Visa Required
Apply at embassy before traveling
Entry Requirements
Visa Requirement
Peru generally requires all non-citizens to hold a valid visa or qualify for visa-free entry. Many nationalities, including citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, and most South American countries, can enter Peru without a visa for tourism or short business visits. If your nationality is not visa-exempt, you must obtain a visa from a Peruvian consulate before traveling.
Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Peru. At least two blank pages are recommended for entry and exit stamps. Peruvian immigration may deny entry if your passport does not meet these requirements.
Mandatory Documentation
All travelers must present a valid passport and provide evidence of return or onward travel (e.g., a plane ticket). Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay may also be requested. Upon arrival, you will receive a digital Andean Migration Card (TAM) — no paper form is required. Your details are recorded in the immigration database; passports are not always stamped at major airports like Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport. You can check your stay record on the Peruvian immigration website.
Traveling with Minors
Minors traveling without both parents or with only one parent may need additional documentation, such as a notarized letter of consent. Immigration officers may request this in suspicious circumstances or if the minor has overstayed previously.
Visa Types
Tourist Visa
For nationals who require a visa to enter Peru for recreational purposes (tourism, culture, short courses). The visa allows a maximum stay of up to 183 calendar days, either in a single continuous visit or multiple consecutive visits within 12 months from the date of issuance. No extension is granted beyond 183 days per stay, but you may request a stay extension from Peruvian Migration before the initial period expires. The fee is USD 30 (approx. $30 USD), payable at the consulate.
Business Visa
For individuals traveling to Peru for business meetings, negotiations, or related professional activities not linked to employment within Peru. Requires a letter from the sponsoring company stating the purpose, length of stay, and assurance of sufficient funds. Fee: USD 30 (approx. $30 USD).
Journalist Visa
For media professionals traveling to Peru to conduct journalistic work. Requires a letter of presentation from the media company detailing the purpose of travel. Fee: USD 30 (approx. $30 USD).
Work Visa
For foreign nationals planning to work in Peru under a contract with a Peruvian company. Requires a job offer and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Details are handled through the Peruvian consulate and migration office.
Student Visa
For those enrolled in an accredited educational institution in Peru. Requires proof of enrollment, sufficient funds, and a valid passport.
Family Visa
For spouses, children, or dependents of Peruvian citizens or legal residents. Requires proof of relationship and sponsorship.
Retirement Visa (Rentista)
For individuals who can demonstrate a stable monthly income from pensions or investments, allowing them to reside in Peru.
How to Apply
- Determine whether you need a visa based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. If your nationality is visa-exempt for tourism, no application is needed — you receive a visitor permit upon arrival.
- If a visa is required, locate the Peruvian consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence. No appointment is necessary for tourist visa applications at most consulates (check the specific consulate’s website).
- Complete the visa application form (DGC 005) available on the consulate’s website.
- Gather the required documents: valid passport with at least six months validity, one passport-size photo (white background, no eyeglasses), proof of return/onward travel, and evidence of sufficient funds.
- Submit the application and documents in person at the consulate during business hours (typically Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM).
- Pay the visa fee (USD 30 or equivalent in cash or money order) at the time of submission.
- Wait for processing — usually 72 business hours. Collect your visa in person during designated pick-up hours.
- On arrival in Peru, present your passport with the visa sticker to immigration. The officer will determine your authorized stay period (usually up to 90 days for visa-free travelers, or up to 183 days for visa holders).
Processing Times
Standard Processing
- Tourist, Business, and Journalist Visas (consular processing): Approved applications are processed within 72 business hours (approximately 3–4 business days). Processing times may vary slightly by consulate.
- Work, Student, and Family Visas: Processing times vary significantly and can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity and additional requirements from Peruvian migration authorities. Applicants should apply well in advance.
- Visa-Free Entry: No processing time is required; the visitor permit is granted upon arrival at immigration.
Peak Season
During holiday periods or high travel seasons (e.g., June–August, December–January), consular processing may take longer. It is recommended to apply at least 15 calendar days before your intended travel date.
Denial & Appeals
Appeals Process
If your visa application is refused, the Peruvian consulate will provide a written notice explaining the reason. There is no formal administrative appeal mechanism; you may reapply by submitting a new application with additional supporting documents that address the reasons for denial.
Common Denial Reasons
- Insufficient or invalid passport validity (less than six months remaining).
- Incomplete or incorrect application form.
- Lack of proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay.
