foreign office travel peru

Entry Requirements for Peru

In this Peru guide we offer general information on entry requirements to Peru, but we recommend that before you travel to Peru always consult with your own embassy for the most up to date information.

Peru’s Covid-19 cases drop to record lows!

Remember, when traveling around Peru, Peru Hop is the only company offering flexible date changes until 2024 at NO extra cost. No airline, bus company or tour company offers such flexibility, on top of our stringent covid-19 protocols and safety procedures.

Tourist Visa

On arrival in to Peru you are required to obtain a visa from Peruvian immigration; it is not required to have a visa prior to travel. The tourist visa is free and permits you to enter the country for the period stated on your visa. You will be presented with an Andean Immigration card, a small white piece of paper which you need to show when you depart Peru. Should you lose this piece of paper, you will be required to pay a small fine, before you can clear immigration.

In order to enter Peru, you may be required to show proof of an onward ticket, usually a flight reservation will suffice.

Should you be staying in Peru for an extended time it is possible to get a tourist visa for up to 6 months, you will need to specially ask for this at the immigration desk.

• U.S. Department of State Website
• U.K. Foreign & Commonwealth Office
• Canadian Foreign Affairs

Vaccination Requirements

There are no requirements to show proof of vaccinations for entry to Peru. If you are entering Peru from a country that is considered to be at risk from Yellow Fever, then you may be required to show a certificate of vaccination.

Click here for information on vaccinations for Peru .

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Peru travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: June 4, 2024 08:03 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, peru - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Peru due to high levels of crime, as well as social conflicts and strikes that may occur across the country.

Regional advisory - Avoid non-essential travel

• Huallaga and Tocache provinces in the department of San Martín
• the Upper Huallaga and Ene river valleys in the departments of Huánuco and San Martín
• Padre Abad province in the department of Ucayali
• Huacaybamba, Humalíes, Leoncio Prado and Marañón provinces in the department of Huánuco
• Concepción and Satipo provinces in the department of Junín
• Tayacaja province in the department of Huancavelica
• the districts of Abancay, Andahuaylas and Chincheros in the department of Apurímac
• Huanta and La Mar provinces, in the department of Ayacucho
• Valley of Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro rivers (VRAEM)

Border area with Colombia - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to areas within 20 km of the border with Colombia due to drug trafficking and occasional incursions by armed guerrilla forces from Colombia into Peru.

Border area with Ecuador - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to areas within 20 km of the border with Ecuador, especially in the Cordillera del Cóndor region, due to the safety threat posed by landmines.

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State of emergency in regions bordering Ecuador

On January 10, 2024, the Peruvian government declared a state of emergency in the northern regions bordering Ecuador following the Government of Ecuador’s declaration of a nationwide state of “internal armed conflict” on January 9, 2024. The state of emergency is in effect in the following regions:

If you are in these regions, you should carry identification with you at all times.

Demonstrations and strikes

Demonstrations and strikes take place regularly throughout the country. Strikes can complicate travel and disrupt public transport and services, including your ability to travel to or leave isolated tourist destinations such as Machu Picchu. They could also lead to border closures with Bolivia. Protestors may also block rivers essential for transportation in some remote regions, including the Manu region of Madre de Dios and Iquitos region. This may result in the temporary detainment of tourists.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Police have used tear gas and other methods to disperse crowds in the past. Authorities often declare a state of emergency in response to demonstrations. 

Peruvian law prohibits political activities by foreigners. You may face detention or deportation if you take part in a demonstration.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Consult local media to be aware of strikes and demonstrations that may affect your stay or travel plans

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

State of Emergency 

The Peruvian government periodically declares a state of emergency in certain areas to allow the military to assist police forces to respond to security incidents and natural disasters. When a state of emergency is in effect, security forces have increased rights to:

• restrict freedom of movement
• monitor correspondence
• conduct search and seizures
• detain persons of interest

Border area with Colombia

Criminal activity related to narcotics trafficking and occasional incursions by armed guerrilla forces from Colombia at Cordillera del Cóndor, Peru, pose a threat to personal security.

Border area with Ecuador

Cross the Peru–Ecuador border at official crossing points only due to the presence of landmines along the border.

Basic services in the Tumbes district have become increasingly difficult to access due to an increased number of migrants entering Peru from the North land border with Ecuador. The increased population has limited the provision of these services.

Valle de los Ríos Apurímac, Ene y Mantaro (VRAEM)

Drug trafficking.

Cocaine production and trafficking occurs inVRAEM. Travel is particularly dangerous in areas where there is coca cultivation and processing.

Domestic terrorism

Incidents of domestic terrorism have occurred in VRAEM, particularly the region where the Apurímac, Ayacucho, Cuzco and Junín departments meet.

Crime rates are high throughout the country.

• Maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness, especially at night
• Avoid walking in deserted or under-populated areas
• Travel in groups whenever possible

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in Lima, in other cities and even in crowded, public areas. Theft occurs frequently in hotels, restaurants, bus stations and airports, on intercity buses and microbuses and while hailing taxis.

• Avoid wearing expensive watches and jewellery, or showing signs of affluence
• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Never leave bags unattended

Pickpockets and bag snatchers may work in pairs or groups and employ a variety of ruses to divert their victim’s attention. A common scam involves spraying a substance on victims and then robbing them while pretending to help clean the stain, or distracting the victim by asking questions while another person perpetrates the theft. In some cases, thieves on motorcycles will snatch purses, backpacks or cellular phones. 

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs. Incidents have included:

• kidnappings

Armed robbery

Armed robberies are on the rise. While most victims are not physically injured, criminals will not hesitate to use force when opposed.

• If you are robbed, hand over your cash, electronic devices and valuables without resistance
• Be particularly vigilant after visiting a bank, an ATM or a change bureau, as thieves may follow and rob victims.
• Use ATMs inside banks and during regular hours of service, when guards are on duty

Assaults have occurred along the Inca Trail and in the Huaraz region of the Cordillera Blanca mountains. Hiking in these regions should be done in groups.

Express kidnappings involving tourists have occurred. Victims are usually abducted for a few hours and forced to withdraw money from ATMs for their release. Most express kidnappings take place at night, but incidents also occur during daylight hours. Incidents often involve criminals posing as taxi drivers, or taxi drivers working for organized gangs. Virtual kidnappings occur throughout the country. Criminals use stolen cellphones to contact family members claiming to have kidnapped the owner of the phone and then ask for ransom money.

• Be suspicious of strangers approaching you on the street
• Never leave your cellphone unattended
• Be cautious when using cellphones and smart devices in public as they are often targeted by thieves, especially while people are using them
• Ensure your phone is password protected

Organized crime

Organized crime is reportedly increasing in parts of Lima Province and in some districts of the Department of Piura. In some parts of the country, military and security forces have been deployed to assist police in combatting organized crime.

Incidents of domestic terrorism occur, particularly in remote jungle areas such as:

• parts of the Huancavelica and Ucayali departments
•  the Upper Huallaga river valley in the Huánuco and San Martín departments.

Incidents have included:

• temporary ambushes of small villages
• bombings or threats of violence against local security forces or community figures

Overland travel in these regions is unsafe.

Counterfeit currency

Counterfeit currency in both sol and U.S. dollars is a growing and serious problem. Counterfeit bills are widely distributed, including by banks, casinos and local stores.

Avoid moneychangers on the street, as they may carry counterfeit currency or work with pickpockets.

Credit card fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Criminals posing as taxi drivers often rob tourists along the route to and from Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport.

• Use a secure taxi service when arriving at and leaving the airport
• Exercise caution en route to and from your hotel

Thieves also pose as police officers to gain the confidence and cooperation of their potential victims.

• If you are stopped by local authorities, ask to see official identification and record the officer’s name, badge number and district.
• For traffic violations, request that the officer issue you a fine in writing, which is payable at a later date.
• You should also note the location of the arrest.

Legitimate police officers have also extorted money in exchange for dismissing minor offences or traffic violations. They have also stolen money and valuables during searches.

• If you are searched, even at the airport, ensure you have all your belongings before leaving
• If you are planning to participate in volunteer activities in Peru, ensure that the company organizing your trip is legitimate
• Make sure your accommodations and return arrangements are secure before travelling

Useful links

• Lima Airport Partners
• Overseas fraud
• Volunteering abroad

Spiked food and drinks

Snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

• Be wary of accepting these items from new acquaintances
• Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Incidents of sexual assault, including rape, occur throughout the country, particularly in tourist destinations. In some cases, tour guides have been implicated.

