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Country Facts
Capital
Lima
Area
1.28 million km2
Time Zone
UTC: + 5 hours
Population
34M
Currency
Nuevo Sol
Flight time
9 Hours 40 Minutes
Paradise Awaiting To Be Explored
Peru, it is a plentiful country with an abundance of areas to explore. Visit the famous archeological site of Machu Picchu or go sand dune surfing.
Latin America appeals to travellers with a true sense of the spirit of adventure and the attractions of Peru make this a favourite amongst visitors to the region, whether independent or on a group tour, honeymooners wanting to travel in comfort and style or well-seasoned travellers willing to exchange a star rating or two for a better insight into the country.
Machu Picchu is Latin America’s foremost archaeological sites and is a must for any first-time traveller to Peru, together with Cuzco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This area is exciting and dynamic with white water rafting and mountain biking for those seeking an adrenalin rush, museums, Andean markets, Inca ruins and fantastic sights for visitors with more leisurely interests. If time permits Lake Titicaca, the Nazca lines, the Colca Canyon and/or a trip into the Amazon rainforest might appeal. The undiscovered north is beginning to open up as investigations using modern technology at Kuelap and Chan Chan begin to reveal more about the pre-Inca Chachapoya, Chimu and Mochica civilizations.
Preparing For A Trip To Peru?
Visa Information / Entry requirements – Peru
This page has information on travelling to Peru.
This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Peru set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Peru’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.
Visas
Normally, you don’t need a visa to travel if the purpose of the visit is tourism. If you’re travelling for any other purpose, check entry clearance requirements with the Peruvian Consulate-General in London.
If you have tourism status in Peru, you’ll need to apply online for a special permit in order to sign any type of contract, eg, purchase of a home, business contracts, at a notary public. For more information, please contact the Peruvian Immigration Office or the Peruvian Consulate-General in London.
On arrival, you’re normally given permission to stay for up to 90 days.
Double check the period of time you’ve been granted. If you overstay, you’ll need to pay a fine. In the worst case scenario you could be held in detention.
While it is not required by the immigration authorities, some airlines require passengers to show proof of onward travel (e.g. an airline ticket) in order to travel to Peru.
All travellers
You will need to wear two face masks or a KN95 mask on flights bound for Peru and must complete an affidavit to enter or travel through Peru as a visitor.
Normally, you don’t need a visa to travel if the purpose of the visit is tourism. If you’re travelling for any other purpose, check entry clearance requirements with the Peruvian Consulate-General in London. For information see the Visas section.
Immigration
If you enter Peru overland from Ecuador, make sure your passport is stamped with a Peruvian entry stamp at the local immigration office. Most people crossing the border with Ecuador enter Peru through Aguas Verdes (Tumbes region) – you may need to ask for directions to the immigration office. If your passport is not stamped at the border with Ecuador, you can have it stamped at the Immigration Office in the city of Tumbes.
If you enter Peru from Bolivia by bus or taxi, make sure your passport is stamped with a Peruvian entry stamp at the immigration office in Desaguadero or Copacabana (Puno region).
Immigration authorities may also not let you leave Peru without a valid exit stamp from the last country you visited.
If you enter Peru without an entry stamp then you’re required by law to apply for a new entry stamp at the nearest immigration office. The immigration authorities will need you to provide your passport and evidence of your entry to Peru, eg air/bus ticket in your name, exit stamp from the last country you visited, and any other documentation they deem necessary. If you’re unable to provide any such evidence you must apply for an exit or expulsion order at the Immigration Office in Lima. You won’t be allowed to leave Peru without this, and you may be prevented from re-entering Peru for the next five to ten years.
The British Embassy can’t intervene in immigration issues. Make sure you get your entry stamp when you arrive in Peru, but if your passport was not stamped on entry into Peru, we can assist you in requesting the entry stamp or the exit order. The sooner you start that process, the better.
Please note that passports are not stamped when you enter Peru through Jorge Chavez inter-national airport in Lima. Your details will be recorded in the immigration database and will be available when you leave Peru.
Passport validity
If you are visiting Peru, your passport should be valid for six months from the date you arrive. This is not applicable to foreign residents in Peru holding a valid Peruvian residence card (‘carné de extranjería’), as their passports will not require a minimum validity.
Some airlines have been allowing non-resident passengers to travel to Peru without the six-month passport validity requirement. These passengers have not been allowed to enter Peru upon arrival.
Read More On Visas
Tourism Health Information – Peru
If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.
If you’re fully vaccinated
If you’re fully vaccinated, you can enter Peru without needing to test or quarantine.
Passengers aged 12 and over whose final destination is Peru must show evidence of full vaccination received either in Peru or abroad. Those under 12 years old must be without COVID-19 symptoms but do not require a test or proof of vaccination. Adults must have received the booster (third) dose either in Peru or abroad. These rules are subject to change at short notice.
Anyone who shows COVID-19 symptoms on arrival in Peru must isolate by law.
Proof of vaccination status
You must present proof that you have been fully vaccinated to enter Peru.
Peru will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination and that issued in the Crown Dependencies. Although digital proof is accepted, you should also take a hard copy. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.
If you’re not fully vaccinated
Unvaccinated arrivals aged 12 and above, need to show proof of a negative PCR test (issued no more than 48 hours before boarding) when entering Peru. See information on getting a test before entry.
Children and young people
Children aged under 12 do not need to show proof of vaccination to enter Peru. Any child who shows COVID-19 symptoms on arrival in Peru must isolate by law.
If you’re transiting through Peru
Transiting is when you pass through one country on the way to your final destination.
If you are transiting through Peru on your way to another country and staying in the airport (airside) you do not need to meet the vaccination and PCR requirements to enter Peru as above.
If you are transiting through Peru on your way to another country and will be passing through immigration (sometimes known as a layover), for whichever reason, you need to meet the full requirements to enter Peru as above.
Exemptions
There are no exemptions for Peru’s entry requirements.
Read More On Health
Weather & When To Go To Peru
Weather
The best time to visit Peru is probably April-May or September-October, the changeover between wet and dry seasons. In July/August it is dry, but temperatures can fall dramatically at altitude in the Andean winter. December/January is warm but wet. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is closed in February.
Wet Season: October – May
Dry Season: June- September
Altitude : When travelling in the Andes you should bear in mind that you will be at fairly high altitude, over 3100m (10,000ft) in Cuzco, higher if you are travelling into the Colca Canyon, walking the Inca Trail or visiting Lake Titicaca.
So if you have a heart condition or are very asthmatic you should check with your doctor.
You should always advise your travel insurers of any pre-existing medical condition.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| ++ | ++ | ++ | ++ | += | +++ | +++ | +++ | +++ | + | ++ | ++ |
+++ the best time to visit
++ good time to visit
+ good time with some rain expected
Read More On Weather
Tailor-Made Holidays
At The Earth Trip we will design and plan your personalised itinerary according to the exact requirements of your trip. Whether you prefer to be on a mountaintop or under a waterfall; wake up in the middle of a jungle or have a picnic with locals in the tea plantations – we select the accommodation and activities in order to suit not only your preferences, but also your budget.
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