Uruguay (Oriental Republic of)

Uruguay (Oriental Republic of)

History of Relations

Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been in place since 1968. The South African resident Embassy in Uruguay closed in March 2016. Uruguay maintains a resident Embassy in Pretoria, a Consulate in Cape Town and an Honorary Consulate in Johannesburg.

Relations between South Africa and Uruguay have grown considerably. A number of high-level reciprocal visits have taken place in the period since 1997. These include the former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Jeff Radebe in March 2010 to attend the inauguration of President José Mujica, the DIRCO Deputy Minister Luwellyn Landers in March 2015 attended the inauguration of President Tabaré Vázquez, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Adv John Jeffery in July 2016 attended the LGBTI Human Rights Conference.

High level visits from Uruguay included Uruguay’s Roving Ambassador for Afro-Descendant matters who visited South Africa during March 2012, to discuss the then upcoming Diaspora Summit. The Deputy Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining, Prof Edgardo Ortuño, also attended President Mandela’s funeral.

The Inaugural Session of the Bilateral Consultations Mechanism (BCM) between South Africa and Uruguay may take place in 2021. South Africa appointed an Honorary Consul in Montevideo.

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Uruguay

Currently there is no South African residential diplomatic representation in Uruguay.

*Non-resident, is accredited from Buenos Aires, Argentine.

Chargé d’Affairs a.i.
Mr T N Furter

South African Embassy

Uruguayan Representation in South Africa

Vacant
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Embassy of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay

Travel Info

Visa Requirements for South Africans

For more information contact the Embassy of Uruguay in Pretoria or Cape Town.

Travel Advisory: Warning on illegal activities abroad

South African citizens travelling abroad are strongly advised to take care not to become involved in activities which may be, or are, illegal in foreign countries. Please remember, once you leave South Africa, you are not protected by South African laws and constitutional rights. If you are arrested abroad, the South African Government cannot get you out of prison or demand your release. At most, your government can intercede with local authorities to try and ensure that your rights under the laws of the country in which you were arrested are fully observed. It can also attempt to ensure that you are treated humanely, i.e., according to those international agreements to which the country in which you have been arrested, has acceded.

Please note that the South African Government views crimes - particularly those involving illegal drugs, mercenary activities, the traffic in humans or small arms or the abuse of women and children - in a most serious light.

Health Requirements

For further information go to Travelers' Health.

Climate Info

Summers (December – March) are mild with lots of sunshine. Winters are mild with cold nights.

For up-to-date weather information click here.

Currency Info

The monetary unit in Uruguay is the Uruguayan Peso (UYU).

For current exchange rates click here.

Visa Requirements for Uruguayan citizens visiting South Africa

For more information contact any South African Embassy.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

No Information.

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) at 012 351 1000.

Trade Info

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Uruguay, visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa.

Interest Groups and Information

No Information.