Flag of Peru

Peru

Peru spans three distinct worlds — the coastal desert (Costa), the Andean highlands (Sierra) and the Amazon rainforest (Selva, 60 percent of the country) — with Spanish, Quechua and Aymara as official languages reflecting an indigenous heritage that is still a living culture, not a museum piece. The Inca Empire was South America's largest pre-Columbian civilization, and its engineering legacy still anchors the country's identity. Most Western nationalities enter visa-free for 90 to 183 days depending on nationality.

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  • CapitalLima
  • CurrencyPEN S/.
  • TimezonePeru Time (UTC-5)
  • LanguagesSpanish · Aymara · Quechua
  • Population34.2M (2025)
  • Area1,285,216 km²
  • RegionAmericas · South America
  • Phone code+51
  • Native namePerú
  • Electricity220 V
  • Plug typesNEMA 1-15 · NEMA 5-15 · Europlug
  • Driving sideright
  • Internet domain.pe

Visa Requirements for Peru

Peru offers visa-free entry to citizens of approximately 90 countries — including the US, Canada, UK, most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and most of South America — for 90 or 183 days depending on nationality (183 days typical for US, EU and Canadian citizens). No advance application is required: immigration stamps passports on arrival, and the Andean Immigration Card (TAM) is now virtual — generated automatically at the control module, with no paper card to keep or return. Citizens of around 100 other nationalities need an advance consular visa. See the visa categories below for the specific application requirements and durations.

Visa types

Visa-Free Entry (Tourist)

90 or 183 days depending on nationality (US, Canada, UK, EU typically receive 183 days; some countries 90 days); passport valid 6+ months required; no advance application needed; entry stamp at arrival (airport or land borders); immigration officer determines duration (90 or 183 days) and stamps passport; the Andean Immigration Card (TAM) is virtual — auto-generated at the control module, nothing to keep or return; return/onward ticket may be requested; proof of funds may be requested; extensions available through Migraciones offices for up to 183 total days maximum per year (check the current fee); yellow fever certificate may be checked if traveling to/from Amazon regions; straightforward entry process at Jorge Chávez Airport (Lima), Cusco, or land borders; most visitors receive full 183 days for visa-exempt nationalities.

For tourism or business for citizens of approximately 90 countries including US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and most of South America.

Consular Visa (Tourist/Business)

30-90 days typically; apply at Peruvian embassy/consulate before travel; requires application form, passport (valid 6+ months), passport photos, bank statements, hotel reservations or invitation letter, travel itinerary, return ticket, yellow fever certificate (if visiting Amazon), visa fee USD $30-50; processing 5-10 business days; single or multiple entry depending on approval; granted for tourism or business purposes; extensions possible in Peru through Migraciones; less common for Western travelers due to visa-free access for most.

For nationalities requiring advance visa, approximately 100 countries including many African, Asian, and Middle Eastern nations.

Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)

1 year typically, renewable annually; requires Peruvian employer sponsorship and work authorization from Ministerio de Trabajo (Ministry of Labor); employer must demonstrate position cannot be filled by Peruvian national; application includes employment contract, university degrees/professional qualifications (apostilled), police clearance (apostilled), health certificate, passport, photos, work permit approval, visa fee; processing 2-4 months; allows legal residence and employment; dependents can apply for dependent visas; renewable subject to continued employment; pathway to permanent residence after several years; common for expatriates in mining, oil/gas, education, NGO sectors; Peru has growing expat communities in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa.

For foreign nationals employed by Peruvian companies or organizations, requires employer sponsorship.

Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)

Duration of studies (typically 1 year renewable); requires acceptance letter from recognized Peruvian educational institution, proof of enrollment and tuition payment, financial proof (bank statements or scholarship letter), police clearance, health certificate, passport (valid 6+ months), passport photos, visa fee; apply at Peruvian consulate before travel; processing 2-6 weeks; allows residence for study purposes; limited part-time work may be permitted with authorization; must maintain full-time enrollment; renewable annually while studies continue; popular programs include Spanish language schools (Cusco, Lima), university exchange programs, Peruvian cuisine/gastronomy courses; graduates can potentially convert to work visa if securing Peruvian employment.

For international students enrolled in Peruvian universities or educational programs.

Guides

Peru delivers one of the richest travel experiences on Earth — three utterly different worlds in one country, from Andean citadels in the clouds to a world-class food capital to Amazon rainforest lodges. The classic route runs Lima to Cusco to the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, with side extensions south to Arequipa, Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca, or east into the Amazon around Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. Careful timing and advance booking matter almost everywhere — trekking permits, train tickets and citadel entries all sell out in high season — and because the coast, highlands and rainforest don't share one weather calendar, itineraries work best planned region by region rather than as a single uniform trip.

Peru travel guide →

The full guide — three larders, altitude as the real risk and the permit chain booked in reverse.

Money in Peru →

Soles, the two ATM rules and city cards — the practical money guide.

Eating in Peru →

Three larders and two immigrant cuisines — ceviche as chemistry, the vertical potato and chifa and Nikkei by name.

Getting around Peru →

Coast, Andes and no roads at all — fly the long legs, the buses and which ones, the one railway that matters and moving in the Amazon.

Health & safety in Peru →

Altitude as the real risk and what actually helps, the Amazon's different health picture, and sun, water and stomachs.

Cities & planning

ArequipaArequipaChiclayoCuscoCuscoIquitosLoretoLimaLimaPiuraPiuraTrujilloLa Libertad

Plan your trip

FlightsArequipa (AQP)FlightsChiclayo (CIX)FlightsCusco (CUZ)HotelsArequipa · Chiclayo · CuscoTrainsTrain ticketsAttractionsTickets & tours

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Regions

Embassies & missions

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to visit Peru?

Most Western nationalities, including the US, Canada, UK, EU and most of South America, enter visa-free for 90 or 183 days depending on nationality, with the stay stamped on arrival — no advance application needed for those countries.

How long can I stay in Peru without a visa?

Either 90 or 183 days depending on your nationality — US, Canadian, UK and EU passport holders typically receive the full 183. The immigration officer sets and stamps the length on arrival, so check what you were actually given rather than assuming the maximum. Extensions are possible through Migraciones offices up to a 183-day total within a year.

What is the Andean Immigration Card (TAM)?

It is the record of your entry, and the important thing to know is that it is now virtual — generated automatically at the migration control module when you arrive. There is no paper card to keep safe and none to hand back on departure, which is a common misconception left over from the old system. Your passport stamp is what matters.

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Visaja keeps this page's contact details and visa guidance under continuous review — still, requirements can change at short notice, so confirm the essentials with the mission or the official government portal before you travel.