• Do not travel alone, especially after dark.
• Remain particularly vigilant at bus terminals and in taxis.
• Be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances, especially regarding the acceptance of rides or other invitations.

Women reporting sexual assault should contact police immediately. Medical examinations at identified clinics are part of the investigation process. Women who have delayed reporting may experience more scrutiny by local authorities.

Advice for women travellers

Adventure tourism

Each year, several hikers and climbers are victims of serious, sometimes fatal, accidents in the Andes, including at the Huayna Picchu peak near Machu Picchu and the Cordillera Blanca region in Huaraz, where Peru’s highest peaks are located.

The Inca Trail is usually closed each year in February for maintenance. Other trails, such as those found in Ollantaytambo, may be poorly marked. Hikers have become lost. Be aware that steep or slippery areas are neither fenced nor marked.

In November 2023, the Cusipata District in Quispicanchi Province closed two access routes to Vinicunca, the “Rainbow Mountain.” The closure follows violent disputes between the municipalities surrounding the access routes. Access to Vinicunca from Quispicanchi Province will be closed indefinitely, but access remains open via the Pitumarca District in Canchis Province.

Remote areas of Peru, where popular jungle excursions operate, may not have cellphone coverage or internet access.

If you intend to hike, trek or climb:

• never do so alone, and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• only use licensed companies recommended by the Ministry of Tourism for adventure tours and sports
• exercise extreme caution while climbing, as local authorities have limited rescue capabilities
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• make sure that you’re properly equipped and well-informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes
• always leave the contact information of the tour operator with your family and friends
• always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company if you travel in remote areas
• iPerú ‎ - Peruvian government’s Tourist Information and Assistance‎
• APOTUR  - The Peruvian Association of Incoming and Domestic Tour Operators (in Spanish)
• APAVIT   - Peruvian Association of Travel and Tourist Agencies (in Spanish)
• APTAE - Peruvian association of adventure, eco, and specialized tourism (in Spanish)
• Qualified Tourism Service Companies  - Ministry of foreign trade and tourism (in Spanish)

Water activities

There have been several recent white-water rafting accidents and drownings involving tourists, particularly on the Urubamba River near Cuzco. Companies offering white-water rafting, their guides and their equipment may not be held to the same standards as similar companies in Canada. Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Strong currents exist in the Pacific Ocean and in rivers. Life guards are not always present or properly trained at beaches.

Swimming in jungle lakes and rivers can be dangerous due to the presence of parasites and wildlife.

Seek advice and consult residents and local authorities about conditions before swimming, surfing or participating in other aquatic activities.

Water safety abroad

Ayahuasca ceremonies

Spiritual cleansing and ayahuasca ceremonies, offered by shamans and other individuals, involve consuming substances that can cause medical complications and severely impair cognitive and physical abilities. Exposure to these substances has led to serious illness, injury, assault and even the death of several tourists.

Ceremonies often take place in remote areas with no access to medical or mental health facilities or resources and limited communication with local authorities. Most of the time, the facilities lack basic first aid or emergency plans for those suffering from physical or psychological illness from these ceremonies. Ayahuasca ceremonies are not regulated and there is no way to assess the safety of any of the services, the operators or the shamans.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Drivers are extremely aggressive, and they do not respect traffic laws. Mountainous roads can be particularly dangerous, especially at night. Poor signage also poses a hazard. Accidents causing fatalities are common.

Regular police spot checks can cause traffic delays.

When renting a vehicle, always purchase insurance. Most drivers in Peru have only the minimum required car insurance, which may not adequately cover accidents.

Vehicles are a target for robbery. Criminals have thrown objects in front of oncoming traffic in the hope that cars will stop. If this occurs and you need to stop, do so only in a safe location, such as a gas station.

• While travelling by car, keep your doors locked and windows shut at all times
• Keep your personal belongings in the trunk of the vehicle, as criminals have been known to shatter windows to “smash and grab” and to attempt entry when they see travel bags or merchandise
• Avoid travelling by road outside of major cities after dark, when there is a higher risk of robbery

State of the roads in Peru in real time  – Government of Peru (in Spanish)

Thefts on boats by river pirates occur along rivers in the Amazon jungle.

Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report  - International Maritime Bureau

Public transportation

Buses and minibuses operate between most major cities. Demonstrations and strikes can lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Many of the buses and combis in Lima are old, poorly maintained and overcrowded. Drivers of these vehicles tend to dominate the roads and disregard other drivers or pedestrians.

Intercity bus travel can be dangerous due to the risk of bus accidents, which are usually caused by excessive speed, poor vehicle maintenance and driver fatigue. Armed gangs have been known to stop buses to rob travellers, especially at night. Incidents of assaults on buses have also been reported.

The Government of Peru publishes a list of the bus companies with the highest rates of involvement in fatal or serious injury traffic accidents.

• Only use reputable transportation companies
• Contact your travel agency for a list of recommended intercity bus companies

Ministry of Transportation  - Government of Peru (in Spanish)

Trains operate between Arequipa-Cusco-Puno and between Cusco-Ollantaytambo-Machu Picchu . Demonstrations, strikes and derailments can disrupt travel by train, including trains to or from Machu Picchu.

• Train services – Peru rail
• Train to Machu Picchu - Inca rail

Licensed taxis are not metered. Taxi drivers sometimes do not provide change or will continue to drive until they can obtain change.

• Do not hail taxis on the street
• Reserve a taxi by calling a reputable taxi company or use taxi services associated with major hotels
• Agree to a fare prior to departure and do not pay until you have reached your destination
• Try to carry the exact fare

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

entry_restrictions_at_land_and_river_borders_with_ecuador

Entry restrictions at land and river borders with Ecuador

On January 11, 2024, the Government of Ecuador announced new entry restrictions in response to the ongoing state of internal armed conflict.

All foreigners entering Ecuador at crossing points with the land or river borders must present a criminal record check from their country of origin or residence. The original criminal record check and the Spanish translation must be apostilled and cover the past five years. Minors travelling with their family members will generally be exempt.

If you cannot provide a criminal record check, the Ecuadorian Migration System will check to verify that you don’t have previous convictions.

• Requirements to enter and exit Ecuador – Ministry of Interior (in Spanish)
• Entry requirements to Ecuador through land borders – Ministry of tourism (in Spanish)
• Migration information – Ecuador Immigration Agency (in Spanish)
• Changes to authentication services in Canada
• Authentication of documents

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Peruvian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Peru.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for a stay of less than 90 days per 365 day period Business visa: required  Student visa: required

If you entered Peru with a business visa, you must obtain a certificate from the Peruvian Ministry of the Economy to prove that all Peruvian taxes on income earned during the trip have been paid prior to leaving the country. The certification is required even if no money was paid or earned and must be presented to the central Peruvian immigration office in Lima before departure.

Entering the country

You must register your entry into Peru at the port of entry or checkpoint.

• Only cross the border at official checkpoints
• Ensure the immigration office at your port of entry is open at the time you intend to cross the border

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them:

• a return or onward ticket
• proof that you have a place to stay
• proof that you have sufficient funds for the duration of your stay

Length of stay

As a Canadian tourist, you may stay in Peru for up to 90 days in a 365-day period.

Overstaying is a criminal offence. There is a fine for each day of overstay. This fee must be paid upon exiting the country.

Dual citizenship

Peruvian–Canadians entering Peru using their Canadian passport are subject to visit restrictions, including length of stay and associated fines. Dual nationals must use the same nationality to enter and exit the country.

• Children and travel

Travellers under 18 exiting Peru after a stay of 183 days are automatically protected by Peru’s law on minors and will require the authorization of both parents/guardians to exit the country.

Children who have resident status in Peru must have written permission from the non-accompanying parents to leave the country.

Children born of Canadian parents in Peru require a Peruvian passport to leave the country for the first time. Contact Peruvian immigration officials for more information.

Travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 6 May, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is recommended depending on your itinerary.
• Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites.

About Yellow Fever Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that   country entry requirements   may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest   diplomatic or consular office   of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)   is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.

Cutaneous and mucosal   leishmaniasis   causes skin sores and ulcers. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

There is a risk of   plague   in this country. Plague is a bacterial disease that can cause serious illness, and if left untreated, death.

