Entry Procedures
Visa and entry requirements depend on the country that issued your passport. The information here is general guidance. Always confirm the requirements for your own nationality with the official source.
This information is for general guidance only. Please verify with the embassy or official government sources before traveling.
Visa Requirements
Types of visas required and their conditions
Many nationalities can enter Peru for short tourism without a visa, but this depends on your nationality and rules and permitted stays change over time. Do not assume you are exempt; always confirm the latest requirements with Peru's official Migraciones and foreign ministry sources before you travel. Your passport should have enough remaining validity, which can also vary by nationality.
- Tourism
- Often visa-free
- Depends
- On nationality
- Check
- Official Migraciones
- Visa need and stay length vary by nationality
- Confirm the latest rules on the official site
Passport Conditions
Required validity period and blank pages
Your passport should have enough remaining validity for your trip and blank pages for stamps; required validity can vary by nationality, so confirm it in advance. A damaged or nearly full passport may cause problems at immigration. Keep a copy of the photo page separate from the original and renew early if validity is short. Always check the latest official requirements, as rules can change.
- Validity
- Check by nationality
- Pages
- Blank pages
- Backup
- Keep a copy
- Required validity can vary by nationality
- Store a copy separately from the original
Required Documents & Pre-registration
Arrival cards, health declarations, and other preparations
Immigration may ask to see an onward or return ticket, confirmed accommodation and proof of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry your passport, the address of your first night, and both digital and paper copies of key documents. Requirements can vary by nationality and change over time, so check the official Peru Migraciones guidance before you travel.
- Travel
- Onward/return ticket
- Stay
- Accommodation + funds
- Carry
- Passport + copies
- Proof of funds and accommodation may be requested
- Requirements can vary by nationality
Cash Import Limits
Declaration-free limits and procedures for excess amounts
You must declare cash above the set threshold when entering or leaving Peru, and carrying very large sums may be restricted. Do not assume a specific figure, as thresholds change; confirm the current declaration limit with Peru's customs authority (SUNAT) before you travel. Declare honestly to avoid seizure or penalties, and keep exchange receipts for the money you carry.
- Declare
- Above threshold
- Threshold
- Confirm with SUNAT
- Honest
- Avoid penalties
- Do not assume a fixed amount; confirm current rules
- Keep receipts for the cash you carry
Duty-Free Allowances & Restricted Items
Limits on tobacco, alcohol, food, and other goods
Travellers get duty-free allowances for personal goods, but there are limits on items such as alcohol and tobacco, and dutiable or commercial quantities must be declared. Gifts, electronics and high-value items over the allowance may attract duty. Allowances change, so check the latest SUNAT customs guidance before you travel and keep receipts for valuables you bring in.
- Personal
- Duty-free allowance
- Limited
- Alcohol / tobacco
- Declare
- Over allowance
- Limits apply to alcohol and tobacco
- Goods over the allowance may be dutiable
Prohibited Items
Items that are strictly forbidden from import
Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited and carry severe penalties. Exporting Inca and pre-Columbian artefacts, antiquities and cultural heritage items is banned without official authorisation, so never buy or take out genuine or suspected archaeological pieces. Trade in protected wildlife and plant species is restricted, and weapons are banned. When in doubt, declare items and ask customs.
- Drugs
- Severe penalties
- Banned
- Inca artefacts
- Restricted
- Wildlife, plants
- No export of archaeological or cultural items
- Protected species trade is restricted
Medication Import Rules
Rules for bringing prescription and over-the-counter drugs
Bring prescription medicines in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription or a doctor's letter, ideally noting the generic name. Some medicines, especially those with controlled substances, may be restricted or need documentation, so check the rules before you travel. Carry enough for your trip in your hand luggage and confirm the latest requirements with Peru's health authorities when unsure.
- Original
- Keep packaging
- Proof
- Prescription/letter
- Controlled
- May be restricted
- Some medicines may need documentation
- Carry enough in your hand luggage
Vaccinations & Health Requirements
Required and recommended vaccines for entry
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to Amazon and jungle areas, and a certificate may be required in some cases, so check the latest guidance rather than assuming. Keep routine vaccines up to date and consider hepatitis A and typhoid. Note that high-altitude destinations like Cusco and Machu Picchu can cause altitude sickness, so acclimatise gradually. See a travel clinic well before departure.
- Yellow fever
- For Amazon areas
- Altitude
- Cusco / Machu Picchu
- Routine
- Keep up to date
- A yellow fever certificate may be required
- Acclimatise for altitude at Cusco and Machu Picchu
Immigration Process
Step-by-step guide from arrival to clearing immigration
Most international travellers arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, while flights to the highlands often use Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco. Have your passport and supporting documents ready at the immigration counter and be prepared to answer questions about your stay. Keep your entry record and any stamps safe, as you may need them on departure. Follow signs and staff instructions to speed things up.
- Lima
- LIM airport
- Cusco
- CUZ airport
- Keep
- Entry record
- Be ready to answer questions about your stay
- Keep stamped documents for departure
Tips for Smooth Entry
Practical advice for a hassle-free arrival
Confirm entry requirements for your nationality on official sources well before you travel, and carry a copy of your passport separately from the original. Write down the address of your first hotel for immigration and transport, and allow plenty of time at Lima (LIM) for immigration queues. If heading to Cusco or Machu Picchu, plan for altitude and acclimatise gradually. Keep some cash for arrival costs and double-check the latest official guidance before you fly.
- Nationality
- Check requirements
- Copy
- Passport copy
- Altitude
- Cusco / Machu Picchu
- Allow time for immigration queues at LIM
- Acclimatise for altitude toward Cusco and Machu Picchu