Guide to Traveling to Uruguay via Argentina and Staying There (2026)

Migrants from Russia and CIS countries arrive in Uruguay by air. The only option with one connection goes via Madrid and requires a Schengen visa. Most people choose routes with two connections, usually in Istanbul, Addis Ababa or Casablanca, followed by São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. A route via Buenos Aires has recently become popular; from there, Montevideo is reached by ferry.

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1. How to reach Buenos Aires from other countries:

In 2025–2026, travel to this region remains visa-free for Russian citizens — up to 90 days per half-year in each country — but requires at least one connection.

1.1. Main air routes, as of April 2026: Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is considered the most reliable and comfortable option, normally arriving at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires. Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa is often more economical, but expect a long connection. Royal Air Maroc flies to Buenos Aires (EZE) via Casablanca.

1.2. Where to fly. If Uruguay is your final destination, it is more convenient to fly to Carrasco Airport (MVD) in Montevideo. If you plan to begin in Argentina, experts recommend looking for flights to Ezeiza Airport (EZE).

EXPERT TIP: On arrival at Ezeiza Airport (EZE), it is best to use an official taxi — the Taxi Ezeiza counters in the arrivals hall — or a Tienda León transfer. Using ordinary city taxis without booking through an app can be risky for newcomers because fares may be manipulated.

2. INTERCITY CONNECTION: BUENOS AIRES — MONTEVIDEO

Your choice of transport from Argentina’s capital to Uruguay depends on your priority: speed, comfort or minimum price.

2.1. Ferry service: direct high-speed ferry (Buquebus):

• Route: Buquebus Terminal in Puerto Madero to Port of Montevideo.
• Time: about 2 hours 30 minutes.
• Cost: US$130–220.

Multimodal service (ferry + bus):

• Route: ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, plus bus to Montevideo (Tres Cruces).
• Time: about 4.5–5 hours.
• Cost: US$35–140; Colonia Express usually offers the most economical fares.

2.2. Air service, the ‘air bridge’. An AEP–MVD flight takes only 55 minutes. A major advantage is departure from Aeroparque (AEP), inside Buenos Aires itself. One-way tickets start from US$118.

2.3. Night buses, the cheapest option. The route crosses the bridge at Fray Bentos and is operated by EGA, Cauvi or Pullman General Belgrano.

• Route: Retiro Terminal in Buenos Aires to Tres Cruces Terminal in Montevideo.
• Duration: 8–10 hours.
• Comfort class: be sure to choose Cama, with a seat that reclines to 160°, or Executive Sleeper, with a seat that reclines to 180°.
• Cost: US$60–85.

3. IMMIGRATION CONTROL PROCEDURE

Crossing the Argentina–Uruguay border by water is organised through a unique ‘single-window’ system that significantly simplifies the process.

1. Registration and control: the entire process takes place in the departure port.

Immigration desks for both countries are located in the same hall.

1. Procedure: first approach the departure-country officer in Argentina for an exit stamp; then, at the neighbouring desk, the entry-country officer in Uruguay stamps you in.
2. Security: after passport control, luggage passes through an X-ray scanner.
3. Arrival: in Montevideo or Colonia, simply collect your luggage and head into the city. No additional checks are required on the Uruguayan side.

4. ACCOMMODATION IN BUENOS AIRES: CHOOSING A DISTRICT

The following is for people who want to stay in Buenos Aires for a few days before reaching the final destination, Montevideo.

4.1. Recoleta — ‘safe classic’. Features: the most prestigious area, with European architecture; ideal for a first visit. Hotels: Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt, Alvear Palace Hotel and Palladio MGallery.

4.2. Palermo Soho — ‘life and style’. Features: the centre of gastronomy, fashionable boutiques and nightlife; the city’s liveliest district. Hotels: Home Hotel, Mine Boutique and 1828 Smart Hotel.

4.3. Puerto Madero — ‘modern luxury’. Features: skyscrapers and restored docks, with the city’s highest level of security. Hotels: Hilton Buenos Aires and Faena Hotel. EXPERT TIP: if you are visiting for only two or three days, do not choose Palermo; it is away from the principal historical sights. Recoleta or the centre (Microcentro) are much more practical.

5. CULTURAL AND COMMERCIAL NAVIGATION

5.1. What to visit first

1. Teatro Colón: one of the world’s best opera houses. Tours cost around US$105 for foreign visitors and require booking 12–22 days ahead on the official site.
2. Recoleta Cemetery: a historic necropolis where Evita Perón rests. Admission costs around US$17.
3. El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookshop: a former theatre recognised as one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops.

5.2. Practical shopping advice: leather. Murillo Street in Villa Crespo is the main place to buy leather; Murillo 666 is a trusted shop with factory prices. Many Murillo workshops can make a jacket to your measurements in 24–48 hours. Paying cash in dollars or pesos often earns a 10–15% discount in leather shops.

6. PRACTICAL TIPS: MONEY AND TRANSPORT

6.1. Finances. Cards and the MEP rate: since 2025, paying with foreign Visa/Mastercard cards has become favourable, as banks automatically apply the MEP rate, close to the ‘blue’ dollar. Cash: bring only new US$100 notes; older ‘white’ notes and smaller denominations receive a worse exchange rate.

6.2. City transport. A SUBE card is required for buses and the metro; it costs about US$1 and can be bought at kiosks with a blue logo. For safety, use only Cabify or Uber to book taxis; do not hail taxis on the street.

After finishing your Buenos Aires programme and before returning to Uruguay, we recommend dining at a traditional meat restaurant, a parrilla, such as Don Julio or El Desnivel in San Telmo for a more authentic experience.