The occurrence of cases in areas where the plague bacteria are known to circulate can be influenced by weather and environmental conditions. In some countries, this results in seasonal outbreaks. Travellers to areas where plague routinely occurs may be at risk if they are camping, hunting, or in contact with rodents.

Plague is spread by:

• bites from fleas infected with the plague
• direct contact with body fluids or tissues from an animal or person who is sick with or has died from plague

Overall risk to travellers is low.   Protect yourself   by   reducing contact with fleas  and potentially infected rodents and other wildlife.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Quality of care varies throughout the country.

Private hospitals and clinics in urban centres are well-staffed and -equipped to handle any emergency or medical issue. Public hospitals and rural facilities, even in some tourist destinations and major cities, may not meet Canadian standards or may be inadequate to treat serious conditions.

Cases of serious injury or illness in remote areas may require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility in the country. Clinic, hospital and evacuation expenses can be costly and the service provider often expects immediate cash payment or confirmation of payment from an insurance company.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences, regardless of the amount of narcotics seized at arrest.

If you are arrested in Peru, you should expect lengthy delays to resolve your case, pre-trial detention in harsh conditions and significant related expenses.

• Pack your own luggage and monitor it closely at all times
• Never transport other people’s packages, bags or suitcases

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

You must carry photo identification at all times. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it's lost or confiscated. Failure to show identification could result in detention.

Peruvian authorities may impose fines and other penalties for any action considered to be disrespectful at historical and archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo and Saqsayhuaman. Visitors to Machu Picchu must adhere to strict regulations regarding entry restrictions and behaviour within the site. Check with your travel guide or agent for the latest information.

Peruvian law strictly prohibits the export of antiques and artefacts (huacos) from pre-colonial civilizations. Purchase reproductions of colonial or pre-colonial art from reputable dealers only and insist on obtaining documentation from Peru's National Institute of Culture to prove that the object is a reproduction and may be exported.

The export of coca tea bags and products is prohibited.

It is illegal to remove certain fauna and flora items from Peru. Items made from or displaying animals, insects or plants may be seized. If you are convicted of possession of such items, you could face heavy fines or jail sentences.

National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR) - Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation of Peru (in Spanish)

Photography

It is forbidden to photograph military installations.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Peruvian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely accepted in Peruvian society.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Peru.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Peru, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Peru.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Peru, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Peruvian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Peru to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

You must carry an international driving permit. A foreign driver's licence can be used only in Lima and only for 30 days after arrival.

Carry identification and vehicle registration at all times.

International Driving Permit

The currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN). The U.S. dollar is widely accepted.

Credit cards are not commonly accepted outside major cities. Many establishments will request to see a passport to confirm the identity of the person using the credit card. 

ATMs are not easily accessible in small towns. They often have limits to the amount and number of daily withdrawals.

El Niño

The complex weather phenomenon called El Niño happens at irregular intervals of 2 to 7 years. El Niño generally generates heavy rainfalls, occurring at the same time as the rainy season, from November to May.

• Keep informed of regional weather forecasts before and during your travels, and plan accordingly.
• Ensure you have adequate insurance to cover the consequences of such events, including the disruption of travel plans. 

Seismic activity

Earthquakes.

Peru is in an active seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes.

Dangerous landslides can also occur, even after minor earthquakes.

Latest earthquakes  - Government of Peru (in Spanish)

Tsunamis can occur following seismic activity. Tsunami evacuation routes are posted along the Costa Verde in Lima and several locations on the coast.

Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation  (in Spanish)

There are active and potentially active volcanoes in southern Peru. Debris from erupting volcanoes may clog rivers and cause them to overflow, resulting in potential flash floods and mudslides. Transportation and services may be affected. Ash clouds may cause disruptions to domestic and international flights. If you live or are travelling near active volcanoes:

• monitor levels of volcanic activity through the local media
• pay careful attention to all warnings issued and follow the advice of local authorities
• Be prepared to modify your travel arrangements or even evacuate the area on short notice

Geophysical Institute of Peru  (in Spanish)

Higher tides are experienced several times throughout the year and may cause flooding and damage along the coast.

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from November to May in the Peruvian Andes.

Seasonal flooding, mudslides and landslides can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services such as utilities, emergency and medical care, food, fuel and water supplies. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

• Emergency monitoring  – National Institute of Civil Defence (in Spanish)
• Nationwide weather warnings  – National Meteorology and Hydrology Service of Peru (in Spanish)
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons

Local services

• Police: 105
• Tourist police: +51 980 122 335 (Whatsapp number)
• Medical assistance: 116
• Firefighters: 116

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the embassy of Canada to Peru, in Lima, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Travel to Peru - New restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 - Mandatory quarantine and other measures

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Exercise a high degree of caution in Peru overall due to the threat of violent crime.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

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Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 117 or go direct to the hospital.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Peru overall.

Reconsider your need to travel within 20km of the border with Colombia, areas bordering Ecuador in the regions of Loreto, Amazonas and Cajamarca.

Reconsider your need to travel :

• within 20km of the border with Colombia due to the high risk of violent crime;
• areas bordering Ecuador in the regions of Loreto, Amazonas and Cajamarca due to the risk of landmines.
• Political protests, demonstrations and strikes are common in Peru, particularly in the historic centre of Lima. Past demonstrations have turned violent and disrupted public transport services, including trains to and from Machu Picchu. Avoid protests, monitor local media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Violent crime is common, including in Lima, Cusco and Arequipa. Avoid going out alone, especially at night. Petty crime is common in public areas, hotels and restaurants. Thieves are often well-dressed. Keep your belongings close and valuables out of sight. Street theft of mobile phones has increased. Avoid using your phone at the curbside, as motorbike riders may snatch it.
• Travellers using unlicensed taxis have been victims of robbery, assault and rape. Don't hail taxis from the street. Use a phone dispatch service or taxi service app to book a licensed taxi. Criminals target cars stopped at traffic lights. Keep your doors and windows locked, even when moving. Robberies and assaults occur on intercity buses. Avoid placing personal belongings on overhead racks or under your seats. Use only reputable bus companies.
• Ayahuasca tourism is a growing industry. Serious assaults and robberies occur. Thoroughly research Ayahuasca tour operators before you book.
• Members of a local terrorist group may still be active in remote areas, particularly the Southern Highlands. Take care when travelling outside of populated regions.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Many parts of Peru are at high altitudes. You can develop altitude sickness above 2500m. If you plan to travel to these areas, consult your doctor before leaving. Ensure your travel insurance covers emergency evacuation from altitude and related medical costs.
• Peru is currently experiencing a major dengue outbreak. To protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases, make sure your accommodation is insect-proof, use insect repellent and wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing. Consult your doctor before travel for advice on prevention and get advice if you become ill.
• Yellow fever is a risk in Peru. Get vaccinated before you travel. Zika virus is common in jungle regions. If you're pregnant, discuss your travel plans with your doctor before you leave.
• Malaria is also a risk in Peru. Consult your doctor about how to prevent malaria.
• Other infectious diseases include cholera, hepatitis, tuberculosis, typhoid and rabies. Drink boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food. If an animal bites or scratches you, get immediate medical help.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy prison sentences. Officials use up-to-date technology to detect drugs. 
• You must carry photo identification at all times.
• Be careful when taking photos. It's illegal to photograph infrastructure and military or police sites and personnel. If you're unsure, and local authorities are present, ask them before taking a photograph.
• Always behave respectfully. Indecent behaviour, including not showing respect at cultural, historical or sacred sites, is against the law. Authorities have detained Australians for this.
• It's illegal to export antiques and artefacts from pre-colonial Peru. If you want to buy and export a reproduction, use a reputable dealer who can provide the right documents.
• Dual nationals aged under 18 must travel with both of their passports. Children travelling with one parent or unaccompanied children must carry a notarial permit ('permiso notarial') from the non-travelling parent(s) to depart Peru. This applies if they have resident status in Peru or have stayed in Peru for over 183 days in one year. 

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• Tourists don't need a visa. You can get a permit to stay for up to 90 days when you arrive. If you overstay your permit, you'll have to pay a fine before leaving the country. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Peru for the latest details.
• Follow the advice of local authorities, as restrictions may change at short notice.
• Emergency passports can be used to enter, transit or depart Peru, as long as it has at least 6 months validity.
• If you're entering Ecuador via the land border with Peru, ensure you meet all current entry requirements .

