FBOs at Carrasco International Airport SUMU MVD

Airport security

Montevideo is the primary locus of security concern in Uruguay, with elevated street crime — including armed robbery, carjacking, vehicle break-ins, and theft — representing the dominant risk to travelers; multiple Western government advisories, including a U.S. State Department Level 2 designation citing crime, reflect this assessment.

Violent incidents can occur at any hour and across varied locations, with organized criminal activity noted as a contributing factor. Political violence and terrorism present a low threat in Montevideo, though occasional public demonstrations occur and have the potential to escalate.

Carrasco International Airport is Uruguay's primary international commercial gateway and operates as a public airport under the regulatory authority of DINACIA, Uruguay's civil aviation authority, which governs security standards in accordance with ICAO obligations.

No publicly available classification of this facility's specific screening tier or access control category was identified; however, as the country's principal international hub, it is expected to operate under the full scope of ICAO Annex 17 security standards applicable to international commercial airports, including controlled access zones, passenger and baggage screening, and airside access restrictions.

Security standards and prohibited items are administered in alignment with DINACIA regulations as referenced by the airport operator.

Customs, immigration and regulatory

Hours: H24 — customs and immigration services operate continuously in line with the airport's 24-hour operational status, per official airport FAQ (aeropuertodecarrasco.com.uy) and consistent with DINACIA AIP Uruguay's customs regulations are stringent; general aviation crews must complete a Sworn Statement of Domestic Flights (2 copies) for domestic arrivals, obtainable at the airport operations office or customs hall.

International arrivals processed through the Arrivals Hall customs checkpoint; duty-free allowances apply per Uruguayan law. Contact: Dirección General de Aduanas airport office +598 2604 0263.

Ground corridor

Montevideo presents a moderate opportunistic crime environment driven primarily by motorcycle-based theft ('motochorro') and petty street crime, with Canelones department — where the airport is located — specifically cited by the US State Department (July 2026) as one of the higher-risk departments for crime; the airport itself and the Carrasco neighborhood surrounding it are considered among the safer zones of the metropolitan area.

The principal road corridor between the airport and the city center (Avenida de las Américas / Avenida Italia / Route 101) is well-traveled and not classified as a high-risk corridor, though standard vehicle security practices — doors locked, valuables out of sight — are advisable at traffic stops on peripheral routes.

The airport operates a fixed-fare, counter-purchased official taxi system within the arrivals hall, which is assessed as reliable and secure; pre-arranged vehicles booked through vetted ground support teams or a professional driver service offer equivalent or superior assurance, particularly for executive or after-dark movements.

There are no active movement restrictions, armed conflict zone designations, or comprehensive embargoes applicable to Uruguay.

City threat summary

Montevideo is the primary locus of security concern in Uruguay, with elevated street crime — including armed robbery, carjacking, vehicle break-ins, and theft — representing the dominant risk to travelers; multiple Western government advisories, including a U.S. State Department Level 2 designation citing crime, reflect this assessment.

Violent incidents can occur at any hour and across varied locations, with organized criminal activity noted as a contributing factor. Political violence and terrorism present a low threat in Montevideo, though occasional public demonstrations occur and have the potential to escalate.

Country overview

Uruguay remains one of the Western Hemisphere's most stable democracies, but crime — particularly violent and organized crime — has emerged as the dominant security concern for travelers and operators.

The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) advisory driven solely by crime, with Montevideo assessed as a critical-threat location for crime affecting official U.S. government interests.

The port of Montevideo's role as a cocaine transshipment point has intensified gang-related violence, particularly in lower-income urban neighborhoods.

Higher-risk locations nearby

• Montevideo SUMU ELEVATED
• Punta del Este SULS ELEVATED