State Dept Travel Advisory - Level 2

Republic of Uruguay Travel Advisory Increased to Level 2

US travel advisory for Uruguay issued by the US Department of State
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South America (Precision Vaccinations News)

A Level 2 Travel Advisory was issued for the Oriental Republic of Uruguay by the US Department of State.

This new ‘Exercise Increased Caution’ Travel Advisory for Uruguay issued on August 2, 2019, is related to reports of ‘increased crime.’

‘Violent crimes, such as homicides, armed robberies, carjacking, and thefts have increased throughout the country and occur in urban areas frequented by U.S. government personnel, day and night.’

‘Criminals commonly travel in pairs on motorcycles to approach unsuspecting victims with a weapon and demand personal belongings. Armed criminals also target grocery stores, restaurants, financial centers, and small businesses, in which innocent bystanders are often victimized,’ said the State Department.

This travel warning is unfortunate news since Uruguay welcomed approximately 4.22 million tourists in 2017, up from 3.63 million arrivals in 2016.

Uruguay has a population of approximately 4.7 million residents and is located on the southeastern coast of South America. With an area of approximately 68,000 square miles, Uruguay is geographically the second-smallest nation in South America.

If you decide to visit Uruguay, the US Department of State suggests the following preventive actions:

  • Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and large crowded public venues.
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities including movement restrictions related to any ongoing police action.
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt, nor display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations, such as this Traveler’s Checklist.
  • U.S. citizens needing assistance can contact the U.S. Embassy Montevideo, located at Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo 11200, Uruguay.

Regarding health's risks when visiting Uruguay, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggested on July 18, 2019, that visitors are current with certain vaccines, such as Routine Vaccines and the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Additionally, Uruguay is included in the CDC’s Global Measles Outbreak Notice, which was issued on June 10, 2019.

Pre-departure vaccination services, related travel medications, and counseling appointments can be scheduled with a local pharmacy by visiting Vax-Before-Travel.

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. You are encouraged to report vaccine side effects to the CDC.

 

Our Trust Standards: Medical Advisory Committee

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