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• Contact the  Australian Embassy in Lima  for consular assistance.
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy’s social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Violent crime.

Violent crime is common in Peru, including in the cities of:

Violent crimes include:

• sexual assault
• armed robbery and muggings
• carjackings

You could encounter: 

• armed robbery and  assault  on Amazon River boats
• theft as you sleep on intercity bus routes between Lima, Ica, Nazca and Cusco
• assault and robbery at gunpoint on intercity buses
• bogus roadblocks or checkpoints on roads outside major cities after dark

If you're sexually assaulted and decide to report it to the police, do it as soon as you can. You can expect to be examined to obtain forensic evidence as part of the investigation. If you delay reporting, you may experience more scrutiny by local authorities and some evidence may be lost.

Road-based crime

Travellers using unlicensed taxis have been victims of robbery, assault and rape.

Use a phone dispatch service or taxi service app to book a licensed taxi. Ask for help from staff at hotels, hostels, restaurants or entertainment venues. Be careful and pay attention to suspicious behaviour, even when taking transport booked via apps. If possible, avoid taking taxis or ride-shares by yourself. 

To protect yourself from road-based crime:

• keep vehicle doors locked and windows up, even when moving
• avoid going out alone, especially at night
• don't place belongings on overhead racks or under bus seats
• monitor the local media for potential hotspots
• don't leave your luggage unattended

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common. Thieves are often well dressed.

Criminals target people walking alone after dark, especially leaving bars or nightclubs.

Thieves frequently target mobile phones. Be aware of your surroundings before using your mobile phone in public spaces and be discreet while using it. Avoid using your phone curb-side on the street, as you may be targeted by snatch-and-grab thieves on motorcycles.

Hotspots for thieves include:

• public areas
• conference centres
• restaurants

Smash-and-grab attacks are common in various locations around Lima and other cities. Thieves snatch items from cars stopped at traffic lights. 

If you plan to go on a cruise, check the company has adequate security before booking.

Personal security

Travellers in Peru can be victims of:

• food or drink spiking, followed by robbery or assault
• ' express kidnappings ', where kidnappers force victims to withdraw money from ATMs before releasing them

To protect yourself from crime:

• don't accept drinks, food, gum or cigarettes from strangers or people you have just met
• don't leave food or drink unattended
• exchange money in banks, exchange bureaus or in your hotel
• use ATMs in banks, shopping centres or hotels where possible

Border areas

Travel to the region within 20km of the border with Colombia is dangerous.

Armed guerrilla forces from Colombia sometimes enter Peru's remote areas.

Drug traffickers operate in:

• the border area between Peru and Colombia
• the valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro rivers (VRAEM region)

Take additional precautions in these areas. 

Ayahuasca tourism

Ayahuasca tourism is a growing industry in the jungle regions. Shamans perform psychedelic rituals of spiritual cleansing.

Ayahuasca is not illegal, but some participants have been assaulted, including sexual assault, and robbed.

Ceremonies often take place in remote areas with no access to medical or mental health resources and limited communication with local authorities.

Most facilities lack basic first aid or emergency plans for people who suffer physical or mental effects after ceremonies. Participants report symptoms from being more alert but out of control through to amnesia.

If you decide to take part in ayahuasca tourism:

• research potential ayahuasca tour operators before signing up
• avoid participating in ayahuasca rituals without a trusted friend present

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.  

Kidnapping in Peru occurs and is primarily perpetrated by criminal groups. Express kidnapping is relatively common, particularly in urban areas. A large proportion of the incidents take place in Lima. Tourists travelling alone are particularly at risk.

If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited.  

To reduce the risk of kidnapping:  

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings  
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk  
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures  
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone  
• notify family or friends of planned travel and share your location   
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs  
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours  
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone  

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.  

More information:  

Civil unrest and political tension

Demonstrations and protests .

Demonstrations and protests occur frequently in Peru. These can cause some disruption to travel services throughout the country and sometimes turn violent. These include airport and land border closures, railways, roads and river blockades. In Lima, the historic centre is often the site of demonstrations. 

States of emergency may be implemented in response to civil unrest, allowing the armed forces to support the police in maintaining law and order. Some civil rights could be suspended. For information on states of emergency, visit the legal gazette  El Peruano official newspaper  (in Spanish).

If you plan to travel by road, research your planned route carefully, including regularly checking the  official list of road closures  (in Spanish), and take precautions to ensure your safety. 

National or regional strikes can be called at short notice, further disrupting domestic air travel, public transport and road networks.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• monitor the media for updates
• avoid areas affected by demonstrations and protests
• follow the advice of local authorities
• contact your airline or tour operator to confirm arrangements before you travel

If you're near a demonstration, leave if it's safe to do so. It's illegal for foreigners in Peru to participate in political activities, including demonstrations against the government. You may face detention or deportation if you take part in a demonstration. 

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Members of a local terrorist group may still be in isolated areas throughout Peru, especially in the Central and Southern Highlands, including the Valley of the Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro rivers (VRAEM).

Take care if you travel to:

• Huancavelica

These places may harbour members of the Shining Path terrorist movement.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in the Southern Highlands
• take official warnings seriously
• report any suspicious activity or items to the police

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid areas affected in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Tours and adventure activities

Australians have died from injuries sustained in  adventure travel  accidents in Peru.

Ziplining, rafting, diving, sand-dune buggy-riding and other adventure tour operators are not always regulated and don't always follow safety and maintenance standards.

The Inca Trail closes in February each year for maintenance. Some companies will still operate.

Heavy rainfall can make parts of the trail impassable and dangerous.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

To reduce your risks:

• seek advice from local authorities
• adjust your plans if the weather makes conditions unsafe
• monitor weather conditions
• use an experienced guide on the Inca Trail or other treks

Tourism assistance or complaints

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Phone iPeru: +51 1 574-8000 (tourist assistance service with English-speaking personnel)

Climate and natural disasters

Due to the weather conditions, some parts of Peru have imposed a State of Emergency for severe climate conditions. This may cause some travel service disruptions and restricted inter-provincial road travel. Some tourist attractions may be temporarily closed. For information on states of emergency, please visit the legal gazette  El Peruano official newspaper  (in Spanish).

Peru can experience  natural disasters  and  severe weather , such as:

• earthquakes
• volcanic eruptions

To protect yourself if a natural disaster is approaching:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• keep in contact with friends and family
• contact your tour operator or airline
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Severe weather

Peru has a variety of climates. The rainy season is from November to May.

Flooding and landslides are common in the Andes during this period.

Rail and air services may be disrupted.

Heavy rain can cause flooding and landslides in the Andes mountain range, affecting:

• Machu Picchu
• the Inca Trail
• Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town)

This can result in travel delays.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Peru is in an active earthquake zone.  Earthquakes  and tsunamis can occur.

A tsunami can arrive very soon after a nearby tremor or earthquake.

Be alert to warnings. 

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

• U.S Tsunami Warning Centers  (United States government)
• Geophysical Institute of Peru  (in Spanish)
• Hydrography and Navigation Directorate of Peru  (in Spanish)

Several volcanoes in southern Peru are active. Ubinas volcano in the Moquegua region and Sabancaya volcano in the Arequipa region have erupted multiple times.

Eruptions can occur at any time and without warning.

Exposure to volcanic ash, dust and toxic fumes can harm your health, especially if you have existing respiratory problems.

To protect yourself if there's an eruption:

• stay inside with windows and doors shut
• put damp towels at door thresholds and other draft sources if ash is falling
• monitor local media for advice on possible risks

If you need to go outside, avoid contact with ash. Wear a disposable face mask and change it frequently. Wear long clothing and goggles.

Seek local advice on recent volcanic activity before hiking or trekking near active volcanoes.

• Geophysical Institute of Peru Instituto Geofisico del Peru (IGP) (in Spanish)
• Geology, Mineralogy and Metallurgy Institute Instituto Geologico Minero y Metalurigico (INGEMMET) (in Spanish)

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Peru. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use only
• Medic ation

Health risks

Altitude sickness.

You're at risk of  altitude sickness  if you travel above 2500m. The risk is greater if your ascent is rapid.

Altitude sickness can be life-threatening and can affect anyone, even if you're healthy.

You're more at risk of altitude sickness if you:

• have had altitude sickness before
• exercise or drink alcohol before you get used to the altitude
• have health problems that affect breathing

Many areas of Peru are above 2500m, including:

• Colca Canyon
• Puno and Lake Titicaca

See your doctor for specific advice.

