Peru Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

All travelers require return or onward tickets, all documents required for onward travel and proof of funds. If traveling for business purposes, a visa is required. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US nationals do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 183 days. A valid passport is needed.

UK Nationals

British nationals do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 183 days. A valid passport is needed.

Canadians

Canadian nationals do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 183 days. A valid passport is needed.

Australians

Australian nationals do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 183 days. Holders of APEC Business Travel Card do not require visa provided the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Peru.

South Africans

South African nationals do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 183 days.

Irish Nationals

Irish nationals do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 183 days. A valid passport is needed.

New Zealanders

New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 183 days. Holders of APEC Business Travel Card do not require visa provided the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Peru.

Healthcare

There are several health issues to consider for travel to Peru. Those entering the country from an infected area require a yellow fever certificate, and outbreaks of yellow fever do occur; vaccination is recommended but is not necessary for Lima, Cuzco or Machu Picchu. No other vaccinations are officially required but visitors are advised to take precautions especially if planning to travel to jungle regions. Immunization against typhoid is sensible. Malaria is a risk all year round in the lowland areas, except for Lima and the coastal regions to the south, and dengue fever is on the increase. There have been a number of incidents of rabies transmitted by bites from vampire bats in the Madre de Dios and Puno provinces, and near the border with Ecuador; visitors are advised to have a course of rabies injections and not to sleep in the open. Chagas' disease, Cholera and cases of the plague do occur. The most common ailments for travelers are diarrhoea and altitude sickness. Drink only bottled water, avoid drinks with ice, and be wary of food bought from street vendors. Health care is good in the major cities (better at private clinics than at public hospitals) but is expensive; health insurance is essential. Screening for HIV is inadequate and visitors should avoid blood transfusions.

Safety

Safety in Peru is improving. Thieves are the biggest problem; be especially cautious in crowded areas, on public transport, in bus and train stations, and in the center of Lima at night. Special care is required in the cities of Lima and Cuzco against street and violent crime. There have been attacks on foreigners trekking in the Huayhuash region near Huaraz and trekkers should be cautious and seek advice before setting out. Thieves and muggers also operate in Huaraz and Arequipa. Women should take particular care to only take taxis that have been pre-booked by a hotel or official company, and travelers arriving at Lima International Airport should be wary of thieves posing as taxi drivers or tour operators. There has been an increase in the number of crimes associated with taxis in the main cities. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations as these have the potential for violence.