Peru country guide: visas, airlines and living abroad

Understanding Peru

Peru requires a travel and relocation plan that reflects its geography, administrative arrangements and the traveller’s own circumstances. This guide brings together basic country information, aviation context, entry planning, longer-term residence considerations and practical preparation. A visitor, an international student, an employee and a person joining family may face different procedures even when they hold the same passport.

The country profile places Peru in South America. The listed capital or administrative centre is Lima; the language metadata lists Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Currency information is presented as Peruvian sol (PEN), and the internet-domain information is .pe. These details are useful when checking application addresses, interpreting invoices, identifying local services and arranging communication. A country-code domain identifies an internet namespace; it does not, by itself, authenticate an immigration service or establish an applicant’s eligibility.

Use the guide in two stages. First, understand the destination and prepare a realistic itinerary or relocation objective. Then confirm the applicable requirements with the authority responsible for your nationality, passport type, place of legal residence and purpose of travel. The country-specific official extracts below retain their source dates and scope. They must not be read as a universal visa decision for all passports, and an airline ticket or a consultation booking does not confer permission to enter.

Demographic, geographic and transport material attributed to the CIA World Factbook comes from its final archived edition. Figures retain their original reference years and are historical background rather than a claim that every statistic is current. Government travel-advice extracts are reproduced with attribution under the Open Government Licence. The sections on preparation are practical editorial guidance; they do not invent a visa category, processing guarantee or entitlement to permanent residence. Check the linked original advice again before travel, as the published snapshot can change. Map boundaries are illustrative and do not express a position on sovereignty or disputed borders.

Country facts, geography and economic context

Historical country context, adapted from the public-domain CIA World Factbook final archive. Original dates are retained. These facts do not establish current entry or residence rights.

History and national context

Geographic position

Land area

Landscape

Climate and seasonal planning

Natural hazards

Environmental conditions

Geographic considerations

Capital and administrative centre

Regional administration

Settlement patterns

Population snapshot

Urban development

Major urban areas

Languages and communication

Religion and cultural context

Society and communities

Economic context

Industry and employment context

Agriculture

Trade and exports

Trade and imports

Legal-system background

Names and terminology

National holiday

Internet identity

Airport infrastructure

Rail infrastructure

Airlines and transport to Peru

Air travel to Peru should be planned around the actual operating airport, the operating carrier and the legal conditions at every connection. A marketed flight may be operated by another airline under a codeshare arrangement. Identify which carrier performs each sector, where checked luggage is transferred and whether a change of terminal or airport requires passing through immigration. A cheap connection is not necessarily usable if the traveller lacks the relevant transit or entry permission.

The airline information below uses IATA’s membership directory retrieved on 2026-10-10. Membership is a useful way to identify registered carriers and their airline codes, but it is not a complete census of airlines, a flight timetable or a statement that every carrier operates passenger services. Cargo airlines may also appear. Registration in Peru does not mean an airline serves the traveller’s departure city, and foreign airlines may be the practical option for reaching the destination. Consult the carrier and airport directly for current routes and operating restrictions.

IATA-listed carriers registered in this destination

• JetSMART Peru — IATA designator JZ
• LATAM Airlines Peru — IATA designator LP

Before paying for flights, check the spelling of the passenger name, passport validity, baggage entitlement, change conditions and refund rules. Compare a protected through-ticket with separate tickets: a missed connection on independently booked sectors may leave the traveller responsible for replacement transport and accommodation. Keep sufficient time for immigration, security screening and baggage collection, especially when arriving in Peru after a long international connection.

For an island, remote settlement or seasonal route, review the consequences of cancellation as carefully as the outward journey. Weather, runway limitations and operating schedules may restrict alternatives. Keep essential medicines, identification, payment methods and a change of clothing in hand luggage. Carry the address of the first accommodation and a reliable arrival contact. Never assume that a visa exemption also removes an airline’s document checks, or that approval for the destination automatically covers a transit country.

