Uruguay
Travel Destination – Uruguay
Uruguay is a welcoming South American destination known for its Atlantic coastline, historic towns, and relaxed lifestyle. Travellers can explore the vibrant capital Montevideo, stroll the cobblestone streets of Colonia del Sacramento, or enjoy beach destinations.
Uruguay is considered one of the safest and most stable countries in South America, with relatively good infrastructure and healthcare compared with many neighbouring nations. However, health risks still exist, and careful travel preparation remains essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
Before travelling to Uruguay, booking an appointment with a travel doctor is recommended. A travel health consultation allows your doctor to review your vaccination history, provide destination-specific advice, and prescribe any medications you may need.
Your travel doctor can tailor advice based on your itinerary, whether you are staying in cities, visiting coastal resorts, or travelling to rural areas. Ideally, schedule your appointment six to eight weeks before departure to allow time for vaccinations. If travel is imminent, a last-minute consultation is still valuable for essential health advice.
Insect avoidance
Mosquitoes are present in Uruguay, particularly during warmer months, and can transmit diseases such as dengue and chikungunya.
To reduce mosquito bites, wear long-sleeved clothing and long trousers, especially during daylight hours when dengue-carrying mosquitoes are most active. Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin. Staying in accommodation with screens or air-conditioning further reduces risk.
Food and water hygiene
Uruguay is famous for its food culture, including grilled meats (asado). A few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of gastroenteritis. Uruguay generally has good food and water standards, but unfamiliar foods and poor hygiene practices can increase risk.
Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Eat food that is freshly prepared and well cooked. Avoid unpasteurised dairy products and ensure meat is thoroughly cooked.
Rabies prevention
Australia is free of rabies, however, animals in Uruguay can carry the virus.
Travellers to Uruguay should avoid animals where possible. Any bite or scratch requires immediate medical assessment and may require treatment to prevent rabies. Pre-departure rabies vaccination may be recommended for travellers to Uruguay, depending on the itinerary and planned activities. A travel doctor can provide personalised advice.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Uruguay?
Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection spread through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice.
Vaccination is recommended for most travellers to Uruguay who are not previously been vaccinated, particularly those eating widely or travelling outside major hotels and restaurants.
Typhoid
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Typhoid is a systemic infection caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi. It is contracted through ingestion of contaminated food or water, causing high fevers, fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain and gastrointestinal upset. Food and water hygiene remain essential preventative measures, as well as a typhoid vaccine which provides three years of protection. This may be recommended by your doctor if you will be staying for a prolonged period or are at risk for other reasons.
Hepatitis B
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The hepatitis B virus can cause long-term infection of the liver. It is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. Transmission can occur through unprotected sex, sharing personal items like razors, and unsterile tattooing and piercing.
Hepatitis B vaccination may be recommended for travel to Uruguay depending on the length of stay and other risk factors. A travel doctor can provide advice based on your vaccination history and planned trip.
Routine vaccinations
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Although Uruguay has a strong public health system, infections such as measles, influenza, and tetanus still occur.
Before travelling, ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus, influenza, COVID-19, and pertussis. A travel health consultation can identify whether boosters are required.
Uruguay
Other health risks in Uruguay
Dengue
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Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that is present in Uruguay, particularly during summer months. Symptoms may include fever, headache, joint pain, and rash. There is no specific antiviral treatment, therapy is supportive only, so prevention relies on effective mosquito avoidance.
Rabies
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Rabies is carried by bats and some terrestrial animals in Uruguay.
Travellers should avoid handling bats and other animals. Any bite or scratch requires immediate medical assessment. Pre-departure rabies vaccination may not be required for travellers to Uruguay, but a travel doctor can provide personalised advice.
Gastroenteritis
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Gastroenteritis or travellers’ diarrhoea can occur in Uruguay. It can be caused by a virus or bacteria from contaminated food or water. Symptoms include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
Most cases are mild and resolve within a few days. Staying hydrated is essential, and oral rehydration solutions are recommended if symptoms occur. Seek medical attention if your symptoms are atypical, prolonged, or fluids are lost faster than they are replenished.
Non-infectious conditions
Deep vein thrombosis
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Long-haul flights from Australia to Uruguay increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis. DVT occurs when blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the legs.
To reduce risk, move regularly during flights, stretch your legs, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged immobility. Travellers with additional risk factors may benefit from below-knee compression stockings.
Safety on the roads and elsewhere
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Uruguay is considered one of the safest countries in South America, with a well-maintained road network and popular coastal destinations. However, travellers should still take sensible precautions when moving around the country, particularly outside major cities and tourist centres.
Road conditions in Uruguay are generally good, but traffic accidents still occur. Use reputable transport providers, wear seatbelts, and take care when driving in rural areas, particularly at night due to livestock on roads.
Beach safety is important along Uruguay’s coastline, especially in destinations such as Punta del Este, La Paloma, and José Ignacio. Swim between flags where lifeguards are present and be cautious of strong currents. Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical care and evacuation, is strongly recommended.