Tourist Visas for Peru
Do I need a Tourist Visa for Peru?
In general citizens of the countries in the listing below do NOT have to apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate before entering Peru. A passport valid at least six months with at least 2 free pages in the visa section is enough to get a Tourist Visa (actually it’s only an entry stamp) directly at the border or the airport. Children should travel on their own passport with photo. Below listed countries can get a tourist visa at airport immigrations or any other Peruvian border without applying for it at an embassy or consulate (for a more detailed listing, please check out our pdf document “Visa Obligation for Foreign Nationals in Peru” above as published by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
- North America: Citizens of the United States, Canada and Mexico
- Central America: Citizens of most Central American countries (exception Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic)
- South America: Citizens of all South American countries
- Europe: Citizens of all countries within the European Union and Switzerland
- Africa: Citizens of South Africa
- Asia: Citizens of Brunei, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand
- Oceania: Citizens of Australia and New Zealand
The obligation for Foreign Nationals in Peru
Please note that it is your nationality and not a potential residence permit in another country that is the deciding factor if you need a visa or not!
Peruvian Tourist Visa Requirements & Procedures
Nationals of a few other countries (see our pdf document “Visa Obligation for Foreign Nationals in Peru” need a visa even for tourism purposes. Peru doesn’t offer online visa application, so these nationals have to apply for their tourist visa at the Peruvian Consulate that has jurisdiction over their domicile or country of residence.
Unfortunately, especially in Africa and Asia, the continents where most residents have to apply for a tourist visa, there are only a few Peruvian Diplomatic Missions. So finding the correct one and applying for the visa can be a mission. As the Peruvian Foreign Ministry, unfortunately, doesn’t publish which consulate has the jurisdiction over which countries, we recommend getting in contact with the nearest Peruvian Consulate in case there is none in your country of residence. Check out our section “Peruvian Embassies & Consulates Worldwide” to find a Peruvian Diplomatic Mission close by.
Visa requirements for a tourist visa include, but may not be restricted to:
Extension of Peruvian Tourist Visa
Since July 2008 it is NOT possible to extend your tourist visa once you have entered Peru!!! When arriving at the airport or border, make sure you get a visa for the time you intent to stay. After Peruvian law the maximum time for a tourist to stay in the country is 183 days per year.
Expired Tourist Visa
If your tourist visa is for whatever (intentional or unintentional) reasons expired, you don’t have to fear extreme consequences. When leaving the country you will be asked to pay a “fine” of US$ 1. – per day since the expiration of your visa. Depending on where you leave the country, you can pay this fee at a branch of the “Banco de la Nación” (i.e. within the vicinity of the airport). After that, you get your exit stamp and can leave Peru.
If you can’t pay this fee you will be held in custody until someone pays it for you. Better be prepared and have the cash in US Dollar on hand.
Of course we would like to advise you, to have your visa up-to-date at all times! Even if you usually don’t get any trouble, there is always a slight possibility someone will check your passport. In the worst-case scenario, this might lead to your arrest and deportation to your home country.