How to plan a visa application for Peru

Start with the intended activity rather than the name of a visa found on a commercial website. A short holiday, attendance at meetings, a paid assignment, an academic course and joining a spouse can require different permissions. Write a short factual description of the trip, its duration, who will pay and whether any work will be performed. The responsible authority can then assess the relevant category without relying on an ambiguous description such as “business travel”.

Next, establish which rules apply to the individual passport holder. Nationality, ordinary or diplomatic passport status, dual citizenship, existing residence permits and previous immigration history can affect the route. An entry exemption offered to one nationality should not be applied to another. Likewise, a resident of a neighbouring country may still need permission based on nationality. Where a guide quotes UK travel advice, its stated British-passport scope is retained; it is not a promise that another passport receives the same treatment in Peru.

Identify the correct application channel through an official embassy, consulate, immigration department or government portal. Check whether the application must be made from the applicant’s country of nationality or legal residence, and whether a third-party centre is officially appointed. Search advertisements and a country-code website address are not adequate evidence of authorisation. Confirm the official fee, currency, payment method and process for obtaining a receipt before transferring money or uploading identity documents.

Build the evidence file around the published checklist for the selected category. Possible evidence can include a passport, photographs, a travel plan, accommodation details, financial records, an invitation or proof of a family relationship, but the required list must come from the authority. Names, dates and addresses should be consistent across forms and supporting documents. Explain genuine discrepancies honestly; do not alter a bank record, conceal a refusal or submit a reservation that is presented as paid when it is not.

If translations, certification or legalisation are required, establish the accepted language and format before commissioning them. A translation accepted by a university or employer may not satisfy the immigration authority. Keep the source document, translator’s certification and any required legalisation together. Ask whether a digital upload is sufficient or originals must be produced at an appointment. Where biometrics or an interview are requested, attendance arrangements and passport retention may affect other planned journeys.

Submit only after reviewing every answer and retain the application reference, payment receipt and a complete copy of the evidence. Monitor the official account or authorised communication channel for requests. Respond within the stated period and keep a record of what was supplied. Processing-time estimates are planning information rather than guarantees; do not invent a completion date for Peru, and avoid non-refundable commitments until the documents and travel conditions are suitable.

When a decision is issued, examine the name, passport number, entry validity, permitted duration, number of entries and any activity restrictions. An approval letter may require a later step before boarding or after arrival. If an application is refused, read the reasons and the authority’s instructions for any review, appeal or new application. A different factual situation or corrected evidence should be explained clearly; repeatedly submitting an unchanged file is unlikely to resolve the underlying issue.

Peru: official entry, safety and health information

Country-specific official material reproduced from UK FCDO travel advice under the Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright. The entry section is scoped to British passport holders as stated by the source; other nationalities must check their own requirements. Source last updated: 2026-10-09T14:35:03+01:00. Retrieved 2026-10-10. Read the current original advice.

Warnings and insurance

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel  

Within 20km south of the Peru-Colombia border 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km south of the Putumayo River and the border between Peru and Colombia (Loreto region) except for: 

• the Amazon River
• the area of the triple border with Brazil and Colombia from and including the towns of Caballococha in Peru up to the actual triple border at Santa Rosa de Yavari town

Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM)

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers, also known as the VRAEM region.

We advise against all but essential travel to these two areas for safety and security reasons.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. 

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. If you have onward travel plans within the region, check travel advice for all destinations you plan to travel through. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Peru’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Peru set and enforce entry rules. If you are not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Peruvian Consulate General in the UK (in Spanish).

Passport validity requirements

To enter Peru, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can travel to Peru without a visa for tourism or short visits. If you are travelling for any other reason, check requirements with the Peruvian Consulate General in the UK (in Spanish).

When you arrive in Peru, you will normally get permission to stay for up to 90 days in a 180 day period. The 180 day period is calculated from the date of your first entry into Peru. Immigration officials can grant you a maximum of 183 days in a 365 day period as a visitor or tourist.

If you overstay, you will get a fine and you could be detained.

