Uruguay Expat Forum

4/12/2014 16:30 EST

Quick question: I am at 6 months as a tourist and need to leave the country. I want to take a day trip to Buenos Aires. Can I leave and return to Uruguay in the same day for my passport stamp? If so, Colonial Express has very good prices on day trips.

Also, if I only have 8 hours in BA, what are the things I make sure to do/see/eat?

Thanks!

Morell

4/13/2014 09:35 EST

Don't forget to pay the reciprocity fee first if you need to. ( US, Canada and Australia) You pay online and take the receipt with you.

Not sure you can return the same day though, I thought it was 24 hours. I may be wrong though.

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4/13/2014 11:14 EST

are you talking about gettng your $ from Visa travel rewards card or debit? We did end up "Swifting" the money to buy a house. Its been a week and we're hoping it goes through soon. It was the best way afterall...its a "slow to pay" country and I was told by a banker friend that sometimes it has taken up to 2 weeks in the Phillippines...so must have faith.

4/13/2014 11:17 EST

woops...didn't read the whole forum. You're talking about a Buenos Aires trip Have fun!'
My friends tangoed in the streets!

gypsygirl1925

4/13/2014 11:30 EST

Morell is correct. If you are from the U.S. you have to pay a reciprocal entry fee ot $160 USD before you enter Argentina. In the past this was only due if you were flying into the country; now it applies to entry by any means. Having a temporary or permanent cedula will not protect you from what I understand, as it's based on citizenship not residency.

I've lived here five years without ever renewing my original 90 day visa. You don't have to. Two years in (2011) I visited Buenas Aires on just my passport and there were no consequences at all at either border.
There is a possibility of a fine when exiting UY I guess, but such a fine would be very small, maybe $25 USD, a lot cheaper than traveling to BA.

4/13/2014 12:37 EST

Thank for the replies.
Yes, I am aware of the $160 fee (and I’m not looking forward to paying it, haha).

I am leaving Uruguay to return home in 2 months. If it is possible to just overstay and pay and fine I would much prefer to do that. I’m just afraid I would get arrested when trying to leave, haha. I wouldn’t worry about a few days, but 2 months??

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4/13/2014 12:46 EST

4/13/2014 14:07 EST

back in 2009 my wife had to pay I am not sure but was something about 40 dollars, and there is no jail time involved. just the fine. I believe if you exist uruguay and cross into brazil for the weekend you wont have to pay a visa for brazil and you will be able to get a new tourist card reentering into uruguay. you cannot do that Going to Argentina.

Freddikins

4/14/2014 00:19 EST

The last I heard, you have to spend the night in Argentina. I think it has to do with Christina.

4/14/2014 08:45 EST

call immigration at anytime on a border crossing, they are helpfull and are available 24/7.

panamadreamin

4/15/2014 13:15 EST

I thought it was 90 days for the tourists visa. Is it 180 days?

4/15/2014 15:32 EST

I also thought it was 90 days....we all want to know the truth! Thanks -whoever really knows!

4/15/2014 16:09 EST

90 then you can extend it to 180 in person in immigration.

4/15/2014 16:44 EST

We also heard you can extend it somewhere in Punta del Este for $200?....any addresses of these offices? Also, if anyone can suggest a good bank to use that is expat friendly, please advise...THANK YOU!

4/15/2014 17:19 EST

this information has been around for long time now, call immigration and ask yourself, if you call a border crossing they are up 24/7

Morell

4/15/2014 17:29 EST

Most expats use BROU the national bank.
You need to show your passport, proof you have an address here such as utility bills and we were asked for a reference from a BROU client. You also need a reference from your bank where you came from.
At a later time we were asked for more information such as the value of our house here, the value of our car etc. This had to be certified by a lawyer before they would accept it. They told us our account would be frozen if we did not comply and the information was requested by the Central bank here and BROU would be fined if they did not comply.
If you are not fluent in Spanish you probably should go with someone who is. The first time we went in, the person we dealt with would not assist us and told us to come back with someone who spoke Spanish.