Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km south of the Putumayo River and the border between Peru and Colombia (Loreto region) except for:
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers, also known as the VRAEM region.
\n\nWe advise against all but essential travel to these two areas for safety and security reasons.
\n\nFind out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. If you have onward travel plans within the region, check travel advice for all destinations you plan to travel through. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Peru’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Peru set and enforce entry rules. If you are not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Peruvian Consulate General in the UK (in Spanish).
\n\nTo enter Peru, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can travel to Peru without a visa for tourism or short visits. If you are travelling for any other reason, check requirements with the Peruvian Consulate General in the UK (in Spanish).
\n\nWhen you arrive in Peru, you will normally get permission to stay for up to 90 days in a 180 day period. The 180 day period is calculated from the date of your first entry into Peru. Immigration officials can grant you a maximum of 183 days in a 365 day period as a visitor or tourist.
\n\nIf you overstay, you will get a fine and you could be detained.
\n\nIf you arrive in Peru at an international airport, authorities will register your entry digitally through a Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM) - a virtual immigration control document.
\n\nYou can check how long you are allowed to stay in Peru on the Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones website (in Spanish).
\n\nFrom 7 December, passengers transiting or connecting through Lima (Jorge Chávez International) Airport will be required to pay a fee, known as a TUUA (Tarifa Unica por Uso de Aeropuerto, or Airport Use Fee).
\n\nThis fee is not currently included in airline tickets.
\n\nTo avoid delays, travellers are encouraged to pay in advance via the Lima Airport online platform or use available on-site payment options, including mobile POS (Point of Sale) agents, dedicated payment modules, and QR codes.
\n\nLand entry: make sure you get your passport stamped.
\nIf you enter Peru by land from a neighbouring country, get a passport entry stamp at the immigration checkpoint. You cannot leave Peru without one. If you did not get a stamp, apply to get a passport entry stamp online (form in Spanish) and:
\n\nThe British Embassy can help you to apply for an entry stamp. You should start this process as soon as possible.
\n\nIf you cannot give the information needed, you must apply for an exit order or expulsion order to leave Peru in person at the Immigration Office in Lima. These orders may stop you from re-entering Peru for a number of years. The British Embassy cannot intervene in these decisions but can help you with the exit procedure.
\n\nIf your passport is lost or stolen and you plan to travel inside Peru, contact your travel agency, airline or bus company to check their requirements. Some companies will not allow you to travel carrying a police report only. You may need a new passport or an emergency travel document.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Peru guide.
\n\nChildren aged 17 and under who are travelling on a British passport and have Peruvian resident status need written permission (‘Autorización de Viaje Notarial’) from the non-accompanying parent or parents to leave Peru.
\n\nYou must get permission in a letter signed by a public notary in Peru. The letter must include:
\n\nThese requirements do not normally apply to children with tourist status, but immigration officers may ask for them in circumstances considered suspicious, or if the child has overstayed in Peru and the stay lasts more than 183 days.
\n\nFor further information, contact the Peruvian Consulate General in the UK (in Spanish) or the Peruvian Immigration Department (in Spanish).
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Peru (in Spanish). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nYou can bring one laptop and 2 mobile phones into Peru without paying tax.
\n\nWhen you leave Peru, you may be stopped and prosecuted if you are carrying:
\n\nThe sale of souvenirs made with wild animal parts, including condor feathers, is illegal in Peru. These products are often sold in tourist markets in Cusco and Iquitos.
\n\nIt is illegal to remove any archaeological artefacts from Peru without authorisation.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Peru.
\n\nThere is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Peru cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nPolitical protests in Peru are unpredictable and can escalate quickly. Demonstrations can become violent and lead to roadblocks, travel disruption, including trains, and suspension of immigration services at land borders. This is often without notice or notification of estimated re-opening timelines.
\n\nLocal groups can announce strike action, with little or no notice, particularly in areas connected to mining. These may quickly spill over from one region to another.
\n\nIt’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. To reduce any risk:
\n\nProtests in Lima often happen in the historic centre, where access can be restricted, but they can also spread to other areas. Other regions that have seen recent protests include Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cusco, La Libertad, Madre de Dios and Puno.
\n\nSome train services in the south, including those to and from Machu Picchu, are occasionally suspended or disrupted because of protests. Contact your travel provider for further advice on disruptions, and check if changes need to be made to your journey.
\n\nContact the iPeru information service for help with issues travelling to different regions of Peru.
\n\nThe British Embassy’s ability to provide help will be very limited where protests or criminal activity disrupt travel or damage infrastructure.
\n\nHelp from local authorities, including police and emergency services, will also be very limited, especially if airports, roads and railroads are affected.
\n\nThere is a higher risk to your safety in areas where there is serious organised crime linked to drug production. This includes the border areas with Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil and the Valley of Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro rivers (VRAEM). Remnants of the Shining Path guerrilla group are still active in some of the main coca growing areas in central Peru (Alto Huallaga, Aguaytia and VRAEM river basins).