Check if your insurance covers emergency evacuation from altitude and related medical costs.

Insect-borne diseases

Peru is currently experiencing a major  dengue  outbreak. Monitor local media for up-to-date advice on risk levels in particular areas.

Yellow fever  is widespread in Peru. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

Zika virus  is also widespread across Peru. If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends that you:

• discuss any travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

Malaria  is also a risk in Peru.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Consult your doctor about how to prevent malaria.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic, and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• tuberculosis

Severe outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

Medical care

Medical facilities are adequate in major cities but limited elsewhere.

Doctors and hospitals often require payment before they will treat you, including for emergency care.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with suitable facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Travelling with children

Children under 18 years old travelling on an Australian passport must obtain written permission (Autorización de Viaje Notarial) from the non-travelling parent(s) to leave the country. This applies if they have resident status or have stayed in Peru for over 183 days in one year. For more information, see the Peruvian government's  website . 

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include lengthy prison sentences. Prison conditions in Peru are challenging.  Don't carry or use illegal drugs .

Trained staff use technology to detect illegal drugs at Lima's International Airport and throughout Peru.

Australians have been jailed for long periods for drug offences.

States of Emergency

Local authorities sometimes invoke a state of emergency. It gives the government special legal powers in response to civil unrest, crime, health concerns or natural disasters. Peru's armed forces can support the Police in the control of law and order. Some civil rights may be suspended and curfews imposed.

If a state of emergency happens in an area you're visiting:

Information on states of emergency is published in the legal gazette  El Peruano official newspaper  (in Spanish).

Proof of identity

You must carry photo identification at all times. The Peruvian Police may ask to see it. Failure to show identification may result in detention.

It's illegal to photograph military or police sites and personnel.

Indecent behaviour, such as not showing respect at cultural, historical or sacred sites, is against the law. Australians have been detained for this.

It's illegal to export handicrafts or goods of cultural or historical significance. If you want to buy or export copies of these, you'll need permission from Peru's National Institute for Culture. Call +51 1 321 5560.

It's also illegal to export antiques and artefacts from pre-colonial Peru. If you want to buy and export a reproduction, use a reputable dealer with the right documents.

Do not leave Peru with coca leaves, coca tea bags or similar products.

It is illegal to remove certain fauna and flora items from Peru. 

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Peru recognises dual citizenship. You must enter and exit Peru using the same nationality.

• Dual nationals
• Advice for people travelling with children

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Australian tourists don't need a visa. You can get a permit to stay for up to 90 days when you arrive. The maximum stay permitted is 183 days in one year. If you overstay your permit, you'll have to pay a fine before leaving the country.

In other situations, you'll need to apply for a visa through an  embassy or consulate of Peru .

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You can contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Peru for the latest details. They'll tell you about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements.

Border measures

International airports in Peru will not issue immigration entry or departure stamps. Only digital records will be kept of entry and exit from the country by air.

You can check the number of days you have been granted to stay legally in Peru, on the Peruvian Immigration Office  website  (in Spanish).

If you enter Peru from Bolivia either by walking or by bus or taxi, you must make sure your passport is stamped with a Peruvian entry stamp at the immigration office in Desaguadero or Copacabana (Puno region). You'll need to go to the immigration checkpoint, as they won't seek you out.

If you enter Peru overland from Ecuador, you must make sure your passport is stamped with a Peruvian entry stamp at the local immigration office. You may need to ask for directions to the immigration office. Most people crossing the border with Ecuador enter Peru through Aguas Verdes (Tumbes region). If your passport is not stamped at the border with Ecuador, you can have it stamped at the Immigration Office in the city of Tumbes.

If you haven't arranged an entry stamp to evidence your entry at land borders or seaports, you'll need to apply for an exit or expulsion order at the Immigration Office in Lima. You won't be allowed to leave Peru without this, and these orders may prevent you from re-entering Peru for up to 10 years.

Only cross the border at official checkpoints.

Ensure you also get an exit stamp from the country you're departing.

Travel via the United States

If you're travelling through the US, you must meet US entry and transit requirements.

Check your visa requirements with a  US embassy or consulate  well in advance of your travel.

• Travel advice for the US

Travel via Chile

If you’re travelling via Chile, ensure you meet all current entry or transit requirements.

• Travel advice for Chile

Travel to Ecuador

If you're entering Ecuador via the land border with Peru, ensure you meet all current entry requirements.

• Travel advice for Ecuador

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Peru. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

If you've visited Peru in the previous 6 days, you'll need a valid certificate to enter Australia.

Find out about returning to Australia  after exposure to yellow fever .

You need to have at least 6 months validity remaining in your passport to enter Peru.

Emergency travel documents can be used to enter, transit, or depart Peru as long as they have at least 6 months of validity from the moment of entry in Peru.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .
• After contacting the Australian Embassy in Lima, visit a Peruvian Immigration Office or go to Lima International Airport to get an entry stamp for your new passport. Check  Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones (Spanish)  to find the nearest office.

If you leave Peru with a replacement passport different from the passport you entered Peru (e.g., an emergency passport), you'll need to show a Police report for the loss of the previous passport to the Immigration officers at the moment of departure.     

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The local currency is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN).

Declare all amounts more than of $US10,000 in any currency on arrival. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash. The maximum amount permitted is $US 30,000 or equivalent.

ATM facilities are widely available.

Credit cards are usually accepted.

Beware of counterfeit currency  scams  from unofficial money changers.

Local travel

Landmines are being removed but remain a threat in some regions, including:

• Amazonas (Cordillera del Condor)

Cross the Peru-Ecuador border at official checkpoints.

Driving permit

You can use your Australian driver's license to drive in Peru for the duration of a tourist visa (maximum 183 days in one year). If you're staying in Peru longer, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP). 

Road travel

You're more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Peru than in Australia.

Driving hazards include:

• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• aggressive local driving practices
• poor road lighting

Fatal traffic accidents are common and often involve intercity buses.

Travelling by road outside major cities after dark is dangerous due to the risk of criminal activity. This includes bogus roadblocks or checkpoints.

If you plan to drive:

• check you have adequate insurance cover
• learn local traffic laws and practices
• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Your travel insurance policy may not cover you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Travellers using unlicensed taxis have been victims of  robbery , assault and rape.

To stay safe when you arrive in Peru, either:

• arrange a taxi at the counter in Lima's international airport
• use your hotel transfer service
• book a reputable transfer service

To protect yourself if you're travelling by taxi:

• don't hail taxis from the street
• book through an app-based service
• ask the staff at hotels, hostels, restaurants or places of entertainment to book a licensed taxi
• Lima Airport Partner website

Public transport

Intercity buses can be involved in road accidents. They can also be targeted by criminals.

Use a reputable transport or bus company to reduce risks.

Check the safest intercity bus companies with the  Peruvian Ministry of Transportation (Spanish) .

• Transport and getting around safely  

Demonstrations, strikes and derailments can disrupt train travel, including those operating between Arequipa-Cusco-Puno and Cusco-Ollantaytambo-Machu Picchu.

Sea and boat travel

Armed criminals can target riverboats in the Amazon region.

Foreigners, including Australians, are assaulted and robbed every year on boats.

If you are travelling along a river on a cruise in the Amazonian area, check your cruise company has adequate security arrangements before booking.

A number of international cruise liners visit Peru.

• Going on a cruise
• Travelling by boats

Light aircraft and helicopter flights may be hazardous due to a variety of conditions. These include changeable weather and harsh geography.

Before you book a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines, check the airline company:

• is licensed
• has a good safety record

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Peru's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

The Peruvian government has 24-hour i-Peru offices in major airports and cities. Call +51 1 574 8000.

Ambulance services in Lima

• +51 1 225 4040 (Alerta Medica)
• +51 1 467 4861 (Clave 5)
• +51 95993 7312 (Plan Vital)

Visit the nearest police station or tourist police office. There are tourist police at the International Airport and popular tourist spots.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australian Embassy, Lima

Avenida La Paz 1049, 10th Floor  Miraflores, Lima, 18, Peru

Phone: +51 1 630 0500 Fax: +51 1 630 0520 Email:  [email protected] Website:  peru.embassy.gov.au/lima Facebook:  Australia en Perú y Bolivia X:  @embauslima Instagram: @embauslima

Australia has a Consulate headed by an Honorary Consul in Cusco. The Consulate provides limited consular assistance. It does not provide visa and immigration services, notarial services or issue passports. For full consular services, contact the Australian Embassy in Lima.

