Overview — Peru Entry Requirements

Peru is one of the most welcoming countries in South America for international visitors. Most nationalities can enter Peru for tourism purposes without a visa, and the arrival process at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport is straightforward and efficient.

That said, there are several peru entry requirements you should be aware of before you travel. This guide covers everything from passport validity to health regulations, so you can arrive prepared and stress-free.

Passport Requirements

Your passport is the single most important document for entering Peru. Here are the key rules:

• Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Peru. This is strictly enforced — airlines may deny you boarding if your passport does not meet this requirement.
• Condition: Your passport must be in good condition with no significant damage to the cover, pages, or photo page.
• Blank pages: You need at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
• Original required: You must carry your original passport (not a copy) when visiting Machu Picchu, boarding trains, and entering the Inca Trail. ID checks are common and photocopies are not accepted.

Visa-Free Countries

Citizens of the following countries and regions can enter Peru for tourism without a visa for stays of up to 183 days:

Region	Countries	Maximum Stay
North America	United States, Canada, Mexico	Up to 183 days
Europe	All EU member states, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland	Up to 183 days
Oceania	Australia, New Zealand	Up to 183 days
South America	Most countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and others)	Up to 183 days
Asia	Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Israel, and others	Up to 183 days

If your country is not listed above, you may need to apply for a tourist visa through a Peruvian embassy or consulate before traveling. We recommend checking with your nearest Peruvian embassy to confirm the latest peru entry requirements for your nationality.

Arrival Process

When you arrive in Peru, here’s what to expect at immigration:

1. Immigration card: You will receive a Tarjeta Andina de Migración (Andean Migration Card), which may be filled out on the plane or at the airport. Some airports now process this digitally.
2. Passport stamp: An immigration officer will stamp your passport with your authorized length of stay (typically 90–183 days for tourism).
3. Keep your immigration card: If you receive a physical card, keep it safe throughout your trip. You will need to present it when leaving Peru. Losing it can cause delays at departure.
4. Baggage claim and customs: After immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. You may be asked to press a button that randomly selects you for an inspection (green = go, red = inspection).

The entire arrival process at Lima airport typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on flight arrivals and queue length.

COVID & Health Requirements

As of early 2026, Peru has relaxed most pandemic-era restrictions. Here is the current status:

• COVID vaccine: Currently not required for entry into Peru.
• COVID test: Currently not required for entry into Peru.
• Mandatory vaccinations for Cusco/highlands: None. There are no mandatory vaccinations required for visiting Cusco, the Sacred Valley, or Machu Picchu.
• Yellow Fever: Recommended (but not required) if you plan to visit the Amazon rainforest region. Some Amazon lodges may request proof of vaccination.

Important: Health requirements can change with little notice. We always recommend checking the latest guidance from your country’s travel advisory service and the Peruvian Ministry of Health before departure.

Customs & Prohibited Items

Peru’s customs regulations are standard for South America. Key points to be aware of:

• Declare items over $500 USD: If you are carrying goods, gifts, or electronics worth more than $500 USD (excluding personal items), you must declare them on your customs form.
• Coca leaves cannot be exported: While coca leaves and coca tea are legal and widely consumed in Peru (especially for altitude sickness), it is illegal to take coca leaves out of Peru. Many countries classify them as a controlled substance.
• Cultural artifacts are prohibited: It is illegal to export pre-Columbian artifacts, colonial-era art, or any items classified as national cultural heritage. This includes pottery, textiles, and archaeological objects purchased from unlicensed sellers.
• Currency: You do not need to declare currency amounts under $10,000 USD (or equivalent). Amounts exceeding this must be declared.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Peru, though it is not currently required by law as one of the peru entry requirements. Here’s why it matters:

• High-altitude trekking: If you’re trekking the Inca Trail, Salkantay, or any Andean route, your insurance should specifically cover high-altitude activities (typically above 3,000 meters / 9,800 feet). Cusco sits at 3,400 meters.
• Medical evacuation: In remote trekking areas, helicopter evacuation may be necessary in a medical emergency. Evacuation costs can reach $10,000–$50,000+ without insurance.
• Trip cancellation: Given that Inca Trail permits are non-refundable and flights are expensive, cancellation coverage provides valuable peace of mind.
• Lost luggage and theft: Peru is generally safe for tourists, but standard travel insurance should cover lost belongings and unexpected expenses.

We recommend choosing a policy that explicitly covers adventure activities and high-altitude trekking. Popular providers used by our travelers include World Nomads, Allianz, and IMG Global.

Peru Entry Requirements for Inca Trail Trekkers

If you are planning to trek the Inca Trail, there are additional considerations beyond standard peru entry requirements:

• Passport number is linked to your permit: Your Inca Trail permit is registered under your passport number at the time of booking. If you renew your passport after booking, your permit becomes invalid and cannot be changed. Always renew your passport before booking your trek.
• Bring your original passport on the trek: You must present your original passport at the trailhead checkpoint on Day 1. Park rangers will verify your identity against your permit. Photocopies and digital images are not accepted.
• Passport must be the same one used for booking: The passport number on your permit must match the passport you carry. Even if your old passport is still valid, a new passport with a different number will not work.

For more details on the permit process, see our complete guide to Inca Trail permits.