Uruguay

Is Uruguay safe to visit?

Yes. Uruguay is one of the most stable and least risky countries in South America: the Global Peace IndexGlobal Peace IndexAn annual ranking of 163 countries by how peaceful they are, based on conflict, crime, militarisation and political instability.More in the glossary 2026 ranks it 43rd of 163 and first on the continent, there is no terrorism to speak of, and there are no earthquakes, volcanoes or hurricanes. Most visitors spend their time in Montevideo, Colonia and the beach towns around Punta del Este without trouble.

The surprise is the murder rate. Uruguay recorded 369 murders in 2025, a rate of 10.3 per 100,000, according to InSight Crime. That is nearly twice the rate in Chile and almost three times that of Argentina across the river. We score Uruguay 69, just above Chile, because its low natural and political risks offset the higher crime.

Why are homicides rising in Uruguay?

InSight Crime links the violence to Uruguay's role as a transit country in the cocaine trade and to gangs fighting over local drug markets. It is concentrated: the US advisoryUS travel advisoryThe US State Department's rating of each country from Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) to Level 4 (do not travel).More in the glossary names Montevideo, Canelones (the department around the capital), Maldonado and Rivera on the Brazilian border as the departments with most crime.

The 2025 rate was slightly down on 2024, but 2026 has started badly. The interior ministry's statistics unit counted 195 homicides from January to June 2026, 6.6% more than a year earlier and the highest first-half total since 2015. Three in four were shootings, up from 64% a year earlier. The same bulletin shows that overall crime fell: robberies were down 4% and thefts 7.5%.

For visitors, theft is a far more likely problem than violence. But the US says innocent bystanders have been hurt, and armed robbers target shops, restaurants and banks.

Street crime in Montevideo

The crime visitors are likely to meet is theft. The FCDOFCDO travel adviceThe UK government's travel advice for each country, which can advise against all travel or all but essential travel to specific areas.More in the glossary lists bag snatching, pickpocketing and mugging, sometimes armed, in Montevideo. The US adds that robbers often ride in pairs on motorbikes and approach victims with a weapon.

Where to take care:

• Ciudad Vieja and the port area at night. The old town is lively by day but empties after dark, especially at weekends. The FCDO advises against walking there alone at night.
• Parked cars. Thieves break into cars on the street regularly. Use paid car parks.
• Traffic lights. Thieves smash windows to grab bags from the front seat. Keep valuables out of sight while driving.
• ATMs. Use machines inside banks or shopping centres.
• Tres Cruces bus terminal. There are security patrols, but watch your luggage.

Outside Montevideo, crime rates are generally lower, according to the FCDO.

Roads: the bigger statistical risk

More people die on Uruguay's roads than are murdered. The national road safety agency, UNASEV, counted 471 road deaths in 2025, 8.5% more than in 2024, a rate of 13.5 per 100,000. Half of those killed were on motorbikes.

The main toll roads from Colonia to Montevideo and on to Punta del Este are in good condition, but the FCDOFCDO travel adviceThe UK government's travel advice for each country, which can advise against all travel or all but essential travel to specific areas.More in the glossary describes driving standards as poor and traffic as disorganised. Rural roads can deteriorate suddenly. Drive with dipped headlights on during the day (it is the law), never drink at all before driving, and take extra care on two-lane roads at night.

Health and weather

Health risks are low. Medical care in Montevideo is good but expensive, so get insurance that covers treatment and repatriation. Dengue occurs in summer, and the sun is strong; UV levels are high even on cool days.

Natural hazards are limited to storms that can last two or three days and cause flooding, and forest fires in dry areas between December and March. On the beaches, lifeguards work from December to March; red flags mean currents, rocks or sudden drops.

How to stay safe in Uruguay

• Take a taxi or app car after dark in Montevideo, especially around Ciudad Vieja.
• Never leave bags in a parked car, or on the seat while driving.
• Withdraw cash inside banks or shopping centres.
• Watch for motorbikes when crossing streets, including on one-way streets.
• Swim only at beaches with lifeguards in season.
• Emergency number: 911.

How we scored it

Natural hazards (85), conflict (86) and health (84) are Uruguay's strengths. Violent crime (55) is the weakest factor, reflecting a homicide rateHomicide rateThe number of people killed on purpose each year for every 100,000 residents. It is the most comparable crime figure between countries.More in the glossary above 10 per 100,000 that rose again in early 2026. Road safety (58) and petty crime (58) are moderate. Confidence is high because both crime and road data are official and recent.