Peru travel guide

Travel Advice

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel  

Within 20km south of the Peru-Colombia border 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km south of the Putumayo River and border between Peru and Colombia (Loreto region) except for: 

• the Amazon River
• the area of the triple border with Brazil and Colombia from and including the towns of Caballococha in Peru up to the actual triple border at Santa Rosa de Yavari town

The Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM)

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers, also known as the VRAEM region.

Most visits to Peru are incident free. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the two areas above for safety and security reasons.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. 

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

This 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.

The 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.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Peru.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Peru, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You 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.

Visa requirements

You do not need a visa to travel to Peru for tourism or short visits. If you are travelling for any other reason, check requirements with the Peruvian Consulate General in the UK.

You are normally given permission to stay for up to 30 days when you arrive. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for permission on arrival. Immigration officials can grant you up to 180 days a year as a visitor or tourist.

If you overstay, you will need to pay a fine or you could be detained.

Arriving at an international airport

If you arrive in Peru at an international airport your entry will be registered digitally through a Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM) - a virtual immigration control document.

You can check the number of days you have been granted to stay legally in Peru on the Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones website (in Spanish).

Arriving by land

If you enter Peru overland from any neighbouring country, go to the immigration checkpoint and get your passport stamped. If you do not get an entry stamp, you will not be allowed to leave Peru until you get a new entry stamp. If you do not get one, you will need to:

• complete the online application form (form in Spanish)
• provide your passport details
• provide evidence of your entry to Peru, such as a bus ticket in your name
• show an exit stamp from the last country you visited

The British Embassy can help you to apply for a new entry stamp. You should start this process as soon as possible.

If you cannot provide 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.

If your passport has been lost or stolen and you plan to travel internally, contact your travel agency, airline or bus company to check their requirements. Some airlines and bus companies will not allow you to travel internally carrying a police report only. You may need a new passport or an emergency travel document.

Processing at the Peru-Chile border

Clashes between the police and migrants on the border between Peru and Chile in April and early May 2023 have led to delays in processing at this border crossing. See regional risks. 

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Peru guide.

Travelling with children

Children 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.

You must get permission in a letter signed by a public notary in Peru. The letter must include:

• proposed destination
• purpose of the trip
• departure date
• return date

If you’re unable to get notarial permission, you’ll need to get judicial written permission (‘Autorización de Viaje Judicial’) from a judge. If one parent has committed certain crimes, the other can request a judicial written permission. If one parent is deceased, the other will need to submit the death certificate to a notary public, so that an indefinite notarial permit to travel with the child is issued.

These 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.

For further information, contact the Peruvian Consulate General in the UK (in Spanish) or the Peruvian Immigration Department (in Spanish).  

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Peru. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You can bring one laptop and 2 mobile phones into Peru without paying tax.

When you leave Peru, you may be stopped and prosecuted if you are carrying:

• products made from wild animal skins
• crafts made with preserved butterflies, spiders, starfish, sea horses or other fish or insects
• crafts and jewellery made with condor or other wild bird feathers, turtle shells, teeth, bones and other animal parts

The 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.

You’re not allowed to remove any archaeological artefacts from Peru without authorisation.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Peru.

Terrorism

There 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.   

UK 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.

Terrorism in Peru

Terrorist attacks in Peru cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Political 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.

Local 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. 

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. To reduce any risk:

• avoid large gatherings and protests
• stay in a safe place
• follow the instructions of army or police officers
• take the advice of local authorities or tour operators
• monitor local media, including social media channels
• be wary of unverified, unofficial information
• make sure you travel with enough food, water, local currency and personal medication
• allow extra time to reach your destination

Protests 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.

Some 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.

Contact an iPeru office or iPeru online for help with issues travelling to different regions of Peru.

The British Embassy’s ability to provide help will be very limited where protests or criminal activity results in travel disruption or damage to the infrastructure.

Help from local authorities, including police and emergency services, will also be very limited, especially if airports, roads and railroads are affected.

Crime

Organised crime

There is a higher risk to your safety in areas where there is organised crime and terrorism 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 terrorist movement are still active in some of the main coca growing areas in central Peru (Alto Huallaga, Aguaytia and VRAEM river basins).

Street crime

Street 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.

It 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.

There 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:

• avoid wearing or displaying expensive items
• avoid using your phone at the roadside, as motorbike riders may snatch it
• report crimes to local police as soon as possible
• ask lodge or hotel staff for help if an incident happens on site

Criminals target cars stopped at traffic lights. Keep your doors locked and windows shut while driving.

