South America
Is Uruguay safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Uruguay safe?
Safe by regional standards; most visitors meet only petty crime. Montevideo has rising robberies and gang violence in outer neighbourhoods, which rarely touches tourist areas.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-07-27.
- Homicide rate: 11.2 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 14.8 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
- Solo women: One of the region's easier countries for solo women; harassment is milder than elsewhere. Take usual care at night in Ciudad Vieja and Centro.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Bag snatching and robbery in Ciudad Vieja and the port at night
- Car break-ins and smash-and-grab at Montevideo traffic lights
- Strong currents on Atlantic beaches outside lifeguard season
- Gang violence in some outer Montevideo neighbourhoods
Laws visitors break by accident
- Tourists can't legally buy cannabis; sales are for registered residents only
- Smoking and vaping are banned in enclosed public places
- Any alcohol in a driver's blood can bring fines or jail
Safety by place in Uruguay
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Punta del Este | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Colonia del Sacramento | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Punta del Diablo | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Montevideo | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Uruguay safe for tourists?
Safe by regional standards; most visitors meet only petty crime. Montevideo has rising robberies and gang violence in outer neighbourhoods, which rarely touches tourist areas.
Is Uruguay safe for solo female travelers?
One of the region's easier countries for solo women; harassment is milder than elsewhere. Take usual care at night in Ciudad Vieja and Centro.
What is the emergency number in Uruguay?
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Uruguay
- Hoja de identidad provisoria (gub.uy)
- Speedtest Global Index: Uruguay
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.