Do I Need a Visa for Peru? A Complete Guide for Travellers

Peru has a visa-free policy for many nationalities, making it easy for most travellers to enter the country for tourism or business purposes. However, the visa requirements depend on your nationality, length of stay, and travel purpose.

Visa-Free Entry for Tourists

Citizens of over 95 countries can enter Peru without a visa for tourism. This includes travellers from:

• United Kingdom

• United States

• Canada

• European Union countries

• Australia & New Zealand

If you hold a passport from one of these countries, you can stay in Peru for up to 90–183 days depending on immigration discretion. When you arrive, your passport will be stamped with a tourist entry permit, and you won’t need to apply for a visa in advance.

Important: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Peru.

Who Needs a Visa for Peru?

Travellers from certain countries must apply for a visa before arrival. If your country is not on Peru’s visa-exempt list, you’ll need to apply through a Peruvian embassy or consulate in your home country.

Common nationalities that require a visa include:

• India

• China

• South Africa

• Pakistan

• Russia (for stays longer than 90 days)

To check if you need a visa, visit the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact the nearest Peruvian embassy.

How to Apply for a Peruvian Visa

If you need a visa to enter Peru, follow these steps:

Find your nearest Peruvian embassy or consulate – You must apply for a visa in your home country before travelling.

Complete the visa application form – You can usually download the form from the embassy’s website.

Provide required documents:

• A valid passport (with at least six months’ validity)

• A passport-sized photo

• A completed visa application form

• Proof of travel plans (flight bookings, itinerary, or accommodation details)

• Proof of financial means (bank statements or employment verification)

Pay the visa fee – Fees vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality.

Attend an interview (if required) – Some embassies may ask for an in-person interview before approving your visa.

Processing times can vary, so apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to avoid delays.

Entry Requirements & Travel Tips for Peru

Even if you don’t need a visa, there are a few important entry requirements to keep in mind:

Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.

Proof of Departure: Peruvian immigration may ask for a return ticket or onward travel proof, so have this ready.

Visa Extensions: Tourist stays are usually granted for up to 90 days, but immigration officers can approve stays of up to 183 days. If you need to extend your stay, visit the Peruvian Immigration Office in Lima before your permitted time expires.

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions: Always check Peru’s latest entry requirements, as health protocols may change.

Final Thoughts: Do You Need a Visa for Peru?

For most UK, US, EU, Canadian, and Australian travellers, no visa is required for Peru, making it an easy country to visit for tourism. However, if your nationality requires a visa, be sure to apply well in advance and gather all necessary documents.

Before your trip, always check the latest Peruvian visa policies and entry requirements to ensure a stress-free arrival. Whether you’re trekking the Inca Trail, exploring the Amazon, or enjoying Lima’s culinary delights, Peru is a destination worth preparing for!

Planning Your Peru Adventure?

Now that you know the visa requirements, it’s time to plan your journey! From Machu Picchu tours to Amazon rainforest adventures, explore our Peru travel guides for the best experiences in this incredible country.

Check out our Peru trips & start planning your adventure today!