Travel to Peru from the UK

Is Peru safe for British tourists?

Regardless of your nationality, Peru has a great tourism infrastructure. This Andean country receives over 4,4 million visitors per year, making it the 4th most visited country in South America. Likewise, crime in Peru has potentially decreased over the years though it is worth noting that as in every country, one must remain cautious and aware at all times.

Petty crimes are a widespread problem in Peru, which is why we recommend keeping vigilant of your belongings and to stay in the cities’ touristy areas where the affluence of travelers is larger and national security is more compliant.

Pick-pocketing and robberies are very common, be aware of crowds since thieves might create distractions to target you. However, we don’t mean to scare you off by pointing this out, but to show you the reality when traveling abroad. That doesn’t mean that it could happen to you or that you’re traveling to a highly unsafe country, on the contrary, these are just precautions. In case of any inconvenience, there are government agencies specialized in tourism willing to assist you with any eventuality, such as the Tourist Police.

The Tourist Police or Policía de Turismo" "is another wing of national security that provides assistance to foreign travelers, though it’s more likely to find them in larger cities rather than the most rural and remote areas of the country. However, the British Embassy in Lima also offers assistance and guidance for crime victims. Remember to fill your report with the local police and then contact your embassy if necessary. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

 

Lima Airport

Flying to Peru from UK

The easiest way to fly to Peru from the UK is by international flight, fares usually range from £750 to £1200. Currently, British Airways is the only airline offering direct flights from London to Lima. However, most flights have connections in Europe and America. There are many airlines that fly to Peru, among the most popular are KLM, Iberia, Continental Airlines, and Lufthansa. They all have connections with the Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. The total flight duration from the UK to Peru direct is 12 and a half hours, but this varies according to the connection times and routes. It is worth noting that there are 4 more international airports in Peru, though they have limited flight departures per week and for certain cities within South America. Therefore, Lima remains as the starting point for most travelers that wish to come to Peru.

 

Latam over The Andes

Entry Requirements for UK Citizens

Throughout all our years of service, we’ve come across the same question: Do I need a visa to visit Peru from the UK? The answer is no, a tourist visa is not among the entry requirements for citizens of the United Kingdom. However, what the immigration office does require is having at least a 6-month validity remaining in your passport along with two empty pages for the entry/exit stamp.

According to the UK Government, evidence of return or onward travel is required by some airlines. Keep in mind that the length of your stay in Peru will be determined by the immigration officer upon entry and they may give you permission to stay up to 90 days. However, if you’re planning to stay longer than your stipulated time, you must request an extension through the Peruvian immigration office. If you overstay, some penalties will be applied.

 

Lake Titicaca

Please feel free to ask us here about travel to Peru from the UK