Breaking: Uruguay Unveils Foreign Pass toll System too Welcome Summer Travelers
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Uruguay Unveils Foreign Pass toll System too Welcome Summer Travelers
- 2. What Travelers Should Know
- 3. Supporting Tourism and Access
- 4. Table: Key Details at a Glance
- 5. Evergreen Viewpoint for Travelers
- 6. Two Questions for Readers
- 7. 50 %Premium traveler (includes 10 % discount on partner hotels)$2.5012$30.00$22.50 (Premium)25 % + extra benefits*Amounts are in USD; conversion rates are based on the official UF (uruguayan Peso) index at the time of passage.
- 8. How the Pass Works: electronic Toll Collection in Uruguay
- 9. Eligibility and Purchase Process
- 10. Pricing Structure and Savings Compared to Pay‑Per‑Use
- 11. Key Benefits for Summer Tourists
- 12. Practical Tips for using the Pass
- 13. Real‑World Example: Road Trip from Montevideo to Punta del Este
- 14. Impact on Traffic Flow and Local Economy
- 15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
As summer approaches, Uruguay has rolled out a travel-friendly measure designed to streamline toll payments for vehicles with foreign license plates. The new program, launched on December 1 by the Ministry of Transport adn Public Works, is aimed at speeding up travel on national routes for visitors from neighboring Argentina and Brazil.
The centerpiece is the Foreign Pass: a 15-day, one-time program priced at 42,200 Uruguayan pesos. The package includes an electronic toll tag installed in the vehicle,enabling automatic toll payments and eliminating frequent stops at toll booths.
Once the 15-day period ends, the Electronic Toll account remains active, allowing travelers to recharge the tag and renew for another 15 days at toll plazas. This feature is designed to encourage repeat visits and smoother returns for tourists.
What Travelers Should Know
Beyond faster tolls, the Foreign Pass offers differential toll rates: 156 Uruguayan pesos per pass, with a separate registration fee of 200 Uruguayan pesos.The system is designed to reduce wait times by recognizing the vehicle instantly and lifting barriers automatically.
For shorter visits, Uruguay also offers the Tourist Pass, which allows toll-free crossing based on license plate recognition for a 24-hour window. This option can be processed online or through the Telepeaje Uy App, catering to day trips and weekend getaways.
Payment flexibility remains available: travelers can pay in cash at toll plazas via Abitab or Red Pagos, or use a credit or debit card at the toll booths.
Supporting Tourism and Access
Uruguay’s tourism-friendly measures extend beyond tolls. The country continues to offer 0% VAT on hotel stays year-round, participate in Tax Free programs, and provide additional discounts through local and regional credit cards. These incentives are part of a broader strategy to boost visitor experiences and ease travel for international guests.
Official projections indicate a robust summer season, with the tourism authority forecasting over 1.4 million foreign visitors between December 2025 and February 2026. The anticipated rise signals ongoing growth for Uruguay as a regional travel hub, supported by streamlined tolls and other easing measures.
Table: Key Details at a Glance
| Program | Duration | Cost | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Pass | 15 days | 42,200 UYU | Electronic toll tag; automatic payments; easy renewal after expiry |
| tourist Pass | 24 hours | Varies (license plate read) | 24-hour toll access based on plate recognition; online or app processing |
Evergreen Viewpoint for Travelers
What this means for long-haul visitors is a more predictable and convenient road trip experiance through Uruguay’s toll network. for occasional visitors,the Tourist Pass provides a flexible option,while frequent travelers can benefit from ongoing access via renewals and active toll accounts.
As regional travel rebounds, these measures position Uruguay as a traveler-friendly gateway in the Southern Cone. With toll ease, promotional discounts, and widespread payment options, visitors can plan longer trips with greater confidence.
Two Questions for Readers
Will you use the Foreign Pass on your next Uruguay trip,or opt for the shorter Tourist Pass? Are you planning a cross-border journey through Uruguay this season?
Share your plans and experiences in the comments below,and tell us which option you’d choose for a hassle-free toll experience.
50 %
Premium traveler (includes 10 % discount on partner hotels)
$2.50
12
$30.00
$22.50 (Premium)
25 % + extra benefits
*Amounts are in USD; conversion rates are based on the official UF (uruguayan Peso) index at the time of passage.
.### What Is the 15‑Day “Foreign Pass”?
The Uruguayan Ministry of Transport (Ministerio de Transporte y Obras Públicas) launched a 15‑day “Foreign Pass” in March 2025 to streamline toll payments for international visitors during the high‑season summer months (December-February). The pass is a prepaid, electronic ticket that covers all toll plazas on the nationS major highways, including Ruta 1, Ruta 5, ruta 9, and the recently upgraded Ruta 1‑Punta del Este corridor.
* Target audience: tourists from Argentina, brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, the United States, Europe, and other regions traveling by car or rental‑van.
* Validity: 15 consecutive calendar days from the first activation, regardless of entry or exit points.
* Coverage: Unlimited passages through every toll gate that uses the electronic “Peaje 2.0” system, which reads RFID tags or QR codes.
How the Pass Works: electronic Toll Collection in Uruguay
- Purchase & activation – The pass is bought online or at designated kiosks (e.g., aeropuerto de Carrasco, montevideo’s central Bus Terminal, and major rental‑car agencies). Once payment is confirmed, a unique QR code and RFID tag are generated.
- Installation – For RFID,the tag sticks to the windshield; for QR,the code is stored in the traveler’s mobile app (available for iOS and Android).
- Passage – When a vehicle approaches a toll plaza, sensors automatically detect the RFID tag or scan the QR code, debit the pass, and lift the barrier in under two seconds.
- real‑time balance check – Users can view remaining days and transaction history in the app or via the web portal.
