Uruguay (Oriental Republic of)

Uruguay (Oriental Republic of)

History of Relations

The South African Embassy in Montevideo was opened in April 1968 with the first Ambassador arriving in June 1968. The level of representation at the Mission in Montevideo remained unchanged during the period 1968 – 1986. Between 1987 and May 1997, when Ambassador AX Nkomo (Based in Buenos Aires) was appointed as non-resident Ambassador to Uruguay, South African representation in Uruguay was often at the level of Chargé d'Affaires.

Since the appointment of the non-resident Ambassador in 1997, 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 1998 visit to South Africa by the late Uruguayan Vice-President, Dr Hugo Batalla; the October 1998 visit to Uruguay by the late South African Minister of Foreign Affairs Alfred Nzo; the October 1997official visit to South Africa by the Uruguayan Minister of Transport; and most recently the August 2000 visit to Uruguay by Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad.

Also during this period, a number of South African dignitaries and delegations visited Uruguay. The list of visitors includes Dr Barney Pityana, The Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, Dr Geoffrey Garret, the President of the CSIR, as well as an eleven-member delegation from the SADC

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Uruguay

Please contact the South African Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentine.

H E Mr A J Leon
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

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

TIME DIFFERENCE WITH SA:
-4 hours (Summer and Winter)

Uruguayan Representation in South Africa

H E Mr L B Alvarez
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 (UYP).

For current exchange rates click here.

Visa Requirements for Uruguayan citizens visiting South Africa

For more information contact any South African Embassy.

SA Embassy in Montevideo, Uruguay

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

No Information

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section at 012 351 0872/0851/0837.

Trade Info

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Uruguay, visit the web site of the Department of Trade and Industry of South Africa

Interest Groups and Information

No Information