Visa-free travel from Uruguay
Uruguayan citizens are among the few South American travellers who can visit New Zealand without a visa. Uruguay is a visa-waiver country, which means you can holiday, visit friends, attend business meetings or take a short course of up to 3 months. Since 1 October 2019, you have needed an approved NZeTA before you leave.
The NZeTA is not a visa. It is an electronic authority linked to your passport that tells the airline you can travel. It is valid for up to 2 years, so you can visit more than once, but each stay is limited to 90 days.
Your cédula won't work. The cédula de identidad is fine for trips to Argentina or Brazil, but for New Zealand you need a Uruguayan passport valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave.
From Montevideo to New Zealand
Most travellers from Uruguay fly from Carrasco International Airport to Santiago de Chile, then take a non-stop flight across the Pacific to Auckland, which takes roughly 12 to 13 hours. Others connect through Buenos Aires, or travel the long way round through North America, the Middle East or Australia.
Because you fly west across the Pacific and the International Date Line, you usually arrive in New Zealand the day after you leave. New Zealand is between 15 and 16 hours ahead of Uruguay for most of the year, depending on daylight saving.
The two countries share southern-hemisphere seasons, so January is summer in both places. Many Uruguayan visitors come between December and March for hiking and lakes, or in July and August for skiing in Queenstown and Wanaka.
NZeTA requirements for Uruguayans
| Passport | Uruguayan passport valid for 3 months beyond your departure from New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Photo | A recent colour photo of your face against a plain, light background |
| An address you check often, as your decision is sent by email | |
| Payment | A Visa, Mastercard or American Express card |
| Honest answers | Short health and character questions, answered truthfully |
Dual nationals, such as Uruguayan and Italian or Spanish citizens, can apply with either passport, but must travel on the passport they used to apply. If you hold Italian citizenship, see our NZeTA for Italy page.
Two surnames on the form
Like most Spanish-speaking countries, Uruguay uses two surnames: the father's first surname followed by the mother's. Your NZeTA must match your passport exactly, so:
- Enter both surnames in the family name field, in the same order as the passport, for example RODRÍGUEZ PEREIRA.
- Type accents as plain letters if the form doesn't accept them. The machine-readable zone shows letters without accents.
- Include every given name, such as MARÍA JOSÉ, not just the name you usually use.
Your application, step by step
Choose "Visit" and a speed
Normal (48–72 hours), Emergency (24–48 hours) or Rush (12–24 hours).
Add your travellers
Enter the details for each person, up to 10 per application. Children need their own NZeTA.
Upload photos
One clear face photo for each traveller.
Check and pay
Review every field, then pay by card. The fee includes the IVL tourism levy.
Apply for an NZeTA from Uruguay
Allow up to 72 hours for a decision. You can find current prices on our NZeTA fees page.
Working and studying in New Zealand
Allowed with an NZeTA
English language courses or other study of up to 3 months, plus business meetings and conferences.
Needs a visa
Any job, including fruit picking or hospitality work. Young Uruguayans may be eligible for a separate Working Holiday Visa.
For longer study, you need a student visa. Our NZeTA information page sets out what is and isn't allowed.
Customs, mate and biosecurity
New Zealand protects its farms and native plants with some of the strictest biosecurity rules in the world. Uruguayan travellers often pack items that must be declared:
- Yerba mate, which is plant material
- Dulce de leche and cheese
- Cured meats, chorizo and any other meat products
- Alfajores, biscuits and other packaged sweets
- A wooden or gourd mate cup and bombilla, which may be inspected
When in doubt, declare it. Declaring an item costs you nothing, even if it is then taken away. Failing to declare can lead to an on-the-spot fine.
Along with your passport, have your return ticket, accommodation details, evidence of funds and your New Zealand Traveller Declaration ready. A border officer makes the final decision. When you're ready, start your New Zealand eTA application online.
Frequently asked questions from Uruguay
No. Uruguay is a visa-waiver country, so you can visit New Zealand for up to 90 days without a visa. You must hold an approved NZeTA before you travel.
No. Your cédula is accepted for travel within the Mercosur region, but New Zealand requires a valid Uruguayan passport. Use the same passport for the NZeTA application and the journey.
Uruguayan citizens can usually connect in Chile without difficulty, but check the current rules with your airline. Your NZeTA covers New Zealand only.
You must declare yerba mate, because it is plant material. Commercially packaged mate is often allowed after inspection, but undeclared items can lead to a fine.
Young Uruguayan citizens may be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand. It is a separate visa, not an NZeTA, and it has its own conditions and places.
It is valid for up to 2 years, or until your passport expires, and lets you make multiple visits of up to 90 days each.