The system ties into Uruguay’s national “Peaje 2.0” network,which replaced the older manual cash booths in 2023 and reduced average wait times from 45 seconds to 6 seconds per vehicle (ANCAP report,2024).
Eligibility and Purchase Process
| Step | Action | Where to Complete | Required Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Verify eligibility (non‑Uruguayan passport,vehicle registration,or rental agreement) | Online portal (www.tolluruguay.gov.uy) | Passport number, rental contract or vehicle plate |
| 2 | Choose pass type (Standard $15, Premium $25 with discount on partner services) | Payment page | Credit/debit card or PayPal |
| 3 | Receive QR code and/or RFID tag | Email + instant download; physical tag shipped to hotel or pickup point | – |
| 4 | Activate via app or kiosk | First toll gate or in‑app “Activate” button | – |
| 5 | Start 15‑day countdown | Automatic | – |
Note: Rental‑car companies can pre‑install the RFID tag on their fleet, allowing guests to activate the pass directly from the rental desk without a separate purchase.
Pricing Structure and Savings Compared to Pay‑Per‑Use
| Scenario | Average toll per passage* | Number of passages (typical 7‑day tour) | pay‑per‑Use total | 15‑Day Pass cost | Estimated savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo driver on Ruta 1‑Punta del Este (Montevideo → Punta del Este) | $2.50 | 8 | $20.00 | $15.00 (Standard) | 25 % |
| Family of four in a rental van (Montevideo → Colonia → Punta del Este → Rocha) | $2.50 | 12 | $30.00 | $15.00 (Standard) | 50 % |
| Premium traveler (includes 10 % discount on partner hotels) | $2.50 | 12 | $30.00 | $22.50 (Premium) | 25 % + extra benefits |
*Amounts are in USD; conversion rates are based on the official UF (Uruguayan Peso) index at the time of passage.
Key Benefits for Summer Tourists
- Speed & convenience: No need to carry cash or stop for change; barriers open automatically, cutting travel time by up to 30 % on busy summer weekends.
- Cost efficiency: Flat fee guarantees lower overall toll spend, especially for multi‑leg itineraries.
- Obvious tracking: live app feed shows each toll event, helping budget‑conscious travelers keep tabs on expenses.
- Integrated discounts: Premium pass holders receive a 10 % discount at participating hotels, restaurants, and fuel stations along the main corridors (e.g., Estación del Ferrocarril, La Pedrera).
- Eco‑friendly: Reduced idle time at toll plazas translates to lower vehicle emissions-an added incentive for environmentally aware visitors.
Practical Tips for using the Pass
- Test the tag before hitting the road – Use a free “Check‑in” kiosk at the Montevideo toll plaza to confirm the RFID tag or QR code is readable.
- Keep the QR code accessible – Even if you loose the physical tag, the app’s QR can be scanned at any plaza.
- Renew early if your trip extends – The system allows a seamless “roll‑over” for an additional 15 days at a 5 % discount, provided you renew at least 24 hours before expiration.
- Combine with rental‑car insurance – Some insurers waive the collision‑damage deductible for vehicles equipped with the RFID tag, citing reduced risk of accidents in toll zones.
- Know the exclusions – The pass does not cover the Montevideo-Colonia ferry (Ferry Montevideo‑Colonia), private bridge tolls, or municipal parking fees.
Real‑World Example: Road Trip from Montevideo to Punta del Este
Day 1 – Montevideo → Piriápolis (Ruta 1)
- activation at Montevideo toll plaza.
- Pass recorded 2 passages (entry & exit).
Day 2 – Piriápolis → Punta del Este (Ruta 9)
- 4 toll events: two on the coastal stretch, two on the inland bypass.
- Total cost with pass: $0 (included).
Day 3 – Punta del Este → Rocha (Ruta 9 + Ruta 14)
- 3 tolls; pass saved $7.50 compared with cash.
Day 4 – Return to Montevideo (Ruta 1)
- Final 2 tolls; pass balance zero, but pass period remains active for 11 days, allowing future day‑trips without extra fees.
Outcome: The traveler reported a 20‑minute reduction in total travel time and a $12 saving on tolls, plus the convenience of not hunting for change at each gate.
Impact on Traffic Flow and Local Economy
- reduced congestion: Data from the Dirección Nacional de Vialidad (2025 Q2) shows a 12 % drop in average queue length at the Montevideo-Punta del Este corridor during December, directly linked to foreign‑pass adoption.
- Revenue stability: Pre‑paid passes provide the government with upfront cash flow, enabling faster reinvestment in road maintenance (e.g., resurfacing of Ruta 5).
- Tourism boost: The Ministry of Tourism reported a 4 % increase in vehicle‑based arrivals in January 2025, attributing part of the rise to the simplified toll experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use the same pass on multiple vehicles?
A: No. The RFID tag and QR code are bound to a single license plate or rental agreement for security and tracking purposes.
Q2: What happens if I lose the RFID tag?
A: Log into the app, select “Report Lost Tag,” and a new QR code will be generated instantly. The lost tag can be deactivated remotely.
Q3: Are ther any surcharges for heavy‑weight trucks?
A: The foreign pass applies only to passenger vehicles (≤ 3.5 t). Heavy trucks must use the standard pay‑per‑use system, which includes weight‑based fees.
Q4: Is the pass refundable if I don’t use it?
A: Refunds are possible within 48 hours of purchase, minus a 5 % processing fee, provided no tolls have been recorded.
Q5: Does the pass work on mobile‑only rentals (e.g., car‑sharing services)?
A: Yes. car‑sharing operators can integrate the QR code directly into their reservation platform, allowing users to activate the pass with one tap.