Australian Consulate, Cusco

Ms Tammy Gordon Calle Ruinas 477, Cusco, Peru Phone: +51 0 84 259230 Email:  [email protected]

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Peru?

Sign up to get the latest travel advice updates..

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• Visa and entry requirements

Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia and Chile may enter the country with their national identity document.

iPeru offices Credit: Yayo López / PromPerú

• Useful information

• Dealing with emergencies
• Local security

Foreign nationals who wish to enter and/or leave Peruvian territory must present the following:

Citizens of U.S., Canada, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and Australia, do not need a Peruvian tourist visa. However, they do need to apply for a business visa to be legally able to enter into contracts or agreements.

They need a passport legitimately issued by a country with a minimum validity of six months from the date of entry into the country.

The maximum length of stay that the authorities grant is 90 days, which cannot be extended.

A travel document or Laissez Passer legitimately issued by a country or relating to international treaties and conventions to which Peru is a signatory, for humanitarian reasons.

A valid letter of safe-conduct, legitimately issued by a country and only in exceptional cases as established in international treaties and conventions to which Peru is a signatory, or when approved by the country that issued the letter of safe-conduct, provided that the conditions have been recognized and accepted by the Peruvian authorities. A valid travel document issued by the Peruvian Immigration Department is also valid.

A travel document for refugees and asylum seekers issued by Peru or another country within the framework of the international treaties and conventions to which Peru is a signatory.

Other valid travel documents, conforming to international treaties and conventions to which Peru is a signatory and which regulate and define the circumstances in which they will apply.

Migrations web page

Call (+511) 200 1000

If you wish to stay longer for other reasons, such as business, studying or working, you need to request the relevant visa at a Peruvian consulate or embassy in your own country.

Directory of Peruvian Consulates Abroad

Directory of Peruvian Embassies Abroad

To know if you need a visa, click here.

In accordance with Peruvian customs regulations, all new and used articles that a traveler may reasonably require for his or her own use or consumption, and that due to their nature, quantity and type do not appear to be for commercial use, are exempt from duty.

For more information, see the list of exempt goods here.

When entering Peru, a traveler must correctly complete the Baggage Declaration if he or she has articles or goods to declare. All articles that are subject to tax must be listed.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

• Destinations
• South America & Antarctica
• Asia (Central)
• Asia (East)
• Australasia & Pacific
• Central America
• Europe & Russia
• Middle East
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Peru (South America)

Advice for all destinations.

Read the information on the COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page for advice on travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccinations and malaria risk

Review both the Vaccination and Malaria sections on this page to find out if you may need vaccines and/or a malaria risk assessment before you travel to this country.

If you think you require vaccines and/or malaria risk assessment, you should make an appointment with a travel health professional:

• How to make an appointment with a travel health professional

A travel health risk assessment is also advisable for some people, even when vaccines or malaria tablets are not required.

• Do I need a travel health risk assessment?

Risk prevention advice 

Many of the health risks experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccines and other measures need to be taken.

Always make sure you understand the wider risks at your destination and take precautions, including:

• food and water safety
• accident prevention
• avoiding insect bites
• preventing and treating animal bites
• respiratory hygiene
• hand hygiene

Our advice section gives detailed information on minimising specific health risks abroad:

• Travel Health Advice A-Z

Other health considerations

Make sure you have travel insurance before travel to cover healthcare abroad.

Find out if there are any restrictions you need to consider if you are travelling with medicines .

Know how to access healthcare at your destination: see the GOV.UK English speaking doctors and medical facilities: worldwide list

If you feel unwell on your return home from travelling abroad, always seek advice from a healthcare professional and let them know your travel history.

Vaccinations

• Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including for example, seasonal flu vaccine (if indicated), MMR , vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
• Courses or boosters usually advised: Hepatitis A; Tetanus.
• Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Typhoid; Yellow Fever.
• Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: none.

No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.

Notes on the diseases mentioned above

• Diphtheria :  spread person to person through respiratory droplets. Risk is higher if mixing with locals in poor, overcrowded living conditions.

Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation is poor.

Risk is higher for long stays, frequent travel and for children (exposed through cuts and scratches), those who may require medical treatment during travel.

• Tetanus :  spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A total of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine are recommended for life in the UK. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available.
• Typhoid :  spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is limited.
• Yellow Fever :  spread by the bite of an infected, day-biting mosquito. The disease is mainly found in rural areas of affected countries but outbreaks in urban areas do occur. Vaccination is usually recommended for all those who travel into risk areas. (View yellow fever risk areas here), and areas where there is an outbreak ongoing (check the 'news' section for outbreaks). In addition, certain countries may want to see proof of vaccination on an official yellow fever vaccination certificate - check above under Immunisations .

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes.You cannot be vaccinated against malaria.

Malaria precautions

• Malaria risk is present throughout the year in rural areas below 2000m. Risk is highest in the regions of Loreto in the Amazon and Satipo Province (eastern Junin Region). In Amazonas region and western Ayacucho, below 2000m, risk is not high enough to warrant antimalarial tablets for most travellers, however, it may be considered for certain groups who may be at higher risk (see below under Low risk with additional advice). Risk is low in all other areas including Lima and at altitude (including the Inca Trail, Cuzco city, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca).
• Malaria precautions are essential. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.
• Check with your doctor or nurse about suitable antimalarial tablets.
• See malaria map – additional information can be found by clicking on the Regional Information icon below the map.
• High risk areas: atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine is advised.
• Low risk with additional advice: antimalarial tablets are not usually recommended, however, they can be considered for certain travellers who may be at higher risk e.g. longer stay in rural areas, visiting friends or relatives, those with medical conditions, immunosuppression or those without a spleen. Atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine is advised for those at risk.
• Low to no risk areas: antimalarials are not usually advised.
• There is an outbreak of malaria in parts of this country (please see the news section at the end of this page). If you are at increased risk of catching or developing severe malaria you should talk to a travel health professional to find out if you should take tablets to prevent malaria.
• If you have been travelling in a malarious area and develop a fever seek medical attention promptly. Remember malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure.
• If travelling to an area remote from medical facilities, carrying standby emergency treatment for malaria may be considered.

Other Health Risks

Altitude and travel, dengue fever.

There is a risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) in this country.

Please be aware that the risk of COVID-19 in this country may change at short notice and also consider your risk of exposure in any transit countries and from travelling itself. 

• The 'News' section on this page will advise if significant case increases or outbreaks have occurred in this country.

Prior to travel, you should:

• Check the latest government guidance on the FCDO Foreign travel advice and country specific pages for travel to this country and the rules for entering the UK on return.
• Ensure you are up to date with UK recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination.
• You can check this in the FAQ's.
• If you are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 you should carefully  consider your travel plans  and consider seeking medical advice prior to making any decisions.

For further information, see  Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)  and  COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel  pages.

Zika Virus Infection

This country has been categorised as having a risk of Zika (ZIKV) virus transmission.

ZIKV is mainly spread through mosquito bites. The mosquito responsible most commonly bites during daylight hours and is common in towns and cities. 

The illness is usually mild but infection during pregnancy may lead to babies being born with birth defects. There is no vaccine currently available against ZIKV.

Advice for All Travellers

You should practice strict mosquito bite avoidance at all times. Do not travel without adequate travel insurance . Seek pre-travel health advice from a travel health professional 6 to 8 weeks in advance of travel.

Additional recommendations for pregnant travellers or those planning pregnancy

If you are planning pregnancy in the very near future you should consider whether you should avoid travel to this country.

• contact your GP, obstetrician or midwife for further advice, even if you have not been unwell or had any symptoms of ZIKV infection
• use barrier methods of contraception during and after travel and for the duration of your pregnancy, even in you have not been unwell or had any symptoms of ZIKV infection
• If you develop symptoms of ZIKV infection, it is recommended that you avoid becoming pregnant for a further 2 months following your recovery
• 2 months afterwards if you are female
• 3 months afterwards if you are male or if both partners travelled

These measures reduce the chance of sexual transmission of ZIKV and/or the risk of ZIKV infection in pregnancy.

For further information, see Zika virus infection page.