Arriving at an international airport

If you arrive in Peru at an international airport, authorities will register your entry digitally through a Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM) - a virtual immigration control document.

You can check how long you are allowed to stay in Peru on the Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones website (in Spanish).

Airport fee

From 7 December, passengers transiting or connecting through Lima (Jorge Chávez International) Airport will be required to pay a fee, known as a TUUA (Tarifa Unica por Uso de Aeropuerto, or Airport Use Fee).  

This fee is not currently included in airline tickets.  

To avoid delays, travellers are encouraged to pay in advance via the Lima Airport online platform or use available on-site payment options, including mobile POS (Point of Sale) agents, dedicated payment modules, and QR codes.

Arriving by land

Land entry: make sure you get your passport stamped.

If you enter Peru by land from a neighbouring country, get a passport entry stamp at the immigration checkpoint. You cannot leave Peru without one. If you did not get a stamp, apply to get a passport entry stamp online (form in Spanish) and:

• give your passport details
• give evidence of your entry to Peru, such as a bus ticket in your name
• show an exit stamp from the last country you visited

The British Embassy can help you to apply for an entry stamp. You should start this process as soon as possible.

If you cannot give the information needed, you must apply for an exit order or expulsion order to leave Peru in person at the Immigration Office in Lima. These orders may stop you from re-entering Peru for a number of years. The British Embassy cannot intervene in these decisions but can help you with the exit procedure.

Travelling inside Peru without a passport 

If your passport is lost or stolen and you plan to travel inside Peru, contact your travel agency, airline or bus company to check their requirements. Some companies will not allow you to travel carrying a police report only. You may need a new passport or an emergency travel document.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Peru guide.

Travelling with children

Children aged 17 and under who are travelling on a British passport and have Peruvian resident status need written permission (‘Autorización de Viaje Notarial’) from the non-accompanying parent or parents to leave Peru.

You must get permission in a letter signed by a public notary in Peru. The letter must include:

• proposed destination
• purpose of the trip
• departure date
• return date

These requirements do not normally apply to children with tourist status, but immigration officers may ask for them in circumstances considered suspicious, or if the child has overstayed in Peru and the stay lasts more than 183 days.

For further information, contact the Peruvian Consulate General in the UK (in Spanish) or the Peruvian Immigration Department (in Spanish).  

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Peru (in Spanish). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You can bring one laptop and 2 mobile phones into Peru without paying tax.

When you leave Peru, you may be stopped and prosecuted if you are carrying:

• products made from wild animal skins
• crafts made with preserved butterflies, spiders, starfish, sea horses or other fish or insects
• crafts and jewellery made with condor or other wild bird feathers, turtle shells, teeth, bones and other animal parts

The sale of souvenirs made with wild animal parts, including condor feathers, is illegal in Peru. These products are often sold in tourist markets in Cusco and Iquitos.

It is illegal to remove any archaeological artefacts from Peru without authorisation.

Safety and security

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Peru.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.   

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Peru

Terrorist attacks in Peru cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Political protests in Peru are unpredictable and can escalate quickly. Demonstrations can become violent and lead to roadblocks, travel disruption, including trains, and suspension of immigration services at land borders. This is often without notice or notification of estimated re-opening timelines.

Local groups can announce strike action, with little or no notice, particularly in areas connected to mining. These may quickly spill over from one region to another. 

It’s illegal for foreigners in Peru to participate in political activities, including demonstrations against the government. You may face detention or deportation if you take part in a demonstration. To reduce any risk:

• avoid large gatherings and protests
• stay in a safe place
• follow the instructions of army or police officers
• take the advice of local authorities or tour operators
• monitor local media, including social media channels
• be wary of unverified, unofficial information
• make sure you travel with enough food, water, local currency and personal medication
• allow extra time to reach your destination

Protests in Lima often happen in the historic centre, where access can be restricted, but they can also spread to other areas. Other regions that have seen recent protests include Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cusco, La Libertad, Madre de Dios and Puno.

Some train services in the south, including those to and from Machu Picchu, are occasionally suspended or disrupted because of protests. Contact your travel provider for further advice on disruptions, and check if changes need to be made to your journey.