\n\nStreet crime, including muggings and thefts, is a significant problem in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa and other major cities. Be alert in public places and when withdrawing cash from ATMs.
\n\nIt is safer to use ATMs inside banks, supermarkets or large commercial buildings during business hours. Do not walk on your own in quiet areas or at night.
\n\nThere have been a number of robberies at gunpoint of British tourists and residents. Attacks can take place in tourist areas of Lima such as Miraflores and Barranco. To reduce your personal risk:
\n\nCriminals target cars stopped at traffic lights. Keep your doors locked and windows shut while driving.
\n\nPetty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is common, so:
\n\nThere is a risk of robbery by criminals posing as taxi drivers, especially at Jorge Chavez International Airport and bus terminals. Fake taxi drivers and thieves pretending to be tour operators sometimes approach arriving passengers. To reduce your risk:
\n\nTourists, especially those travelling alone, are at risk of ‘express kidnapping’. Victims are taken hostage and forced to withdraw money from ATMs for their release, usually at night. Incidents often involve armed criminals posing as taxi drivers, or taxi drivers working for organised gangs. Armed robbers sometimes hold up provincial and inter-city buses.
\n\nIf a kidnapping or hold-up happens to you:
\n\nCriminals can also fake kidnappings by contacting the numbers from a stolen mobile phone and claiming to have kidnapped the owner. They then demand a ransom. Report it to the police if you suspect this has taken place.
\n\nPersonal attacks, including sexual assaults, are infrequent but do happen, mostly in the Cusco and Arequipa areas. Unscrupulous tour agents have targeted young females, travelling alone in the Cusco area. You should:
\n\nFor information on reputable tourist services around Peru, contact the iPeru information service.
\n\nThere have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Peru.
\n\nEven small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Spiking and methanol poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.
\n\nSeek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.
\n\nCounterfeit US and Peruvian banknotes are in circulation. There have been reports of street money changers in Cusco tourist areas fraudulently using Peruvian intis (former currency now out of circulation).
\n\nAlways carry ID with you. The Peruvian police may ask to see ID; if you do not have it with you, you may be required to go to the nearest police station.
\n\nIllegal drug use and drug trafficking in Peru carry lengthy jail sentences. Prison conditions in Peru are extremely poor and the British Embassy cannot intervene in police or judicial matters, or secure more favourable conditions.
\n\nYou should:
\n\nDrug couriers have targeted British nationals with email scams. These criminals will try to get you to travel to Peru to pick up items containing drugs. You’ll face detention for drug trafficking if convicted.
\n\nDo not take photographs of anything of a military nature, it is illegal and you could face a prison sentence of two to five years.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is legal in Peru, but social attitudes are generally conservative. Crimes against the LGBT+ community are not included in hate crime legislation and same-sex partnerships are not formally recognised.
\n\nSame-sex couples showing affection in public may receive unwanted and negative attention.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nMake sure your insurance covers you for all planned activities.
\n\nMake sure that agencies providing adventure activities like zipline, canopy tours, bungee jumping, paragliding, kayaking, rock climbing, sand buggies and surfing have a licence. You should also check their health and safety precautions. For updated information on tour and sport services, contact the iPeru information service.
\n\nPeru’s highest peaks are in the Cordillera Blanca Mountains. Several hikers have died and others had to be rescued after serious accidents. Much of the region is inaccessible by helicopter so rescues are usually carried out on foot. Contact the iPeru information service in Huaraz – phone: 0051 (43) 428 812 – before you set off.
\n\nThere have been deaths and accidents involving recreational sand buggies, particularly in the sand dunes around Ica and Lake Huacachina. These buggies are unregulated, and the drivers and agencies take no responsibility for the welfare of passengers.
\n\nThere are unauthorised surfboard rentals at the beaches of Miraflores. There may not be lifeguards on beaches.
\n\nFor more information or to check the credentials of rafting and cruise operators, contact iPeru information service.
\n\nFor more information about the risks of travelling in the Amazon region, see Regional risks.
\n\nShamans and other people offer ‘spiritual cleansing’ (Ayahuasca or San Pedro) to tourists in the Amazon area, northern Peru and Cusco. This often involves drinking a brew containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a hallucinogenic drug that is a Class A substance in the UK. This brew is not regulated and its effect on existing medical conditions is not well understood. People have become seriously ill and, in some cases, died after taking part. Spiritual cleansing retreats are usually far from populated areas, making it difficult to get medical attention.
\n\nThere have also been reports of sexual assault during these ceremonies. For guidance to support you if you have been sexually assaulted or raped in Peru see Getting help.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Peru, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Peru for up to 6 months if your immigration stay permit is valid. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nAlways carry your passport or valid ID (‘carne de extranjería’ if you are a resident) when driving.
\n\nTake particular care if you are driving close to places where protests are taking place. Do not attempt to pass blockades.
\n\nDriving standards in Peru are poor. Drivers often ignore stop signs and traffic lights, and fatal crashes are frequent.