Protecting your belongings

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is common, so:

• keep your belongings secure
• do not leave bags unattended
• on bus journeys, keep your passport with you

Bogus taxi drivers

There is a risk of robbery by bogus taxi drivers, especially at Jorge Chavez International Airport and bus terminals. Bogus taxi drivers and thieves pretending to be tour operators sometimes approach arriving passengers. To reduce the risk:

• use licensed telephone or app-based taxi services and do not hail taxis on the street
• ask your hotel to book taxis for you
• use one of the official taxi companies at the airport, located at desks directly outside the baggage hall
• use one of the taxis registered at bus terminals

Kidnappings and hold-ups

Tourists, 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. Provincial and inter-city buses are sometimes held up by armed robbers.

If a kidnapping or hold-up happens to you:

• do not attempt to resist attackers
• agree to any demands for cash or goods
• report the incident to the police as soon as possible

Criminals 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.

Sexual assault

There have been some cases of rape or sexual assault of tourists, mostly in the Cusco and Arequipa areas. Unscrupulous tour agents have targeted young females, travelling alone in the Cusco area. You should:

• buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times
• try to seek help from people you know
• report incidents to the police as soon as possible

For information on reputable tourist services around Peru, contact iPeru.

Money scams

Counterfeit US and Peruvian banknotes are in circulation. There have been reports of intis (former Peruvian currency now out of circulation) being used fraudulently by street money changers in Cusco tourist areas.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Carry an identification document with you at all times as the Peruvian police may ask to see it.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Illegal 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.

You should:

• pack your luggage yourself and keep it with you at all times
• not carry anything through customs for anyone
• not take coca leaves or coca tea out of the country – it is illegal to import these items into the UK

Some British nationals have been targeted by drug couriers through email scams. The fraudsters ask you to travel to Peru where you’ll be given some items to take. These items contain drugs. You’ll face detention for drug trafficking if convicted.

Military photography

Do not take photographs of anything of a military nature.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-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.

Same-sex couples showing affection in public may receive unwanted and negative attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Make sure your insurance covers you for all planned activities.

Unregulated tour services

Make 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 iPeru.

Hiking and mountaineering

Peru’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 tourist office in Huaraz – phone: 0051 (43) 428 812 – before you set off.

Sand buggies  

There 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.

Surfing

There are unauthorised surfboard rentals at the beaches of Miraflores. There may not be lifeguards on beaches.

River rafting and Amazon riverboat cruises  

For more information or to check the credentials of rafting and cruise operators, contact iPeru.

See ‘Regional risks’ for more information about the risks of travelling in the Amazon region.

Spiritual cleansing

Shamans and other individuals offer ‘spiritual cleansing’ (Ayahuasca or San Pedro) to tourists in the Amazon area, northern Peru and Cusco. This service typically 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 interaction with existing medical conditions is not well understood. People have suffered serious illnesses and in some cases death after taking part in these ceremonies. Spiritual cleansing retreats are usually some distance from populated areas making it difficult to access medical attention for those who need it.

There have also been reports of sexual assault during these ceremonies. There is guidance to support you if you have been sexually assaulted or raped in Peru.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Peru, see information on driving abroad.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Peru (if your immigration stay permit is valid) for up to 6 months. 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.

Carry your passport or a valid ID (‘carne de extranjería’ if you are a resident) with you at all times when driving.

Take particular care if you are driving close to places where protests are taking place. Do not attempt to pass blockades.

Driving standards in Peru are poor. Drivers often ignore stop signs and traffic lights, and fatal crashes are frequent.

Drivers do not always show concern for pedestrians. You should be extra cautious when walking alongside traffic.

Bus crashes are common, especially at night. Only use reputable transport companies, and where possible, avoid overnight travel, especially in mountainous and remote regions.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Rainy season

The rainy season in Peru runs from November to May bringing heavy rain and snow in northern Peru, the Andes, including Cusco, and other parts of the country.

It can lead to the disruption of some travel services, the restriction of some inter-provincial travel by road, flight delays and the temporary closure of some tourist sites.

Rockslides, mudslides and snow can cause disruption to walking routes, road and rail travel in mountain and jungle areas:

• across the Cusco Region
• routes to Machu Picchu (including the alternative Santa Maria-Santa Teresa-hydroelectric plant route, and the Salkantay route)
• the route to Manu (in Cusco and Madre de Dios)
• across northern regions of Peru

You should:

• check the latest conditions with your tour operator
• travel with enough food, water, cash in local currency, medication and warm clothes
• monitor local media for updates on travel information before starting your journey
• contact iPeru before you set off

Earthquakes

Peru is in an active earthquake zone and there are frequent tremors.   

Follow any advice given by the local authorities. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake. 

Volcanic eruptions

If you are planning to visit areas of known volcanic activity, listen to all warnings and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Peru’s most active volcano, Ubinas, has been emitting gas and ash recently, leading to some local villages being evacuated, affecting 30,000 people.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after a volcanic eruption.

Tsunamis and high tides

Although 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 for information.

This section has safety advice for regions of Peru. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice. 

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice. 

States of emergency

States 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 you can contact Iperu. 

