merchandise, correspondence, supplies and humanitarian and sanitary aid. Diplomats accredited to the Uruguayan government or to International Organizations with headquarters in the country.

“Foreigners who benefit from the humanitarian or sanitary corridor established for the boarding or disembarkation of cruises, ships and airplanes based where the sanitary authority determines. Brazilians who, proving their border condition, enter the Republic through the Uruguay-Brazil border.”

Thus, the first step for reopening borders will be on September 1, 2021 and, from November 1, all foreigners will be allowed entry, if they have had full doses of vaccines against Covid-19.

“As of September 1, entry into our country will be allowed to foreigners who can prove they are owners, who are immunized and will be required to present a negative PCR test at the time of entry,” declared Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou.

As for other foreign tourists with no property or relatives in Uruguay, they will be allowed to visit the country from November 1.

According to Lacalle Pou, this is due to the fact that the government estimates that by that date over 75% of Uruguayans will have been vaccinated. In addition, tourists entering the country from November onwards will be subject to the same entry requirements: vaccination and a negative PCR test.