Uruguay to waive mandatory second PCR test 7 days after entering the country

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Uruguay’s Minister of Public Health Daniel Salinas said that the decree requiring tourists to undergo a second test 7 days after entering the country is being reviewed. “We have been discussing the issue for the last 21 days with the General Directorate of Health. We analyzed the pros and cons,” he said at a press conference.

Salinas justified the decision to waive the requirement of this second test by stating that, “considering that with 2 vaccines, 14 days and a negative PCR, the second PCR is somewhat excessive in the current epidemiological situation.”

He said that in the coming days the Ministry of Health will be submitting a bill amending the decree to President Luis Lacalle Pou for its modification through the Executive.

Until then, tourists entering the country will still be required to present a negative PCR at the moment of entering the country and another after 7 days, provided they stay in Uruguay. The latter will be eliminated as a requirement and a complete vaccination certificate against Covid-19 and a negative PCR will be sufficient.

In addition, foreigners in Uruguay will have access to Pfizer vaccines financed by the government. As of December 1, Uruguay opened vaccination for tourists, with 200,000 available doses.

The country will have 11 vaccination posts distributed in cities near the borders, such as Rocha, Cerro Largo and Rivera, and at entry points such as the ports of Montevideo and Colonia.

To be vaccinated, tourists must make an appointment online through (https://agenda.vacunacioncovid.gub.uy/), by calling 0800 1919 (available from Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM) or through WhatsApp at +598 98 999 999 999. Vaccination is available within 48 hours after entering the country.

Once scheduled, tourists will receive confirmation of their appointment 72 hours after registration, through a text message and/or e-mail. The appointment date is subject to availability in the location requested.

CURRENT REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER URUGUAY

1 – Present a negative PCR at Customs, taken up to 72 hours before departure, irrespective of age. Only children under 6 years of age are exempted from presenting this certificate.

2 – Present a complete vaccination schedule against Covid-19, in case of adults (minors do not need it). It must be approved by the foreigner’s country of origin and the last dose must have been administered within 9 months prior to entering Uruguay. The 15 days following inoculation must also have been completed, which ensure effective immunity.

Foreigners who have had the disease in the 90 days prior to entry are not required to present a vaccination certificate, but must prove it through positive results for Covid-19 or antigen detection performed within 90 to 20 days prior to travel.

3 – Send an electronic declaration prior to the trip where personal data will be requested. To be completed within 48 hours prior to crossing the border through https://www.gub.uy/tramites/declaracion-jurada-ingreso-uruguay-extranjeros-inmunizados-menores. This is only to be completed upon entering Uruguay, not upon departing the country.

4 – Seven days after entering the country and while in Uruguay, tourists are required to undergo a second PCR test through the foreigner’s specific medical coverage. This last point is expected to be eliminated as a requirement.

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