• 05 Jun 2024 - Dengue in the Americas and Caribbean: Update 2
• 23 May 2024 - Advice on Dengue Fever if Travelling Abroad
• 91 additional items in the news archive for this country

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Is it safe to travel to Peru? Latest updates as Machu Picchu reopens to tourists

Machu Picchu in Peru has reopened amid protests calling for the resignation of President Dina Boluarte and members of Peru's Congress which have shaken the region for more than two months

• 14:26, 16 Feb 2023

The iconic Machu Picchu has reopened to visitors several weeks after violent protests in Peru saw it closed off, trapping hundreds of tourists.

The Inca-era stone citadel nestled in its southeastern jungle reopened on Wednesday having been closed nearly a month ago amid anti-government protests, with the UK Foreign Office updating its travel advice to reflect the opening.

Agreements were made between authorities, social groups and the local tourism industry to guarantee the security of the famed tourist attraction and transport services, despite unrest rumbling on.

Protests calling for the resignation of President Dina Boluarte and members of Peru's Congress have shaken the region for more than two months.

The demonstrations caused a blockade of the train tracks leading to the stone citadel, which caused tourists to be trapped there for several days.

In December protesters used rocks to block trains that run to the Cusco region where Machu Picchu is located, forcing some tourists to hike to the nearest town of Ollantaytambo.

Several days later helicopters were used to airlift 400 of those stranded in the ruins to safety.

The protests have led to 60 deaths since they broke out at the end of last year.

Of those, 48 are civilians who died in clashes with the security forces; 11 civilians killed in traffic accidents related to road blockades; and one policeman who died inside a patrol car when it was set on fire, according to data from the Ombudsman's Office.

Machu Picchu was built by the Incas in the 15th century as a religious sanctuary high in the Andes Mountains.

Its reopening is a major boost for tourism operators in the area, with Cusco’s Chamber of Commerce reporting that almost 80 per cent of bookings into the region had been cancelled.

For Brits wanting to head out to Peru on a holiday this year, the UK's Foreign Office does not advise against travel.

However, it does warn that “protests are unpredictable, include violence, and can spread and escalate quickly. Clashes between protestors and the security forces have resulted in casualties… travellers arriving in Peru should be aware that travel to some parts of the country may not be possible.”

Historic centres including Cusco, Arequipa and Puno - which tend to be the most popular with tourists - have seen clashes this year.

This week the Foreign Office updated its “ Safety and Security ” pages for Peru, noting: “The trains to/from Machu Picchu re-started its operations to/from Ollantaytambo on 13 February.

"It is possible that there could be disruption to travel in the Sacred Valley and any return to Cusco, so we advise visitors to check with travel providers in advance.”

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Saturday, 8 June, 2024

Peru in state of emergency with new travel advice issued

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Deborah O’Donoghue is a British-Irish writer who has lived in the UK, France and Belgium. She has travelled all over the world and worked in car body repairs, in the best fish ‘n’ chip shop in Brighton, and been a gopher in a comedy club, as well as a teacher. She’s a past winner of the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association Short Story Prize. Her début novel, Sea of Bones, was published by Legend Press in 2019 and comes out in Germany in 2021. Follow Deborah on Twitter and Instagram .

Peru has announced a 60-day state of emergency in two parts of the country, as ongoing political unrest and a spike in crime cause fear and disruption and lead to an update in the UK Foreign Office travel advice.

Significant violent civil unrest

The UK Foreign Office is now advising that the government’s ability to provide consular help may be limited. “Political protests in Peru can lead to road blockades, suspension of train services, disruption in immigration services of land borders and airport closures – often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines,” it said. 

“Protests can be unpredictable, can include violence, and can spread and escalate quickly. Clashes between protestors and the security forces have resulted in casualties in the past, which included significant violent civil unrest in the Puno and Apurimac regions in December 2022 and January 2023.”

“Local police and emergency services do not have the same capacity to respond to traveller emergencies in these regions as elsewhere in Peru.”

Crime in Lima went up by over 30% last year, from 120,350 reports in 2021 rising to 160,200 in 2022. Incidents in recent days include including the launching of grenades in San Juan, including in a nightclub. At least 15 people were injured as a result.

Some local authorities are demanding armed forces be deployed to help police fight crime, while some on the right of the political spectrum are calling for the introduction of sweeping powers such as the suspension of constitutional rights as seen in El Salvador. Boluarte’s government has so far resisted such calls.

Follow instructions, take water, cash and medication

So what can travellers do to stay safe?

“In Lima protests often have a focus in the historic centre, where access can be restricted, but can also spread to other areas . Other regions that have seen recent protests include Cusco, Arequipa and Puno,” notes the British Foreign Office.

“If you do decide to visit any area under a state of emergency you should follow instructions given to you by police, military or other officials. You should ensure you travel with a sufficient supply of food, water, cash in local currency and personal medication, and allow extra time to reach your destination.

“You should liaise with your local airline, hotel or tour operator for further advice and assistance that they may provide to mitigate disruption, and for information on alternate arrangements that may need to be made for onward travel, including bus and rail journeys.”

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Is it safe to travel to Peru amid the anti-government protests?

Official guidance covers where the protests are happening and how travel plans are being affected, article bookmarked.

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The political situation in Peru is being described as “volatile” by the UK Foreign Office (FCDO), a week after the country ’s former president was ousted.

Newly appointed President of Peru Dina Boluarte entered office on 7 December as the first female government leader , replacing her predecessor Pedro Castillo. After being removed from office, Castillo now faces an impeachment trial.

As a result, anti-government protests are widespread, and a state of emergency has been declared in some Peruvian areas. The violence and disruption is widely reported to have led to serious injury and deaths, and some travel services have been suspended due to escalating tensions.

Here’s everything we know about where the protests are happening in Peru, what the Foreign Office says, and whether it’s safe for tourists.

Where are protests happening?

The protests in Peru are happening in Apurimac, Arequipa, Cusco, Ica, and along the Panamericana Highway, where roadblocks are in place.

Train disruptions include the suspension of PeruRail train links to and from popular tourist site Machu Picchu , and both Arequipa and Cusco airports are currently closed. Additionally, other Ferrocarril Transandino rail journeys are also affected, and there’s disruption to tour bus routes in Southern Peru.

It was reported by the FCDO on 7 December that a state of emergency has been declared for 60 days “in the following provinces of the Apurimac region: Abancay, Andahuaylas, Chincheros, Grau, Cotabambas, Antabamba and Aymaraes.”

What does the UK Foreign Office say?

The UK Foreign Office says: “The political situation is volatile. Protests can escalate quickly and include violence.

“Local protests are common, can start with very little notice, and can turn violent quickly, potentially causing lengthy disruption to travel and services.

“Protests can disrupt road, rail, river and air travel and affect tourist areas.”

Is it safe for tourists?

Tourists have been advised by the Foreign Office to avoid large gatherings and protests, and told to “follow the authorities’ advice and monitor local media closely.”

Meanwhile, there is a dedicated Safety and Security page for tourists travelling to Peru, which says: “You should always remain vigilant, avoid any protests or demonstrations and keep up to date with developments via official local sources.”

“Be wary of unverified, unofficial information,” the advice continues, adding: “You should ensure you travel with a sufficient supply of food, water and personal medication, and allow extra time to reach your destination.”

Can I cancel my trip?

If you want to cancel your trip to Peru, you need to get in touch with your travel company.

“Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund,” the Foreign Office says, before concluding: “Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.”

What should I do if I’m in Peru?

The Peruvian tourist authority i-Peru has created an online form for any stranded foreign nationals to complete, to help them understand who may be affected by the current situation and inform the work of local authorities. “This is not a UK Government registration scheme and we will not receive the information or be contacting those who complete the form,” say the FCDO.

It advises: “If you’re in need of emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission .”

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Donald Trump Is Banned from 37 Countries as Convicted Felon, Including Major Allies Like Canada and U.K.

If elected president again, Trump would need special permission to enter several key countries for maintaining foreign relations

Donald Trump may face travel restrictions with his newfound felon status , potentially complicating his presidency if he were to win another term in office.

Thirty-eight nations, counting the United States, bar felons from entry, according to World Population Review . Those bans stand regardless of whether someone is allowed to retain their passport after conviction.

Countries that turn felons away include several of the United States' strongest allies, like the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada — the final of which will host the G7 summit of world leaders in 2025. The list also includes a number of nations at the center of pressing foreign policy issues, such as China, Israel and Mexico.

