Uruguay: Authorities to ease some domestic COVID-19 restrictions from July 5 /update 22

Uruguay extends COVID-19-related domestic restrictions until July 4; some controls to be eased starting July 5.

Event

Authorities in Uruguay have extended the nation's existing COVID-19-related restrictions on nonessential businesses, public services, and activities until July 4; however, certain controls will be eased from July 5.

Until July 4, public shows, social events, and parties remain suspended. Under current directives, all government offices remain closed except for those providing essential services. The government also continues to strongly encourage remote working when possible. In the private sector, restaurants, bars, and similar establishments must comply with capacity limits and follow protocols. Duty-free shops located near the border with Brazil are allowed to operate with restrictions in place. All casinos and clubs must remain closed. Nationwide requirements concerning social distancing and the use of facemasks in public are in effect. Residents over the age of 65 are encouraged to stay at home.

From July 5, authorities will allow public shows, parties, social events, and amateur sports activities to resume as long as they follow strict protocols. Additionally, cinemas will reopen nationwide except in the departments of Montevideo, Canelones, and Maldonado, where they may reopen on July 15. The government will continue to encourage working from home when possible until further notice and facemask and social distancing requirements will remain in place.

International Travel Restrictions
Uruguay's ban on entry by most nonresident foreign leisure travelers remains in effect. Entry is largely restricted to citizens and legal residents; certain foreign nationals may be granted temporary entry for family reunification or for employment, economic, business, humanitarian work, and judicial purposes subject to prior approval. Aircraft and ship crews may also enter the country. Brazilian nationals residing at the border may enter if they remain in the border cities in which they arrive. Cargo transport, humanitarian flights, and repatriation flights are exempt from the entry bans and are operating normally.

All arriving passengers must present a negative result from an RT-PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure for Uruguay. Travelers must also present medical insurance with COVID-19 coverage and an affidavit confirming the absence of any COVID-19 symptoms and that they have not been in contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in the 14 days before departure. With the exception of travelers who have been fully vaccinated for over 15 days, all persons entering the country must complete a seven-day self-quarantine period. Travelers who are required to quarantine and plan to stay in the country for more than seven days must take a second COVID-19 test on the seventh day to end their isolation period or complete an additional seven days of self-quarantine.

Authorities could further tighten, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on local disease activity. Targeted local measures could be enforced in some areas assessed to be high risk.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.