Contact the iPeru information service for help with issues travelling to different regions of Peru.

The British Embassy’s ability to provide help will be very limited where protests or criminal activity disrupt travel or damage infrastructure.

Help from local authorities, including police and emergency services, will also be very limited, especially if airports, roads and railroads are affected.

Crime

Organised crime

There is a higher risk to your safety in areas where there is serious organised crime linked to drug production. This includes the border areas with Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil and the Valley of Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro rivers (VRAEM). Remnants of the Shining Path guerrilla group are still active in some of the main coca growing areas in central Peru (Alto Huallaga, Aguaytia and VRAEM river basins).

Street crime

Street crime, including muggings and thefts, is a significant problem in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa and other major cities. Be alert in public places and when withdrawing cash from ATMs.

It is safer to use ATMs inside banks, supermarkets or large commercial buildings during business hours. Do not walk on your own in quiet areas or at night.

There have been a number of robberies at gunpoint of British tourists and residents. Attacks can take place in tourist areas of Lima such as Miraflores and Barranco. To reduce your personal risk:

• avoid wearing or displaying expensive items
• avoid using your phone at the roadside, as motorbike riders may snatch it
• report crimes to local police as soon as possible
• ask lodge or hotel staff for help if an incident happens on site

Criminals target cars stopped at traffic lights. Keep your doors locked and windows shut while driving.

Protecting your belongings

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is common, so:

• keep your belongings secure
• do not leave bags unattended
• on bus journeys, keep your passport with you

Fake taxi drivers

There is a risk of robbery by criminals posing as taxi drivers, especially at Jorge Chavez International Airport and bus terminals. Fake taxi drivers and thieves pretending to be tour operators sometimes approach arriving passengers. To reduce your risk:

• use licensed telephone or app-based taxi services
• do not hail taxis on the street
• ask your hotel to book taxis for you
• use one of the official taxi companies at the airport, located at desks directly outside the baggage hall
• use one of the taxis registered at bus terminals

Kidnappings and hold-ups

Tourists, especially those travelling alone, are at risk of ‘express kidnapping’. Victims are taken hostage and forced to withdraw money from ATMs for their release, usually at night. Incidents often involve armed criminals posing as taxi drivers, or taxi drivers working for organised gangs. Armed robbers sometimes hold up provincial and inter-city buses.

If a kidnapping or hold-up happens to you:

• do not attempt to resist attackers
• agree to any demands for cash or goods
• report the incident to the police as soon as possible

Criminals can also fake kidnappings by contacting the numbers from a stolen mobile phone and claiming to have kidnapped the owner. They then demand a ransom. Report it to the police if you suspect this has taken place.

Sexual assault

Personal attacks, including sexual assaults, are infrequent but do happen, mostly in the Cusco and Arequipa areas. Unscrupulous tour agents have targeted young females, travelling alone in the Cusco area. You should:

• buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them
• try to get help from people you know
• report incidents to the police as soon as possible
• read advice for women travelling and living abroad

For information on reputable tourist services around Peru, contact the iPeru information service.

Methanol poisoning

There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Peru.

Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Spiking and methanol poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks. 

Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.

Money scams

Counterfeit US and Peruvian banknotes are in circulation. There have been reports of street money changers in Cusco tourist areas fraudulently using Peruvian intis (former currency now out of circulation).

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry ID with you. The Peruvian police may ask to see ID; if you do not have it with you, you may be required to go to the nearest police station.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Illegal drug use and drug trafficking in Peru carry lengthy jail sentences. Prison conditions in Peru are extremely poor and the British Embassy cannot intervene in police or judicial matters, or secure more favourable conditions.

You should:

• pack your luggage yourself and always keep it with you
• not carry anything through customs for anyone
• not take coca leaves or coca tea out of the country – it is illegal to import these items into the UK

Drug couriers have targeted British nationals with email scams. These criminals will try to get you to travel to Peru to pick up items containing drugs. You’ll face detention for drug trafficking if convicted.

