Uruguay
Cultural and commercial ties between the Oriental Republic of Uruguay and Europe trace back hundreds of years ago. Among the original Member Countries that contributed to the foundation of United Nations Organization (UN) in 1945, the twentieth century marked a diplomatic turning point for the international standing and recognition of Uruguay throughout the world.
ETIAS for Citizens of Uruguay: main terms
Uruguay Nationals will be eligible for ETIAS starting from 2025
ETIAS candidates to have a valid passport issued by the Oriental Republic of Uruguay
ETIAS required for business, leisure, transit and medical care trips to 34 countries across Europe
Duration of stay in the ETIAS Member Countries combined must never exceed 90 days within 6 months.
Electronic application and outcome delivery system
Cultural and economical bonds between Uruguay and Europe
Cultural and commercial ties between the Oriental Republic of Uruguay and Europe trace back hundreds of years ago. Among the original Member Countries that contributed to the foundation of United Nations Organization (UN) in 1945, the twentieth century marked a diplomatic turning point for the international standing and recognition of Uruguay throughout the world.
This prestigious reputation Uruguay gained particularly in the post-World War 2 era was, together with the aforementioned cultural and trading heritage ties, of radical importance in the obtaining of Visa Waiver Rights to its citizens travelling towards Europe in its broader sense.On Uruguay’s Visa Waiver rights to Europe
These Visa Waiver rights allow to this day Uruguay Nationals to visit at least 34 destinations in Europe for either leisure, business, transit or medical treatment for a maximum stay of 90 days in 6 months. Form early 2024 this will change since a valid ETIAS Visa Waiver will be also required to those willing to visit European Union and Schengen Area Nations (Ireland excluded) for short term travels.
Although this one more document will be necessary in order to arrange the trip to the EU/ Schengen Area for citizens of Uruguay, the application process for the new Visa Waiver named ETIAS has been confirmed to be a fast and swift procedure.
Also, the ETIAS System will allow for faster and more secure border control checks upon arrival in Europe and diminish the rate of cases of border rejections. Moreover, this provision is expected to enhance the economic and cultural connections between EU itself and Visa Waiver Countries while also granting a better protection of the Schengen Area Borders. More on the benefits of ETIAS system here.To apply for ETIAS Visa Waiver
All applicants will be required to electronically input their personal information, planned trip to ETIAS Area information and answer a few background checks question to perfect their form.
The application feedback, in most cases positive, will be sent via e-mail to the petitioners from Uruguay in usually no longer than 72 hours.
All candidates must than make sure they received the ETIAS approval before their departure towards the EU and they must also always make sure that their passport validity will be able to cover for the whole stay of their planned trip to the ETIAS Area.
Once issued the ETIAS Visa Waiver for Nationals of Uruguay is valid for 3 years or until the passport expiry date (if occurring in less than 3 years).
Each ETIAS issued to Citizens of Uruguay allows for multiple entries in the Schengen Area while always complying with the general limitations concerning purpose and duration of the trip and provided that the visitor’s passport has a remaining validity of at least three months throughout the entire stay in ETIAS Area in its entirety.Travelling on a valid ETIAS
Upon arrival in Europe, Uruguay travelers can be asked to provide supplementary documents to assess purpose and planned duration of the trip such as:
- return ticket to origin country
- onward ticket to another country not belonging to ETIAS Area
- proof of sufficient funds to support the whole travel in Europe
- travel health insurance
The only allowed travel purposes covered by ETIAS are Commerce/Trade, Tourism, Transit and Medical Treatment. Those that are willing to study, work or reunite with their family in an ETIAS country will still be required to apply for a specific Consular Visa at the relevant Embassy or Consulate of the Country they wish to visit.
Even though ETIAS is not fit for long term study and family reunion in the EU, ETIAS Visa Waiver can be used for short term study programs and family visits respectively if the stay in the ETIAS countries area will not pass the limit of 90 days within 6 months.