United States entry requirements for Peru passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Peruvian passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. As of 2026, you must apply for a nonimmigrant visa (typically B-1/B-2) at the U.S. embassy or consulate in Peru before traveling. The process involves an online application, an in-person interview, and a fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | You need a valid US visa before travel. Apply at the US embassy or consulate in Peru — the process includes an interview and takes several weeks. Start early.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the US. Airlines enforce this strictly — they won't let you board without it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Immigration may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel booking or host's address ready — a simple printout or phone screenshot works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Officers can ask how you'll support yourself. Carry bank statements or a credit card showing sufficient funds — no set amount, but show you can cover your trip. | Recommended |
Interview wait times can be long
During peak travel seasons (summer and December), interview slots at the Lima embassy can fill up 3–4 months in advance. Apply as early as possible and check the appointment portal regularly for cancellations.
ESTA is not available for Peruvians
Peru is not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, so you cannot use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). You must apply for a full visa at the embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website, fill out the DS-160 form, upload a passport-style photo that meets U.S. visa specifications, and print the confirmation page with the barcode.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 USD fee online via the U.S. visa appointment system or at a Banco de la Nación branch. Save the payment receipt.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment portal, select the embassy in Lima or the consular agency in Cusco, and book an available slot. Wait times can be 2–6 months during peak seasons.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy or consulate with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and supporting documents. The officer will ask about your trip and ties to Peru. Answer honestly and briefly.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa issuance. Processing takes 3–10 business days. You'll receive instructions to collect your passport or have it delivered.
6
Travel to the U.S.
Once you have the visa, book your flight. At the U.S. port of entry, present your passport with visa, and expect to answer questions from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Peru Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (~600 PEN)
Standard visa for tourism or business; must apply at US embassy in Lima.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (~600 PEN)
Same as single entry but allows multiple entries; most Peruvians get this.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityVaries based on program
Cost$160 USD (~600 PEN) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For academic studies; requires I-20 from US school.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 6 years (renewable)
Validity3 years initially
Cost$190 USD (~700 PEN) + employer fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (renewable)
$190 USD (~700 PEN) + employer fees
For professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher in a specialty field. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows eventual green card application.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$160 USD (~600 PEN) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For full-time academic programs at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (green card)
Minimum $1,050,000 USD investment (or $800,000 in targeted areas) + legal fees
For individuals investing in a US business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Leads to permanent residency for investor and immediate family.
Apply treaty trader visa
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable indefinitely
$205 USD (~770 PEN) + legal fees
For nationals of treaty countries (Peru is eligible) who invest a substantial amount in a US business. Allows work in the business and family inclusion.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $160 USD (equivalent to ~600 PEN) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Peruvians. | $160 USD (equivalent to ~600 PEN) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (equivalent to ~1,400 PEN) |
| Overstay fineOverstaying can lead to bars on re-entry; avoid at all costs. | Varies; typically no fixed daily fine, but may affect future visas |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to home country30%
Incomplete or incorrect visa application25%
Previous overstay or visa violation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Peruvian passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to transit through the US, even if not leaving the airport. However, if you have a valid B1/B2 visa, it can be used for transit.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa (any nonimmigrant category) may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa may transit through the US under certain conditions (check with airline).
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Miami International Airport (MIA)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common during fall and winter; vaccination recommended.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas of Northeast and Midwest; use repellent.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; rare but present in summer; use mosquito repellent.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington District Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) by mail; no walk-in service.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and change of status; appointments required.
Practical information for PE travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process — from DS-160 submission to visa in hand — typically takes 1 to 4 months. Interview wait times at the Lima embassy can be 2–6 weeks, and processing after approval takes 3–10 business days. Check the U.S. embassy website for current wait times.
No. All first-time applicants and most renewals require an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Lima or the Consular Agency in Cusco. The only exceptions are children under 14 and adults over 79, who may qualify for interview waiver.
Bring your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, one passport photo (if not uploaded), and supporting documents: employment letter, bank statements, property deeds, travel itinerary, and any previous U.S. visas. Organize them in a clear folder.
The non-refundable application fee for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa is $185 USD (as of 2026). This covers processing and the interview. There are no additional fees unless you need expedited processing or courier delivery.
If denied, the officer will give you a reason (usually under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, meaning insufficient ties to Peru). You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for denial. There is no appeal process.
No. The visa allows you to enter the U.S. for a specific period (usually up to 6 months for B-2 visitors). You cannot extend your stay beyond the date stamped on your I-94 form. Overstaying can result in a ban from re-entering the U.S.
Yes. Peru is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, so you need a visa even for a layover or connecting flight. The B-1/B-2 visa covers transit. Alternatively, you can apply for a C-1 transit visa if you're only passing through.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.