Visa to visit Peru

Discover Peru's entry essentials: visas, vaccinations, and stay limits.

Travel essentials with passport and world map on desk.

Essentials

Determining Your Visa Requirements

Visa-Exempt Nationalities

Travelers holding passports from many countries, including the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and nations within the European Union/Schengen Area, typically do not require a visa for tourism in Peru.

The standard permitted stay for visa-exempt tourists is generally up to 90 days within a 180-day period. While historically a longer stay was possible, the 90-day grant is now common upon entry. The final duration is at the discretion of the immigration officer.

As regulations can change, it is absolutely crucial to confirm the status of your specific passport on the official government list before you travel.

Action: Please check the official list of visa requirements on the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: Consult Visa Requirements for Peru.

Nationalities Requiring a Visa

If your nationality is not on the visa-exempt list, you are required to obtain a tourist visa before traveling to Peru. This process must be completed at the nearest Peruvian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. We strongly advise you not to book any non-refundable flights until your visa has been approved and is physically in your possession.

Entry Requirements for All Travelers

Please note that the following requirements apply to all international visitors, including those who are exempt from needing a visa.

Passport Validity

  • Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six (6) months from your date of entry into Peru.
  • Ensure you have at least two blank pages in your passport available for the necessary entry and exit stamps.

Proof of Onward or Return Travel

Upon arrival, immigration officials may request to see proof of your departure from Peru. This serves as evidence that you intend to leave the country within your permitted stay.

  • This is typically your return flight ticket or a confirmed ticket for onward travel, such as a bus ticket to a neighboring country.
  • We recommend having a printed copy or a readily accessible digital version of your ticket confirmation when you approach the immigration desk.

The TAM (Tarjeta Andina de Migración)

The Andean Migration Card (TAM) is a mandatory immigration document for entry and exit. The process is now digital and known as the TAM Virtual.

Upon your arrival, the immigration officer will stamp your passport. This stamp is electronically linked to your TAM record in the immigration system, so you will not receive a separate physical paper card.

CRITICAL: Your passport stamp is your proof of legal entry. It may be required by hotels to grant you an exemption from the 18% IGV (General Sales Tax) on lodging. You will also need it to exit the country, so please ensure your passport is stamped correctly upon arrival.

Applying for a Tourist Visa (If Required)

This section is for travelers who have confirmed they must obtain a visa prior to arrival. Please note that specific requirements and processing times can vary significantly between different consulates.

General Application Process

  • Begin by locating the nearest Peruvian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
  • Visit their official website to find the specific tourist visa application form and the complete checklist of required documents.
  • Schedule an appointment if required by the consulate. The entire process can take several weeks, so it is essential to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.

Common Required Documents

While the exact list varies, applicants are typically asked to provide:

  • A completed and signed visa application form.
  • Your valid passport along with photocopies of relevant pages.
  • Passport-sized photos that meet the consulate’s specific requirements (e.g., background color, size).
  • Proof of round-trip transportation, such as a detailed flight itinerary.
  • Proof of accommodation. Your tour booking confirmation with us can serve this purpose.
  • Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay, often in the form of recent bank statements.
  • The required visa application fee, payable in the specified format.

Extending Your Stay & Overstaying

Extending Your Tourist Stay

Extensions for tourist stays are not guaranteed and the process can be complex. Any request for an extension must be initiated while you are in Peru at an office of the Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones. It is generally recommended to plan your travels to fit within the initial time granted upon entry to avoid complications.

Penalties for Overstaying

If you remain in Peru beyond the number of days authorized on your entry stamp, you will be subject to a daily fine. This fine must be paid in full at the airport or border crossing before you are permitted to depart the country. The current fine is approximately S/ 5.15 per day (about $1.40 USD), but please be aware this amount is subject to change by the Peruvian government.

Official Resources & Disclaimer

Disclaimer: All visa and entry requirements are established by the Peruvian government and are subject to change without prior notice. The information provided here is for guidance purposes only. It is the traveler’s sole responsibility to verify and comply with all current travel regulations for their specific nationality.

Primary Source: Always consult the official website of the Peruvian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. This is the most reliable source for accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa applications and entry requirements.

Peruvian Immigration Authority: For official information on immigration procedures within Peru, you can consult the Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones. Please note the site is primarily in Spanish.