May 2026
6 min read

Shooting permits in Uruguay — locations, drones, and street closures

6 min read

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Shooting permits in Uruguay

Filming a production in Uruguay is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many foreign producers hunting for unique shooting spots. The challenge is that it’s not as easy as it looks to secure shooting permits in Uruguay. Every city comes with individual rules and regulations, and in some regions a simple drone permit can take weeks. Why manage the paperwork alone and deal with the hassle? At Fixer Uruguay, our local team already holds a permit to film in historical sites in Uruguay. We have expertise, hands-on knowledge of suitable filming spots for different project types, and can offer customized services for various production types. 

Don’t let bureaucracy stall your production

Our local fixers in Montevideo, Punta del Este, and Río de la Plata have direct lines to local councils

Drone permit in Uruguay

Filming crews are allowed to use drones as a means to film landscapes from a distance. But having a drone permit in Uruguay is a must, not an option. In Montevideo, the capital city, it is forbidden to fly over crowded areas without authorization. For commercial drone filming, producers will need a permit issued by DINACIA, the official authority issuing licenses for air shooting. Outside of the capital city, the rules are lighter. Restricted areas may request a national park filming permit, which seems difficult to obtain when you don’t know anyone in the area. 

This is where having a local partner comes into place. Our experts can manage the local authorities, but we need to answer some questions first. What is the purpose of the shoot? What equipment do you use? How big is the filming crew? These are standard questions meant to assess safety and confirm the scope of the production. In some cases, you can be asked to provide a protected area filming permit, purely due to environmental sensitivity concerns. 

Street closure permit filming in Uruguay

If your shoot affects traffic or people moving around the capital, you’ll need a street closure permit filming Montevideo. A clear plan gives local authorities an idea of the time required to block a street for a commercial, for example. It helps knowing in advance information like crew size, project duration, and scope. For shooting permits in Uruguay that involve busy areas, timing makes a big difference. The right people can streamline all processes involved. 

It’s easier to film in the morning because the overall coordination process of a production is not impacted by external factors. If your production spot is a protected area, a filming permit is not optional. In some cases, production teams can request assistance from the police. To arrange such a setup, we can arrange a team that already has access to the right connections on the ground. Closing a street at rush hour is less about shooting permits in Uruguay, and more about traffic management.

    Part of Storytailors since 2020

    Nothing beats expertise in the world of media. At Fixer Uruguay, our local teams work hand in hand with the expert producers at Storytailors. Together, we benefit from global access to industry professionals who can assist with securing shooting permits in Uruguay, but also in bordering countries. Need street closure permit filming in Montevideo? We’ve got you covered. Our local specialists will assist with permits, crew management on set, and additional equipment. For additional support in getting a national park filming permit, we have local collaborators ready to assist, such as fixers, drone operators, sound technicians, or video editors. 

    Protected area filming permit

    Uruguay features pristine filming locations. Montevideo, Cabo Polonio or Salto del Penitente Park are preferred spots. Needless to say, there are tens of locations you may not be aware of, as a foreigner. However, some are protected areas, meaning that shooting permits in Uruguay are compulsory. Before moving your crew on site, learn about the paperwork involved. For aerial filming, ask about authorization or a drone permit. If the process feels complex, our team can help. 

    We have local fixers in every city across Uruguay. No matter how complex the project is, we have the means to get you a permit to film in historical sites in Uruguay. The benefits of having a production partner extend beyond permits. We can manage crews, get additional equipment, and scout for locations that match your project vision. The more we understand your vision, the better chances we have to recommend solutions that don’t impact your production budget. 

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