Do I need a visa to visit Peru?

Whether you need a visa to travel to Peru depends primarily on your nationality, the type of passport you hold, and the entry rules currently in effect.
Some travelers from certain countries must apply for a tourist visa before traveling to Peru. If you are not sure about your situation, check with the Peruvian Embassy or Consulate responsible for your country before booking your trip.

Countries that can visit Peru without a visa

Citizens of many countries can travel to Peru for tourism without a visa. However, visa exemption does not mean that travelers can enter without the required travel documents, such as a national identity card or passport, when applicable.
Below is a general list of countries whose citizens are exempt from the temporary tourist visa requirement:

• South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Suriname, and Uruguay.
• North America: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
• Central America and the Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.
• Western Europe: Germany, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, England, Scotland, Wales, Spain, Finland, France, Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Sweden, and Switzerland.
• Asia: Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, and Thailand.
• Oceania: Australia, Fiji, Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
• Africa: South Africa.

Please note that visa requirements can change. Always verify the current rules for your nationality with an official Peruvian source before traveling.

Countries that require a visa

Travelers whose nationality requires a tourist visa should apply through a Peruvian consulate before traveling. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends submitting the application at least 15 calendar days before the planned trip.
Requirements and processing procedures may vary depending on the consulate and the applicant's nationality.
The examples below are provided as a general reference and may not cover every nationality or exception:

• South America: Venezuela.
• Central America and the Caribbean: Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua.
• Europe: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and Kosovo.
• Asia: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Iran, and other nationalities that require a visa. Citizens of China and India may qualify for a visa exemption if they meet specific conditions, such as holding a qualifying visa or permanent residence in certain countries.
• Africa: Angola, Botswana, Egypt, and Ethiopia, among others.

Because these rules may vary according to nationality and individual circumstances, always confirm the current requirements with the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Peruvian consulate responsible for your country.

What documents do you need to travel to Peru?

If you are wondering what documents you need to travel to Peru, the answer depends on your nationality and individual circumstances.
For travelers who need a tourist visa, the consulate may generally request several documents before approving the application. These can include:

• A completed visa application form.
• A valid passport.
• Proof of onward or return travel.
• Accommodation details.
• Proof of sufficient funds.
• Passport photographs.
• Payment of the applicable consular fee.
• Any additional documents requested by the consulate.
• A personal interview, if required.

Although the process varies by nationality and consulate, applicants generally need to complete the following steps:

1. Complete the form provided by the embassy or consulate.
2. Submit the required documents for the visa application, such as your passport, travel tickets, accommodation details, and proof of financial solvency.
3. Pay the applicable consular fee.
4. Attend a personal interview if required.
5. Wait for the consular officer to review and approve the application.

If you are applying for a visa, make sure to check the exact requirements with your consulate before submitting your documents.

Peru travel documents for visa-free travelers

If you can enter Peru without a tourist visa, you still need to meet the country's entry requirements.
Travelers exempt from the visa requirement may enter Peru with a valid passport or, when applicable, an accepted national identity card. For travelers entering with a passport, the document must have at least six months of validity.
Having the correct Peru travel documents ready can help avoid problems during immigration control.

Entering Peru without a visa does not mean that you can stay indefinitely. Tourists can be authorized to stay for up to 183 calendar days, although the exact period granted may vary depending on nationality, immigration status, and the authorization given by immigration officials.

At immigration control, officers may also request proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket, as well as other supporting documents. Depending on your circumstances, this may include your travel itinerary, hotel reservation, travel insurance, or proof of sufficient funds.
This process takes place at official immigration checkpoints at Peru's international points of entry.

How long can you stay in Peru as a tourist?

Tourists can be authorized to stay in Peru for up to 183 calendar days, although the exact period depends on the applicable rules and the authorization granted by immigration officials.

The authorized period of stay is recorded in the Virtual Andean Migration Card (TAM), which is generated during immigration control when you enter Peru. Travelers can consult this information online.
Remember that the maximum possible stay does not necessarily mean that every tourist will automatically receive 183 days. The period granted is determined at the time of entry.

What documents should you have when entering Peru?

If you are making a checklist of your travel documents for Peru, there are several documents and supporting items you should consider before departure.

1. Valid passport
Your passport must generally have at least six months of validity when you enter Peru.

2. Proof of onward travel
A return ticket or other evidence of onward travel may be requested by immigration officials, depending on your circumstances.

3. Visa, if applicable
A tourist visa is required only for visitors from countries whose citizens are not exempt from the visa requirement.

4. Virtual Andean Migration Card (TAM)
The TAM is a digital record generated during immigration control. It allows travelers to check their authorized period of stay and verify their regular entry into Peru.

5. Supporting documents
You may also be asked to provide documents such as proof of accommodation, evidence of sufficient financial means, your travel itinerary, or travel insurance.

Having these documents easily accessible can make the immigration process easier if an officer asks to see them.
Special entry rules and exceptions
While the standard entry requirements for foreign nationals involve a passport and, when applicable, a visa, there are alternative documents and regulatory exceptions.

Citizens of certain South American countries may be able to enter Peru using a national identity card instead of a passport under applicable CAN or Mercosur agreements. Travelers should confirm which document is accepted for their nationality before departure.

Some travelers who are normally subject to Peru's tourist visa requirement may also qualify for an exemption if they hold permanent residence in a Pacific Alliance member country. The specific rules can vary by nationality, so travelers should confirm their situation with the Peruvian consulate before traveling.

How to check Peru visa requirements before you travel

Visa and entry requirements can change, so it is important to verify the rules that apply to your nationality before departure.
The most reliable sources are the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Superintendence of Migration, and the Peruvian consulate responsible for your country.

If you are still unsure what documents are needed to travel to Peru, check the official requirements for your passport before booking or traveling. This is especially important if you have a nationality, residence status, or passport type that may be subject to special conditions.

FAQs about traveling to Peru

Knowing what documents you need to travel to Peru is an important part of planning your trip. Entry rules can vary depending on your nationality, passport, and individual circumstances, so checking the latest official information before departure can help you avoid problems at the border.

Once you know whether you need a visa to enter Peru and have your Peru travel documents ready, you can focus on the exciting part: planning your journey.

Peru offers a wide range of experiences for travelers, from exploring Cusco and the Andes to discovering the Amazon and visiting Machu Picchu. Good preparation can help you enjoy your trip with greater peace of mind.
Always verify the latest entry requirements with official sources before departure, and make sure your travel documents are ready for your adventure.

If you need more information about visas, travel arrangements, or planning your trip to Peru and South America, feel free to contact us.