Vaccination & Health requirement to visit Peru

Vaccination & Health requirement to visit Peru

Official Health Requirements for Entry

Health and entry requirements are subject to change with little notice. It is essential that you verify the latest regulations prior to your departure. We recommend checking the official Peruvian government portal or your country’s foreign travel advice service. For your convenience, you can consult Peru’s official immigration website: Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones.

Yellow Fever Certificate

• A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travelers (aged 9 months and older) arriving from countries with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
• It is also required for travelers who have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
• You can find the official list of at-risk countries on the CDC website or from the World Health Organization.
• The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before your travel date to be effective and valid.

COVID-19 Requirements

As of our latest update, there are currently no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for travelers entering Peru. This policy can change, so we advise a final check of the official sources linked above closer to your travel date.

Recommended Vaccinations & Medications

Important Disclaimer: The information below is a general guideline. We strongly advise every traveler to consult with their personal doctor or a specialized travel medicine clinic 4-6 weeks before departure. A medical professional can provide personalized recommendations based on your health history, planned activities, and specific itinerary in Peru.

Routine Vaccinations

Before any international trip, it is wise to ensure all your standard immunizations are current. These form the foundation of travel health and include:

• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)
• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Polio
• Your yearly flu shot

Recommended for Most Travelers

• Hepatitis A: This virus is transmitted through contaminated food or water. The vaccine is recommended for virtually all travelers to Peru.
• Typhoid: Also transmitted through contaminated food or water, the Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers, particularly those planning to visit smaller cities, rural areas, or for those who consider themselves adventurous eaters.

Recommended for Some Travelers

• Yellow Fever: Beyond the entry requirement for some, this vaccination is highly recommended if your itinerary includes the Amazon Basin or other jungle areas east of the Andes, at altitudes below 2,300m (7,546 ft). Key regions include Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, and Manu National Park.
• Hepatitis B: Transmitted through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products. Consider this vaccine if you might have a medical procedure, get a tattoo, or anticipate new sexual partners during your travels.
• Rabies: Transmitted through bites from infected animals (commonly dogs, bats, and monkeys). This vaccine is recommended for travelers who anticipate spending a significant amount of time outdoors in rural settings, or for those who will be working directly with animals.
• Malaria Prophylaxis: Anti-malarial medication may be recommended depending on the specific regions you will be visiting. Please see the Mosquito-Borne Illnesses section below for more detail and discuss this with your doctor.

Key Health Risks & Precautions in Peru

Altitude Sickness (Soroche)

• What it is: A common condition affecting travelers who ascend too quickly to high altitudes (generally above 2,500m / 8,000ft), where there is less oxygen in the air.
• High-Altitude Destinations: Many of Peru’s highlights are at high altitude, including Cusco (3,399m), Puno/Lake Titicaca (3,827m), Huaraz (3,052m), and treks like the Inca Trail.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty sleeping. They typically appear 6 to 24 hours after arrival.
• Prevention:
  • Acclimatize: Plan to spend at least two to three nights at your high-altitude destination before engaging in strenuous activity like trekking.
  • Go Slow: On your first few days, walk at a leisurely pace and avoid overexertion. Listen to your body.
  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water. Local tradition also recommends coca tea (mate de coca), which can help alleviate mild symptoms.
  • Eat Lightly: Avoid heavy meals and alcohol for the first 24-48 hours after arriving at altitude.
  • Medication: Speak with your doctor about prescription medication such as Acetazolamide (Diamox), which can be taken before ascent to help prevent symptoms.

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

• Risk Areas: The primary risk is in the Amazon jungle regions (e.g., Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado) and other lowland areas at altitudes below 2,300m (7,546 ft). There is minimal to no risk in high-altitude destinations like Cusco, Puno, or in the coastal desert city of Lima.
• Key Diseases: The main concerns are Dengue, Zika, and Malaria.
• Prevention is Key:
  • Use an effective insect repellent containing DEET (20-30% concentration).
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during the peak mosquito hours of dawn and dusk.
  • Ensure your accommodation has well-screened windows and doors, or sleep under a mosquito net.
  • Discuss the necessity of anti-malarial medication with your travel doctor if you are visiting a known risk area.

Food and Water Safety

Traveler’s diarrhea is a common ailment, but simple precautions can significantly reduce your risk. Drink only bottled, boiled, or purified water. Avoid tap water, even when brushing your teeth. Do not accept ice in your drinks unless you are in a reputable hotel or restaurant where you can be certain it was made from purified water. For food, prioritize meals that are freshly cooked and served steaming hot. Be cautious with uncooked items like salads. A good rule for fruit is to stick to items you can peel yourself, such as bananas and oranges. When sampling street food, be selective; choose popular stalls with high turnover that appear clean and well-maintained.

Travel Health Insurance & Medical Kit

Essential Travel Insurance

• Before you travel, confirm that your standard health insurance policy provides adequate coverage for medical emergencies in Peru.
• We strongly recommend purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy that specifically includes emergency medical evacuation to a major hospital or back to your home country.
• Ensure your policy covers all activities on your itinerary, particularly high-altitude trekking if applicable.
• Keep a digital and physical copy of your policy information and emergency contact numbers with you at all times.

Personal Medical Kit Checklist

While pharmacies are available in cities, it is wise to carry a small, personal kit with familiar items for immediate needs.

• Prescription Medications: Bring enough for your entire trip in their original, clearly labeled containers. It is also advisable to carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor.
• Over-the-Counter Basics:
  • Pain and fever reducer (e.g., Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen)
  • Antidiarrheal medication (e.g., Loperamide)
  • Antihistamine for allergic reactions
  • Assorted bandages, antiseptic wipes, and blister treatment (e.g., moleskin)
  • Altitude sickness medication (if prescribed by your doctor)
  • High-SPF sunscreen and SPF lip balm
  • Insect repellent containing DEET