Military photography

Do not take photographs of anything of a military nature, it is illegal and you could face a prison sentence of two to five years.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Peru, but social attitudes are generally conservative. Crimes against the LGBT+ community are not included in hate crime legislation and same-sex partnerships are not formally recognised.

Same-sex couples showing affection in public may receive unwanted and negative attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Make sure your insurance covers you for all planned activities.

Unregulated tour services

Make sure that agencies providing adventure activities like zipline, canopy tours, bungee jumping, paragliding, kayaking, rock climbing, sand buggies and surfing have a licence. You should also check their health and safety precautions. For updated information on tour and sport services, contact the iPeru information service.

Hiking and mountaineering

Peru’s highest peaks are in the Cordillera Blanca Mountains. Several hikers have died and others had to be rescued after serious accidents. Much of the region is inaccessible by helicopter so rescues are usually carried out on foot. Contact the iPeru information service in Huaraz – phone: 0051 (43) 428 812 – before you set off.

Sand buggies  

There have been deaths and accidents involving recreational sand buggies, particularly in the sand dunes around Ica and Lake Huacachina. These buggies are unregulated, and the drivers and agencies take no responsibility for the welfare of passengers.

Surfing

There are unauthorised surfboard rentals at the beaches of Miraflores. There may not be lifeguards on beaches.

River rafting and Amazon riverboat cruises  

For more information or to check the credentials of rafting and cruise operators, contact iPeru information service.

For more information about the risks of travelling in the Amazon region, see Regional risks.

Spiritual cleansing

Shamans and other people offer ‘spiritual cleansing’ (Ayahuasca or San Pedro) to tourists in the Amazon area, northern Peru and Cusco. This often involves drinking a brew containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a hallucinogenic drug that is a Class A substance in the UK. This brew is not regulated and its effect on existing medical conditions is not well understood. People have become seriously ill and, in some cases, died after taking part. Spiritual cleansing retreats are usually far from populated areas, making it difficult to get medical attention.

There have also been reports of sexual assault during these ceremonies. For guidance to support you if you have been sexually assaulted or raped in Peru see Getting help.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Peru, see information on driving abroad.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Peru for up to 6 months if your immigration stay permit is valid. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

Always carry your passport or valid ID (‘carne de extranjería’ if you are a resident) when driving.

Take particular care if you are driving close to places where protests are taking place. Do not attempt to pass blockades.

Driving standards in Peru are poor. Drivers often ignore stop signs and traffic lights, and fatal crashes are frequent.

Drivers do not always show concern for pedestrians. You should be extra cautious when walking alongside traffic.

Bus crashes are common, especially at night. Only use reputable transport companies, and where possible, avoid overnight travel, especially in mountainous and remote regions.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

El Niño 2026-2027 

Through late 2026 to April 2027, the El Niño weather event is expected to generate heavy rainfall, possible flooding, landslides, and mudslides, especially in, but not restricted to, the northern and central coast. These could cause travel disruption, such as road closures, and affect access to essential services.  

You should monitor local news and weather reports and the latest information about road alerts (Spanish only).

For official updates on El Niño, please visit the Peruvian government website: ENFEN (Spanish only), and check Real-time road updates (Spanish only).

Rainy season

The rainy season in Peru runs from November to May. There is heavy rain and snow in northern Peru, the Andes, including Cusco, and other parts of the country.

The rainy season can disrupt:

• travel services
• road travel between provinces
• flights
• tourist sites

Rockslides, mudslides and snow can disrupt walking routes, road and rail travel in mountain and jungle areas:

• across the Cusco Region
• routes to Machu Picchu, including the alternative Santa Maria-Santa Teresa-hydroelectric plant route, and the Salkantay route
• the route to Manu, in Cusco and Madre de Dios
• across northern regions

You should:

• check the latest conditions with your tour operator
• travel with enough food, water, cash in local currency, medication and warm clothes
• monitor local media for updates on travel information before starting your journey
• contact the iPeru information service before you set off

Earthquakes

Peru is in an active earthquake zone and there are frequent tremors.   