- Failure to provide required supporting documents (e.g., letter from employer, hotel bookings).
- Previous overstay or immigration violations in Peru.
- Concerns about the genuine purpose of the visit (e.g., suspicion of intending to work illegally).
Stay Guidelines & Regulations
Maximum Stay
Visa-free visitors are typically granted a stay of up to 90 days per entry. Holders of a tourist visa may stay up to 183 days per visit (or cumulative within 12 months). The exact duration is determined by the immigration officer upon arrival.
No Work Allowed
Tourist and business visas do not permit any form of paid employment in Peru. Working without a valid work visa is illegal and may result in fines, deportation, and re-entry bans.
Extension of Stay
If you wish to stay longer than your authorized period, you may apply for an extension at the National Superintendence of Migration (Migraciones) before your current permit expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and may be granted for additional periods, subject to approval.
Overstay Penalties
Staying beyond your authorized period results in a fine. The fine amount is calculated per day overstayed. Overstays can also lead to visa cancellation, deportation, and a potential re-entry ban. Immigration authorities may impose additional penalties for serious or repeated violations.
Address Registration
Visitors staying for longer periods or those on residence visas must register their address with immigration. Short-term tourists are not required to do so.
Dual Nationals
Peruvian dual nationals must enter and exit Peru using their Peruvian passport or identity document.
Health Requirements
Vaccination Requirements
No mandatory vaccinations are required for direct entry into Peru. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission (or have transited through such an airport). The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before arrival. Peru also recommends yellow fever vaccination for travelers visiting the Amazon region.
Health Examinations
No health examinations are required for short-term visa-free stays or tourist visa holders. For longer stays (work, study, residence), a medical certificate may be requested by the consulate or migration authorities.
Health Insurance
Travel health insurance is not compulsory for entry, but it is strongly recommended given the costs of medical care in Peru. Some consulates may request proof of travel health insurance for visa applicants.
Financial Requirements
Proof of Sufficient Funds (All Visa Types)
All travelers must be able to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover their stay in Peru. The amount is not fixed but should be enough for accommodation, meals, and other expenses. Proof can include recent bank statements, credit cards, cash, or a letter of sponsorship.
Tourist Visa Proof of Solvency
For those applying for a tourist visa at a consulate, you must provide evidence of sufficient funds, such as bank statements from the last three months, pay slips, or a letter from a sponsor guaranteeing financial support.
Business Visa Proof of Solvency
In addition to personal funds, the sponsoring company must provide a letter stating that the traveler will have sufficient funds for the stay.
Work, Student, Family Visas
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to support themselves without recourse to public funds. Specific amounts may be requested by the consulate.
Customs Information
Customs Declaration
All travelers must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Peru has strict biosecurity laws; you must declare food, plant material, animal products, and wooden souvenirs.
Duty-Free Allowances
You may bring one laptop computer and two mobile phones into Peru without paying import taxes. Other personal effects up to a reasonable value are generally allowed duty-free.
Cash Declaration
Travelers carrying more than USD 10,000 (or equivalent in any currency) must declare it upon entry or exit. Failure to declare may result in confiscation and fines.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Illegal drugs, weapons, and counterfeit goods are strictly prohibited. Certain medications may require a prescription and authorization from Peruvian health authorities.
Updates
Digital Andean Migration Card (TAM)
As of recent years, the Andean Migration Card has been fully digitized for Peru. Travelers no longer receive a paper form; immigration records are electronic. You can access your entry/exit record online via the migration website.
Visa-Free Access Expanded
The United Kingdom introduced visa-free access for Peruvian citizens for stays of less than six months starting November 2022. This reflects reciprocal arrangements; however, it does not affect entry requirements for visitors to Peru.
Special Programs
Retirement Visa (Rentista)
Peru offers a retirement visa for foreign nationals who can prove a stable monthly income from a pension, annuity, or investments. The income threshold is set by the immigration authority (typically around USD 1,000 per month). The visa allows temporary residence and can lead to permanent residency after a period.
Working Holiday Visa
Peru does not currently have a working holiday visa arrangement with any country. Citizens seeking to work temporarily in Peru must obtain a work visa sponsored by an employer.
Sources
The following official sources provide the most accurate and up-to-date information for Peru visa and immigration requirements.
- Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Apply for a tourist visa
- Consulate of Peru in Los Angeles – Visa Application PDF
Information compiled from official government portals as of 2026-06-12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you need to apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate before traveling.
The visa requirements for Peru were last verified on 8 April 2026.