What Not To Bring to Peru

Restricted Items

Restricted items need permission to be brought into the country. Depending on the article, it just has to be declared (and paid duty on it), or special requirements must be fulfilled, and a special permit must be issued. Items restricted by Peruvian customs require the appropriate permission(s) to bring into Peru. Without permission, they’ll be confiscated, and you’ll probably be fined.

 

Weapons

 

Weapons and ammunition.

In Peru, carrying weapons is heavily regulated, and the possession of certain types of weapons is prohibited. The government enforces strict laws to control firearms and other dangerous items to ensure public safety. Here are some key points regarding weapons restrictions in Peru:

• Firearms: Civilians are generally not allowed to carry firearms without a special permit, and these permits are strictly regulated. Firearms such as pistols, rifles, and shotguns require registration and authorization from the Peruvian government. Carrying an unregistered or unauthorized firearm can result in severe legal consequences, including imprisonment.

• Knives and Blades: Carrying certain types of knives, such as switchblades or concealed blades, is illegal in Peru. Travelers should avoid carrying any kind of sharp or concealed weapon, especially in public spaces, as these can be considered dangerous weapons.

• Explosives and Firearms Accessories: Any form of explosive, such as dynamite or fireworks, requires special permits for transport or possession. Firearm accessories like silencers or scopes for automatic weapons are also prohibited unless authorized for specific purposes.

• Self-defense Weapons: Items commonly used for self-defense, such as pepper spray or tasers, are generally allowed, but their use is limited, and misuse could result in legal issues. It’s important to use these devices only in legally justified situations, such as self-defense against an immediate threat.

• Other Dangerous Weapons: Prohibited weapons also include items like brass knuckles, batons, or any other object designed with the intent to harm or injure.

 

Other items include, but are not limited to:

• Cultural items and artifacts
• Animals/wildlife Pets except for one dog or one cat, other animals, and animals under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) - get in contact with the nearest Peruvian consulate and Senasa.
• Plants and plant products
• Agricultural pesticides
• Veterinary products
• Food for animals 
• Car Parts or spares for motor vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds or ATVs, motor homes or trailers; boats of all kinds including jet skis and aircraft (importantly, “aircraft” also includes drones*, see below.

Illegal Animals

 

Drone to Peru

Peru has eased up its drone laws, and anyone can bring a drone into Peru if it weighs 2 kg or less. You also no longer need a special license from the MTC, Peru’s Ministry of Transport and Communication. However, you must declare your drone upon entering Peru and pay 18% of its value as a deposit, which is refunded when you leave Peru (you’ll be given a receipt, so don’t lose it). Some people have successfully entered Peru without declaring their drones, as not everyone is checked. But if caught entering without saying your drone, you will be slapped with a hefty fine (half the cost of your drone). By paying the customs fee, you also get a temporary operations license to use your drone legally in Peru (but not for commercial purposes, this requires a special permit from the MTC).

 

Drone on The Beach

Items Prohibited by Peruvian Customs Regulations

Peruvian customs entirely prohibit these seemingly random things. Some are more logical, yet be careful with some items on the list. You must not enter with the following:

 

• Drugs, narcotics, and medication containing narcotics (Including CBD).
• Fireworks
• Used clothes and shoes not considered for personal use
• Any beverage named “Pisco” not produced in Peru
• Used car parts
• Some pesticides and other chemicals

 

Chilean Pisco

If you want to bring something to Peru that is out of the ordinary, or you are not sure about a specific item on your Peru packing list, please consult your Travel Designer here, who can give you more information and guidance. Happy Travels!