Follow advice given by the local authorities. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake. 

Volcanic eruptions

If you are planning to visit areas of known volcanic activity, listen to all warnings and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Peru’s most active volcano, Ubinas, has been emitting gas and ash recently, leading to some local villages being evacuated, affecting 30,000 people.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after a volcanic eruption.

Tsunamis and high tides

Although tsunamis are rare in Peru, higher tides often happen either after an earthquake or for other reasons throughout the year. See the Peruvian Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation (in Spanish) for information.

Regional risks

This section has safety advice for regions of Peru. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice. 

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice. 

Peru-Colombia border

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km south of the Putumayo River and the border between Peru and Colombia (Loreto region) except for: 

• the Amazon River
• the area of the triple border with Brazil and Colombia from and including the towns of Caballococha in Peru up to the actual triple border at Santa Rosa de Yavari town

This is due to a high level of violence from organised criminal gangs who produce and traffic illegal drugs.  

Putumayo River

The advice against all but essential travel applies to the Peruvian side of the Putumayo riverbank, though not on the river itself. If you are planning to leave a boat on the Colombian side of the river, check Colombia travel advice.

The Putumayo River forms most of Peru’s border with Colombia. The area is known for intensive cocaine and marijuana production. Drug trafficking and other violent organised crime takes place on and around the river.

Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro rivers (VRAEM)

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro Rivers, also known as the VRAEM region.

Remnants of the Shining Path guerrilla group occasionally attack the police, military forces and local authorities in this area. They do not usually target tourists. However, you could be a victim of violence due to mistaken identity or by getting caught up in a security incident involving others.

There is little assistance available in this area from the Peruvian authorities, and any British Embassy assistance is severely limited.

Note that some parts of the Apurimac River in the Departments of Cusco and Arequipa are not within the VRAEM.

Amazon River

Armed criminals operate along the Amazon River and have targeted solo travellers and foreign nationals. These include:

• thieves, known locally as ‘river pirates’
• organised criminal gangs, who transport and smuggle illegal drugs

Travel with a reputable commercial or travel company if you are visiting the Amazon River. Stay on your boat where it passes through areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel.

There is little assistance available in this area from the Peruvian authorities, and any British Embassy assistance is severely limited.

States of emergency

States of emergency have been declared in some parts of Peru. You can read a list of the areas with a state of emergency in El Peruano official newspaper (in Spanish). For more information on your destination, contact the iPeru information service. 

In these areas you may notice an increased security presence. You should:

• comply with the instructions of local authorities
• avoid crowds
• monitor the situation closely

Peru-Ecuador border

The Peruvian government has taken preventive measures in northern Peru in response to the security situation in Ecuador. You may notice an increased security presence.

If you are travelling to northern Peru or plan to cross land border checkpoints, ensure you follow the advice of local authorities.

If you wish to enter Ecuador by crossing a land border from Peru, you must show the Ecuadorean authorities certain documents. See Ecuador travel advice.

Only cross the Peru-Ecuador land border at official checkpoints. Other parts of the border may still have unexploded landmines. Some tourists have been robbed by fake taxi drivers. Be extremely vigilant in these areas.

There is little assistance available in this area from the Peruvian authorities, and any British Embassy assistance is severely limited.

Inca trail 

Only basic medical services are available at Machu Picchu. Several climbers have died or suffered serious injuries after falling while climbing Huayna Picchu, a peak near Machu Picchu. 

You should:

• always register when entering national parks
• be particularly careful in steep and slippery areas, or those that are unfenced or unmarked

The ‘Inca Jungle Trail’ can be difficult for vehicles due to poor road conditions. There have been fatal road accidents.

Lake Titicaca

Armed robbers have attacked travellers walking on their own. You should:

• always take care
• contact the local tourist information centre for advice about known safe zones
• travel with a group at the southern end of Lake Titicaca if walking at night

Nazca Lines

If you are planning to fly over the Nazca Lines, check the airline company is licensed and has a good safety record before you book. There have been several fatal accidents in recent years.