In these areas you may notice an increased security presence. You should:

• comply with the instructions of local authorities
• avoid crowds
• monitor the situation closely

Amazon River

There have been cases of criminal activity along the Amazon River. Thieves, known locally as ‘river pirates’, can be armed. Solo travellers and foreign nationals have been targeted when travelling on the Amazon River. Travel with a reputable commercial or travel company if you are visiting the Amazon River. See the advice below about disembarking along the Amazon River that passes through the Peru-Colombia border area.

Border areas

Peru-Colombia border

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km south of the Putumayo River and border between Peru and Colombia except for: 

• the Amazon River
• the area of the triple border with Brazil and Colombia from and including the towns of Caballococha in Peru up to the actual triple border at Santa Rosa de Yavari town

This is due to a high level of gang-related violence linked to the presence of organised crime related to the production and trafficking of illegal drugs.  

If travelling on the Amazon River, be aware that the river is used by armed organised criminal gangs to transport and smuggle illegal drugs. There is little assistance available in this area from the Peruvian authorities, and any assistance available from the British Embassy is severely limited. You should stay on your boat where it passes through areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel.

Peru-Ecuador border

The Peruvian Government has taken preventive measures in Northern Peru in response to the security situation in Ecuador. You may notice an increased security presence.

If you are travelling to Northern Peru or you plan to cross land border checkpoints, ensure you follow the advice of local authorities.

If you wish to enter Ecuador via a land border from Peru, you are required by the Ecuadorean authorities to provide certain documentation. Read the travel advice for Ecuador.

Only 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.

The British Embassy may have difficulty in providing in-person emergency or consular support in these areas. While we will work with local authorities to request help, their ability to respond may also be very limited.

Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro rivers (VRAEM)

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers, also known as the VRAEM region.

Remnants of the Shining Path far-left political party and guerilla group continue to carry out occasional ambushes and attacks in this area, mainly targeting the police, military forces and local authorities. Tourists are not usually targeted; however, you could be a victim of violence due to mistaken identity or by getting caught up in a security incident involving others.

It is difficult for the British Embassy to provide in-person emergency or consular support in these areas. The local authorities may also be very limited in the help they can provide.

Inca trail

There is a government fee and restrictions on numbers of guided groups to protect the Inca trail. During the high season from June to August, make reservations with a travel agency well in advance. 

Only 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. 

You should:

• always register when entering national parks
• be particularly careful in steep and slippery areas, or those that are unfenced or unmarked

The ‘Inca Jungle Trail’ can be difficult for vehicles due to poor road conditions. There have been fatal road accidents.

Lake Titicaca

Armed robbers have attacked travellers walking on their own. You should:

• always take care
• contact the local tourist information centre for advice about known safe zones
• travel with a group at the southern end of Lake Titicaca, if walking at night

Nazca Lines

If 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.

You can ask the iPeru information service for advice about booking flights.

Putumayo River

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km south of the Putumayo River which runs along much of Peru’s border with Colombia. The 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 disembark on the Colombian side of the Putumayo riverbank, you should check FCDO travel advice for Colombia.

The Putumayo River forms most of Peru’s border with Colombia. It is an area known for intensive cocaine and marijuana production. Drug trafficking and other violent organised crime takes place on, and in the area around, the river.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 106 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

• check the latest [vaccine recommendations for Peru] (https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/177/peru#Vaccine_Recommendations) 
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Peru.

Altitude sickness is a serious risk in parts of Peru (including Cusco, Puno, the Colca Canyon and Kuelap). Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Other health risks

Peru is experiencing a major dengue outbreak following floods. See the ‘Outbreaks’ page of the TravelHealthPro Peru guide for more information.

There is also a risk of being infected with malaria, Zika virus or yellow fever through mosquito bites. Take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitos.

Diarrhoea caused by contaminated food or water is common and is potentially serious. See more about food and water hygiene on TravelHealthPro.

Medication

The 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.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Peru

Medical treatment is not easily available and can be more difficult to access outside of Lima. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip in Lima, dial one of the following numbers: 0051 1 225 4040 (Lima - Alerta Med), 0051 1 467 4861 (Lima - Clave 5), 0051 1 241 1911(Lima - Plan Vital) and ask for an ambulance. These services are private, so you will need to pay for them.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Peru where some staff will speak English.

COVID-19 healthcare in Peru

The Peruvian authorities provide guidance on public health centres in Lima and laboratories that process tests in the country (in Spanish). COVID-19 PCR tests are widely available.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

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.

Emergency services in Peru

Ambulance: 106

Fire: 116

Police: 105

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact 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.

Refunds and changes to travel

For 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.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Peru
• dealing with a death in Peru
• being arrested or imprisoned in Peru
• getting help if you are a victim of crime
• what to do if you are in hospital
• if you are affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are in Peru and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Lima.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 0044 (0)20 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The 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.