Chuy to Chuí Border Crossing: Uruguay to Brazil 2026 Guide

Chuy (Uruguay) and Chuí (Brazil) are one town split down the middle by a boulevard. One side speaks Spanish and uses pesos; the other speaks Portuguese and uses reais. You can walk back and forth freely, which is exactly why this crossing confuses so many travelers.

The Key Thing To Know

The immigration posts are not in town. Uruguay’s is a couple of kilometers outside Chuy on Route 9, and Brazil’s is a few kilometers outside Chuí. If you are going further into either country, or leaving one for real, you must get your exit and entry stamps at those posts. Shopping in the duty-free stores in town does not count as entering either country.

Crossing Step By Step

1. On the bus from Montevideo or Punta del Diablo, ask the driver to stop at Uruguayan immigration for your exit stamp
2. Continue into Chuy
3. Get to the Brazilian immigration post outside Chuí for your entry stamp, by taxi if needed
4. Continue from Chuí’s bus station toward Pelotas, Porto Alegre or the coast

Many buses carry mostly Uruguayans on shopping trips who do not need stamps, so drivers may not stop unless you ask.

Brazil Entry

US citizens have needed a visa for Brazil since April 10, 2025. Tourists apply online for an e-visa through Brazil’s official portal. Canadian and Australian citizens also need one. Most European passports remain visa-free for up to 90 days. Check before you cross, because the Brazilian side does check.

Uruguay Entry

Most Western passports get 90 days visa-free in Uruguay. Officers can ask how long you plan to stay and how you will leave. At Chuy, the Uruguayan and Brazilian posts are separate and outside town.

Bring Proof Of Onward Travel

Border officers on a visa run are deciding one thing: will you leave again on time? A confirmed onward or return booking is the quickest way to answer that. It matters most when you are re-entering a country you only just left, and on the flight leg if your run involves one. See whether Brazil asks for proof of onward travel.

If you do not want to commit to a real ticket yet, Fast Onward Tickets issues an onward flight reservation in minutes. See our complete guide to proof of onward travel for what officers and airlines accept.

FAQs

Can I stay in Chuí without a Brazil visa?

Within the border town, controls are informal. Travel further and you need a proper entry.

Is there anything to do?

Duty-free shopping, mainly. The beaches at Barra do Chuí and Punta del Diablo are better.

Are there ATMs?

Yes in town, but fewer beyond it. Get cash before you leave.

The Bottom Line

At Chuy the border is a street, but the stamps are out of town. Ask your driver to stop, and do not leave without both stamps.