You can ask the iPeru information service for advice about booking flights.

Health

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 106 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Peru
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Peru including: 

• Oropouche virus disease
• yellow fever
• malaria
• Zika virus

Altitude sickness is a serious risk in parts of Peru, including Cusco, Puno, the Colca Canyon and Kuelap. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Diarrhoea caused by contaminated food or water is common and is potentially serious. See more about food and water hygiene.

Dengue outbreak

Peru is experiencing a major dengue outbreak following floods. See the ‘Outbreaks’ page of the TravelHealthPro Peru guide for more information.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. Many medications are available over the counter in Peru, but local prescriptions will be required for some.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Peru

Medical treatment is not easily available and can be more difficult to access outside of Lima. Make sure you have appropriate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip in Lima, dial one of the following numbers: +51 1 416 6767 (Lima - Alerta Med), or +51 1 467 4861 (Lima - Clave Medica) and ask for an ambulance. These services are private, so you will need to pay for them.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Peru where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

Expatriates, employment and immigration in Peru

A temporary visit to Peru and permission to reside there are separate planning questions. The terms “expatriate”, “immigrant” and “resident” describe circumstances, but they do not identify an immigration category by themselves. Determine the lawful basis for the intended stay and whether the application is made before travel or through a permitted procedure after arrival. This guide does not assume that a visitor can change status locally, obtain employment or remain indefinitely.

For employment, confirm whether the prospective employer must sponsor the applicant, obtain an approval or demonstrate particular conditions before the worker applies. Ask whether the permission is tied to a specific employer, occupation or location and what happens if the employment ends. Professional licensing, recognition of qualifications and an immigration work authorisation may be separate requirements. A job offer without the required permission should not be treated as a lawful start date.

International students should verify the institution, course eligibility and the immigration requirements directly with the competent offices. Admission, tuition payment and a student visa are separate milestones. Establish whether part-time work is allowed, whether dependants can accompany the student and what options exist after the course. Do not infer work rights or a settlement route from a school’s marketing claims. Keep a budget for study, accommodation, insurance and the return journey.

For family migration, establish which relationships are recognised and what evidence is accepted. Marriage, partnership, parenthood or dependency may involve different procedures, and a family member’s nationality does not automatically settle the applicant’s rights. Check income, accommodation or sponsorship requirements where applicable. Document custody and consent for children travelling with one parent. If names differ across civil records, obtain appropriate explanations and accepted supporting documents.

Long-term residence and citizenship should be researched as distinct stages. Temporary permits can expire, require renewal or impose limits on absence. Permanent status may have separate qualifying conditions, and naturalisation may involve language, residence, conduct or other legal tests. No number of years or automatic entitlement is promised here for Peru. Before relying on a future route, ask the responsible authority or a qualified local adviser to identify the current provision and its conditions.

Practical preparation for living in Peru

The language information for Peru lists Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Identify the language used by the office handling the application and by the intended employer, school, clinic or landlord. A multilingual country can have significant regional differences. Arrange interpretation when accuracy matters, particularly for a contract or medical consultation, and keep translated copies of essential information. Everyday language learning can help integration, but it does not replace a required certified translation.

Use Peruvian sol (PEN) as the starting point for a local budget and verify the monetary arrangements with the relevant central bank or financial institution. Avoid treating an old exchange-rate statistic as a quote for a present transaction. Separate immigration fees, transport, deposits, accommodation, utilities, insurance and professional charges. Compare the exchange rate, transfer fee and receiving-bank cost, and keep a reserve for a delayed arrival or an unexpected return journey.

An accommodation decision should follow the lawful duration and purpose of stay. Verify the property, the landlord’s authority and the contract before paying a deposit. Ask about utilities, notice periods, registration documents and refund conditions. A temporary booking can provide flexibility while the newcomer checks a neighbourhood and travel times. If accommodation evidence is needed for an application, confirm the accepted form with the authority rather than assuming that every informal invitation or booking is sufficient.

