Traveling to Peru
Peru welcomes millions of visitors each year, for this South American destination’s wonderful nature and archeological sites.
Foreign nationals from almost 100 countries can travel to Peru visa-free for tourism purposes and stay for up to 90, 180, or 183 days within a 6-month or one-year period, depending on the applicant’s nationality. Depending on the purpose of travel to Peru, all other foreign travelers should apply for the appropriate Peru visa, prior to their trip to Peru, at their nearest Peru embassy, consulate, or representation office abroad. Indian and Chinese nationals, who hold a valid US, Canada, Australia, UK, or Schengen zone visa or residency permit, are exempt from the Peru tourist visa and Peru business visa requirements. Please note that Peru does not issue transit visas or visas-on-arrival.
The Peru tourist visa is normally multiple entry, allowing for a maximum 183-day stay within a one-year period. Peru visas not used within the 6-month validity period will automatically expire.
Peru Visa Types
If you are a foreign national required to apply for a Peru visa, prior to traveling to Peru, you should apply for the appropriate Peru visa, based on the purpose of your trip to Peru. The Peru visa types are:
- Peru tourist visa:
- The Peru tourist visa is for foreign nationals traveling to Peru for short-term tourism activities, allowing multiple entry and a maximum 183-day stay within a one-year calendar period.
- Peru business visa:
- The Peru business visa is for foreign nationals traveling to Peru for business activities, allowing a maximum stay period of 90 days.
- Peru journalist visa:
- The Peru journalist visa is for foreign nationals traveling to Peru for journalistic activities, allowing a maximum stay period of 90 days.
- Peru religious visa:
- The Peru religious visa is for foreign nationals traveling to Peru for religious activities and is free of charge.
- Peru resident working visa:
- The Peru resident working visa is for foreign nationals wishing to live and work long-term in Peru. Applicants are required to first apply with the Peru Directorate General of Migration and Naturalization, prior to applying for the Peru resident working visa at their nearest Peru embassy or foreign mission abroad. Please note that foreign citizens can apply to change their status to a Peru resident working visa from within Peru.
- Peru student visa:
- The Peru student visa is for foreign nationals traveling to Peru for educational purposes, allowing a maximum stay period of 90 days.
- Peru artist visa:
- The Peru artist visa is for foreign nationals traveling to Peru for cultural, artistic, or athletic activities.
Peru Visa Requirements
The following are required when applying for a Peru visa:
Passport
Applicant should have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Peru, that is biometric and machine readable.
Application form
Applicant should fill out and sign a Peru visa application form.
Personal photos
The applicant is required to submit 1 recent, standard photo on a white background
Airline ticket
Applicant should provide an airline ticket, exiting Peru for another destination
Accommodation or invitation
Applicant should provide hotel reservations, proof of lodging during stay in Peru, or an invitation from a Peruvian host.
Financial proof
Applicant should provide proof of financial means, e.g. bank statements
Consular fee
Applicant should pay a consular fee, as per the conditions of the particular Peru foreign mission where the application is being made.
Depending on your nationality and the type of Peru visa you are applying for, additional information may be required, such as tax returns, academic letters, employment invitations, police clearance reports, birth certificates, letters of compromise, consent letters, and other.
Peru Visa Application Steps
Foreign nationals applying for a Peru visa should follow these steps:
- Complete visa application form
Fill out a Peru visa application form with your personal details and other requested information.
- Submit visa application form
• Contact your nearest Peru embassy, consulate or representation office to set an appointment.
• Submit the Peru visa application form and all required documents at your nearest Peru embassy, consulate, or foreign mission abroad.
• Attend a personal interview, if required.
• Pay the Peru visa application fees. - Await visa decision
• Collect approved Peru visa from the Peru embassy, consulate, or representation office where you applied.
• Make sure all information on the visa is correct and matches your passport.
Foreign nationals applying for a Peru visa, except for the Peru tourist visa or Peru business visa, are required to first apply with the Peru Directorate General of Migration and Naturalization.
Where to Apply for Peru Visa
Foreign nationals applying for a Peru visa should do so at their nearest Peru embassy, consulate, or foreign mission abroad.
Peru Visa Processing Time
Peru visas generally take 5 to 10 business days to be processed and issued, but may vary depending on the Peruvian foreign office where you are applying. You are advised to apply well ahead of your intended trip to Peru.