AP Photo/Alex Brandon

International governments can, and in some cases would, choose to make an exception for Trump if he requested special permission as president to make a visit.

George W. Bush , who was arrested for drunk driving in the 1970s, ran into issues with Canadian travel restrictions during his presidency while planning an official state visit and, after applying for a special waiver, he was ultimately allowed to enter.

Win McNamee/Getty

In Bush's case, which still proved tedious, the circumstances were a bit different: the crime happened decades earlier, was only categorized as a misdemeanor and was never tried in a court of law (Bush admitted to driving under the influence upon arrest and got off with a fine and temporary license suspension). It's hard to say whether Trump's new 34 felony convictions would be dealt with in a similar manner.

Countries That Deny Entry to Felons

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• United Arab Emirates
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• United States

If Trump were elected to another term in the White House and chose to apply for special travel waivers, the irony would not go unnoticed.

The former president has often characterized foreigners as "criminals," and has campaigned on a promise to tighten U.S. travel restrictions, which would include shutting down the border and instating travel bans on people of certain nationalities and ideologies.

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Don't Do This To Your Passport Or You Could Be Denied Entry To A Foreign Country

Post may contain affiliate links; we may receive compensation if you click links to those products. This has no impact on how offers are presented. Our site does not include all offers available. Content on page accurate as of posting date.

Much like magnets and that chipped-off slab of the Berlin Wall you know is fake but you buy anyway, passport stamps can be incredibly fun to collect.

They tell a story and are ever-lasting proof you've been to that faraway destination you'd spent years dreaming of visiting.

However, something as small and (apparently) as insignificant as a stamp can, at times, get you into big trouble with authorities, especially when they're not official.

In other words, when they do not result from an official border crossing.

We know you might be tempted to get your summiting of Machu Picchu stamped onto your passport pages, or swing by the tourism office in the European micro-state of San Marino, where there are no border checks, to get a souvenir stamp, but here's why you absolutely shouldn't :

You Should Think Twice Before Getting A Souvenir Stamp

Though they're often placed in back pockets, tossed around, squeezed inside overflowing suitcases with little care, and even handled with dirty fingers, passports are incredibly fragile documents, and in most cases, they're your only official form of identification you have outside your home country.

As they have a digital chip that contains all your personal information, they must be managed with care, protected from excess heat and humidity, not folded, and not have any significant tears.

Despite being issued to different individuals, they are in fact the property of a sovereign state , and that's an important detail a majority of travelers, who mistakenly believe it is like any regular booklet for personal use, often don't know .

Only border officers and consulate officials are authorized to effect changes on passports -this includes issuing stamps and writing-as the document's main purpose is to record your travel history , length of stay in different countries, and visa approvals and refusals.

Now, summiting Machu Picchu or ticking Petra off the bucket list does not count as official travel records, as visiting those does not entail crossing an international border, and any stamps issued in tourist sites are, well, personal souvenirs.

Passports should not be stamped by non-officials or non-consular authorities, and that is the lesson Tina Sibley, a seasoned U.K. traveler in her sixties, learned the hard way :

Denied Boarding Or Refused Entry: You Pick

Having country-hopped around the globe, she was used to getting commemorative passport stamps for bucket-list sites even though they weren't issued by any formal authority; you know, that cute little print or sticker you get when you travel on a heritage tramway or reach the peak of a mountain?

Well, as Mrs Sibley would find out in her trip to Thailand, her Machu Picchu stamp in fact rendered her passport invalid , and she was denied boarding a Qatar Airways flight: ‘I thought the guy was having a laugh. But no.'

After trying to rebook through a different airline, this time with Emirates, only to be turned away again over the tiny novelty stamp that celebrated her visit to the World Wonder of Peru, she realized her only option would be to apply for a new passport .

She's not the only one faced with souvenir stamp woes as of late:

Brazilian travel expert Rafaela Molas also fell victim to a Machu Picchu stamp when attempting to fly out of Thailand, except she was lucky to be granted authorization to board the flight, after a long 40-minute wait at the gate, and a lot of arguing.

In the end she got lucky, but she was let off with a stark warning from airport staff: ‘renew your passport as soon as you can, or you might face similar issues flying abroad in the future' . Not the exact words, but something along those lines.

What Are Some Of The Most Popular Novelty Stamps To Get?

In recent years, novelty stamps have become incredibly popular across tourist hotspots, with some famous examples including:

• The Chichen Itza stamp, issued by non-officials to tourists visiting the historic archaeological zone in Mexico
• The ‘ Checkpoint Charlie ‘ stamp, referring to the former border post controlling movement between East and West Germany, now only a memorial in Berlin
• The already-mentioned Machu Picchu stamp, that tourists can get at the little souvenir shop at the left entrance of Machu Picchu as proof they've been to the site
• The Antarctic Heritage stamp, issued informally to tourists who have set foot in the uninhabited continent
• This is a long one: the Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch stamp, which commemorates visits to the town with the longest name in Britain
• The Petra stamp, marking a visit to the well-preserved ancient city carved into rock in the arid hinterlands of Jordan
• European micro-state stamps : Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City ‘Pilgrim' stamps*

What Does The U.S. State Department Say?

According to a U.S. State Department official, Americans are advised against putting souvenir stamps in their passports, as they can be considered ‘damage' to the document: ‘ only authorized officials of the United States or of foreign countries may place stamps or make notations or additions (…) ‘.

This is clearly stated on page five of all U.S. passports (See image below), warning holders that the ‘alteration or mutilation' of a passport (and this includes non-official stamping) is unauthorized (if you're an American citizen, you can check for yourself).

The only valid stamps are the ones you get when crossing a border, issued by a border officer; any other alterations could be perceived by officials as being ‘damage', and render the travel document invalid , regardless of the size of the stamp, the passport's validity, or its overall good state.

This could lead to denied boardings, or worse even, refused entry at a foreign country , regardless of whether you fulfill all the other criteria.

Do This At Your Own Risk

You see travel tips like this one? Follow them at your own risk:

That being said, there have been numerous cases of travelers who have traveled with souvenir stamps clearly visible on their passports, and have had no issue , as most border guards merely glance briefly at their passports before stamping them in, without flicking through the pages.

The thing is, you just never know: you might turn up to a border one day, and meet a more meticulous border guard who will promptly spot the eye-catching Machu Picchu, or the Monaco, San Marino or Liechtenstein souvenir stamp you got from a local souvenir shop.

They may let you off that one time, or they might send you packing on the next flight home .

You just never know, so it's best to just avoid getting those stamps, as once again, a passport is a Government-issued document.

This still shouldn't deter you from collecting novelty stamps, though not with your passport : you can always get them stamped elsewhere, like a travel journal.

And remember, handle your passport with care: in places like Bali, as little as a slight tear on the ID page, that's barely noticeable, can make you ineligible to enter, not to mention weathered passports with damaged covers that have seen better days.

Other Lesser-Known Passport Rules You Should Know

Other passport rules to be aware of include ensuring you have enough months left of validity, as some countries will require your passport to be valid for a whole six months following the intended date of departure (that is the case across the European Union ).

For example, if you're due to travel to France between August 1 and August 7, and your passport expires on September 7, a month after your date of return, chances are you won't even be allowed to board, let alone into the country.

Additionally, make sure you have enough blank pages left : a majority of countries will require at least one full blank page for stamps-there's yet another reason why you shouldn't be so eager on collecting as many stamps as possible-while others will require at least four.

Always check passport and entry requirements for your destination in advance, and ensure your document fulfills all the relevant criteria.

$2 Souvenir Stamps Can Eventually Set You Back Thousands Of Dollars

If you ever run into passport-related issues and you're denied boarding over novelty stamps, tears, or lack of blank pages, emergency passports can typically be issued on the same day, but it will still require filling out the DS-5504 form and paying a $165 fee.

An emergency passport's validity is limited to one year or less , and they are not biometric documents. Some airlines may still refuse to carry you, or some countries may still refuse you entry on an emergency passport as it does not have an embedded electronic chip.

In sum, steer clear of souvenir shops issuing $2 novelty stamps that will eventually become a huge hassle and set you back hundreds, if not thousands of dollars for a last-minute passport renewal and/or flight changes that may be necessary.

Finally, make sure the document is protected at all times when traveling abroad.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

The post Don’t Do This To Your Passport Or You Could Be Denied Entry To A Foreign Country appeared first on Travel Off Path .