Written by:Claire Dean
Published: 25-01-2023
Peru is a dream destination! Be amazed by the diversity of the natural, cultural, and historical richness of one of the most megadiverse countries worldwide. From coast to jungle to highland, Peru is home to amazing archaeological sites, colonial cities, colorful markets, and amazing green lush jungle lands. Peru is a true blend of cultures. With Machu Picchu as the icing on the cake, the wealth of archaeological sites in the country is mind-blowing. Peru offers a unique experience for any type of traveler that is seeking culture, nature, fun, and adventure! Here is some important information about the Peru entry requirements for your trip.
Entering Peru
Most people will not require a visa to travel to Peru for tourism, but it is a good idea to check with the Peruvian Consulate in your country before you travel. To enter Peru you must have six months of passport validity remaining at the time of entry, and at least one page for your entry stamp (and, in turn, space for your exit stamp). You may also be required to show proof of return/onward travel- a plane ticket.
A regular tourist visa will last for anywhere between 30 and 183 days and depends on the person who issues it. If you have an onward ticket your visa will usually be given for the duration of your stay. If you overstay your visa you will be required to pay a fine of $1.50 per day, for every day you overstay in Peru. This must be paid in cash on exit. Ensure that you have the correct money as you leave, or you could find yourself having problems.
There is a limit of USD 30,000 cash for entry and exit. Anything higher than USD 10,000 must be declared.
If you enter Peru overland from Ecuador, make sure your passport is stamped with a Peruvian entry stamp at the local immigration office. Most people crossing the border with Ecuador enter Peru through Aguas Verdes (Tumbes region) - you may need to ask for directions from the immigration office. If your passport is not stamped at the border with Ecuador, you can have it stamped at the Immigration Office in the city of Tumbes. If you enter Peru from Bolivia by bus or taxi, make sure your passport is stamped with a Peruvian entry stamp at the immigration office in Desaguadero or Copacabana.
Immigration authorities will not let you leave Peru without a valid exit stamp from the last country you visited.
If you enter Peru without an entry stamp then you’re required by law to apply for a new entry stamp at the nearest immigration office. The immigration authorities will need you to provide your passport and evidence of your entry to Peru, eg air/bus ticket in your name, exit stamp from the last country you visited, and any other documentation they deem necessary. If you’re unable to provide any such evidence you must apply for an exit or expulsion order at the Immigration Office in Lima. You won’t be allowed to leave Peru without this, and you may be prevented from re-entering Peru for the next five to ten years.
Your Embassy cannot intervene in immigration issues so make sure you get your entry stamp when you arrive in Peru at a land border. Please note that passports are not stamped when you enter Peru through Jorge Chavez international airport in Lima. Your details will be recorded in the immigration database and will be available when you leave Peru. You have access to this information on the immigration website.
Immigration Control, Lima Airport
Check your passport and travel documents before you travel
Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. If you are visiting Peru, your passport should be valid for six months from the date you arrive. This does not apply to foreign residents in Peru holding a valid Peruvian residence card and their passports will not require a minimum validity. Some airlines have been allowing non-resident passengers to travel to Peru without the six-month passport validity requirement. These passengers have not been allowed to enter Peru upon arrival.
Traveling with children
Children under the age of 18 years traveling on a foreign passport who have resident status in Peru need written permission (Autorización de Viaje Notarial) from the non-accompanying parent(s) to leave the country. This permission is obtained by a notary public in Peru. The letter must mention the proposed destination, the purpose of the trip, the date of departure, and the return date.
Children who have tourist status do not need these permissions, but immigration officers are free to request them in circumstances considered suspicious by the immigration authorities or if the child has stayed in Peru for over 90 days.
COVID 19
4 Tourist Destinations In South America Are Fully Open For Tourism Heading Into 2023... Argentina, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru.
Entering any of the four countries of South America, American visitors, as well as any other foreign nationals, are not subject to any health checks prior to travel and/or upon arrival. This includes not being required to produce a vaccine certificate, undergo testing, fill out a form ahead of flying, or observe quarantine once landing in any of the countries.
The Peruvian Government by the Supreme Decree N° 130–2022–PCM announces the repeal of the Covid–19 State of Emergency, therefore:
On entering Peru, it will not be necessary to present a vaccination card or a negative molecular test when entering or leaving the country.
About the use of masks: the use of masks is optional in opened spaces and/or closed spaces.
Finally, national, regional, and local authorities will continue to monitor and promote healthy practices regarding health emergencies, such as vaccination against COVID–19.