\n\nDrivers do not always show concern for pedestrians. You should be extra cautious when walking alongside traffic.
\n\nBus crashes are common, especially at night. Only use reputable transport companies, and where possible, avoid overnight travel, especially in mountainous and remote regions.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe rainy season in Peru runs from November to May. There is heavy rain and snow in northern Peru, the Andes, including Cusco, and other parts of the country.
\n\nThe rainy season can disrupt:
\n\nRockslides, mudslides and snow can disrupt walking routes, road and rail travel in mountain and jungle areas:
\n\nYou should:
\n\nPeru is in an active earthquake zone and there are frequent tremors.
\n\nFollow advice given by the local authorities. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\nIf you are planning to visit areas of known volcanic activity, listen to all warnings and follow the advice of the local authorities.
\n\nPeru’s most active volcano, Ubinas, has been emitting gas and ash recently, leading to some local villages being evacuated, affecting 30,000 people.
\n\nThe US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after a volcanic eruption.
\n\nAlthough tsunamis are rare in Peru, higher tides often happen either after an earthquake or for other reasons throughout the year. See the Peruvian Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation (in Spanish) for information.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Peru. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km south of the Putumayo River and the border between Peru and Colombia (Loreto region) except for:
\n\nThis is due to a high level of violence from organised criminal gangs who produce and traffic illegal drugs.
\n\nThe advice against all but essential travel applies to the Peruvian side of the Putumayo riverbank, though not on the river itself. If you are planning to leave a boat on the Colombian side of the river, check Colombia travel advice.
\n\nThe Putumayo River forms most of Peru’s border with Colombia. The area is known for intensive cocaine and marijuana production. Drug trafficking and other violent organised crime takes place on and around the river.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro Rivers, also known as the VRAEM region.
\n\nRemnants of the Shining Path guerrilla group occasionally attack the police, military forces and local authorities in this area. They do not usually target tourists. However, you could be a victim of violence due to mistaken identity or by getting caught up in a security incident involving others.
\n\nThere is little assistance available in this area from the Peruvian authorities, and any British Embassy assistance is severely limited.
\n\nNote that some parts of the Apurimac River in the Departments of Cusco and Arequipa are not within the VRAEM.
\n\nArmed criminals operate along the Amazon River and have targeted solo travellers and foreign nationals. These include:
\n\nTravel with a reputable commercial or travel company if you are visiting the Amazon River. Stay on your boat where it passes through areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel.
\n\nThere is little assistance available in this area from the Peruvian authorities, and any British Embassy assistance is severely limited.
\n\nStates of emergency have been declared in some parts of Peru. You can read a list of the areas with a state of emergency in El Peruano official newspaper (in Spanish). For more information on your destination, contact the iPeru information service.
\n\nIn these areas you may notice an increased security presence. You should:
\n\nThe Peruvian government has taken preventive measures in northern Peru in response to the security situation in Ecuador. You may notice an increased security presence.
\n\nIf you are travelling to northern Peru or plan to cross land border checkpoints, ensure you follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nIf you wish to enter Ecuador by crossing a land border from Peru, you must show the Ecuadorean authorities certain documents. See Ecuador travel advice.
\n\nOnly cross the Peru-Ecuador land border at official checkpoints. Other parts of the border may still have unexploded landmines. Some tourists have been robbed by fake taxi drivers. Be extremely vigilant in these areas.
\n\nThere is little assistance available in this area from the Peruvian authorities, and any British Embassy assistance is severely limited.
\n\nOnly basic medical services are available at Machu Picchu. Several climbers have died or suffered serious injuries after falling while climbing Huayna Picchu, a peak near Machu Picchu.
\n\nYou should:
\n\nThe ‘Inca Jungle Trail’ can be difficult for vehicles due to poor road conditions. There have been fatal road accidents.
\n\nArmed robbers have attacked travellers walking on their own. You should:
\n\nIf you are planning to fly over the Nazca Lines, check the airline company is licensed and has a good safety record before you book. There have been several fatal accidents in recent years.
\n\nYou can ask the iPeru information service for advice about booking flights.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 106 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Peru including:
\n\nAltitude sickness is a serious risk in parts of Peru, including Cusco, Puno, the Colca Canyon and Kuelap. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nDiarrhoea caused by contaminated food or water is common and is potentially serious. See more about food and water hygiene.
\n\nPeru is experiencing a major dengue outbreak following floods. See the ‘Outbreaks’ page of the TravelHealthPro Peru guide for more information.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. Many medications are available over the counter in Peru, but local prescriptions will be required for some.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nMedical treatment is not easily available and can be more difficult to access outside of Lima. Make sure you have appropriate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nIf you need emergency medical assistance during your trip in Lima, dial one of the following numbers: +51 1 416 6767 (Lima - Alerta Med), or +51 1 467 4861 (Lima - Clave Medica) and ask for an ambulance. These services are private, so you will need to pay for them.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Peru where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 106
\n\nFire: 116
\n\nPolice: 105
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Peru on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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