Healthcare preparation should reflect both the traveller’s health and the local services available. Review the country-specific health advice where supplied, consult an appropriate clinician for vaccinations or medication questions, and check the insurance wording. Carry prescriptions and establish the rules for importing controlled medicines. A familiar medicine brand may not be available in Peru; plan continuity of treatment through a legitimate provider. Insurance should cover the actual activities and circumstances of the stay.

Families should assess schools, childcare, accessibility and the effect of the move on each member’s legal status. Check enrolment documents and whether translated academic or vaccination records are required. An adult’s work permission does not necessarily give a spouse work rights or a child access to every service. A realistic plan includes transport, communication, emergency contacts and arrangements if one family member’s application is delayed or refused.

Tax residence, immigration residence and access to public services can be governed by different rules. A person may need professional advice about income earned abroad, employment deductions or obligations in both the departure and destination jurisdictions. Do not infer tax treatment from an immigration label. Keep records of arrival and departure dates, contracts and payments, and ask a qualified adviser to identify the relevant rules for the actual circumstances.

After arrival, check whether a residence card, address registration, identity number or another local procedure is required by the authorised route. Maintain a calendar of expiry dates and renewal windows using the official instructions. Keep important records securely, with a backup available if a device is lost. When leaving Peru, settle contractual obligations, retain payment evidence and check whether departure affects a continuing permission or a future return.

A preparation checklist for Peru

Prepare one coherent personal record before consulting an adviser. It should state the traveller’s nationality, passport type, current legal residence, destination, intended dates and purpose. Include dependants and all transit points. This simple profile reduces misunderstandings and helps the adviser distinguish a visitor application from employment, study or family residence. Leave out unnecessary sensitive documents until the recipient and purpose have been verified.

Create a document register with the issuing body, issue date, expiry date, language and any certification requirement for each item. Note whether an original, copy or digital version is accepted. This is particularly useful for civil records and qualifications that may take time to obtain. A well-organised file makes it easier to answer a request for additional evidence without accidentally sending contradictory versions of the same document.

Use a financial worksheet that separates the application cost from the cost of the journey and the first period in Peru. Record which payments are refundable and what conditions apply. A consultation charge, government visa fee, airline ticket and accommodation deposit are different transactions with different terms. Request itemised invoices and retain receipts; a single total described as a “visa package” can obscure what has actually been purchased.

Before submitting the application, read the form as a whole. Check dates against the itinerary, employment details against the contract and funds against the stated budget. Where an explanation is needed, make it factual and concise. If a representative prepares the application, review it yourself before signing. Responsibility for the truth of the information should not be delegated to an adviser or a travel agent.

Before departure, check the current official entry and travel advice, the transport operating status, the documents required at boarding and any arrival formalities. Download essential records for offline use and keep paper copies where practical. Share the itinerary with a trusted contact and confirm the first arrival transfer. A complete application file is useful, but it is the current permission and actual travel conditions that determine whether the planned journey can proceed.

Choosing assistance for a Peru application

Select a consultant by relevant experience and a clear written scope. Ask which part of the process the consultation covers: identifying an appropriate category, explaining a checklist, reviewing evidence or representing the applicant where permitted. The adviser should distinguish general preparation from legal representation and identify any local licensing or authorisation required for the service. A confident sales statement is not a substitute for a source-backed explanation.

Request a written fee breakdown and understand what is excluded. Government charges, translations, courier costs, appointments and further representation may be separate. Ask who will handle the file, how questions are answered and what records the customer receives. A consultant should not promise guaranteed approval or claim influence over the decision-maker. The authority responsible for Peru determines the outcome under the applicable rules.

When using VisaWand, compare the profile, the consultation scope and the displayed fee before booking. The consultation is an opportunity to clarify the route and preparation; it does not itself create entry permission. Keep control of original documents, email accounts and official application credentials. Provide sensitive material only through an appropriate verified channel, and ask how it will be stored, used and deleted when the service ends.