Peru entry requirements for United States passport holders
Verified May 11, 2026·View sources
No visa required
180 days
Max stay
180 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
US citizens can enter Peru for tourism or business without a visa, with stays up to 180 days per visit. A valid passport is the only requirement. This policy is unchanged for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Peru. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration in Lima will deny boarding if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Peru | Immigration officers in Lima routinely ask for a return or onward ticket out of Peru within 180 days. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they won't let you through without it. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration in Lima sometimes asks for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $1,000 USD. Officers rarely check this for US passport holders, but they can ask if you look underfunded. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry confirmed
US citizens can enter Peru without any visa for stays up to 180 days. Just ensure your passport has 6 months validity and a blank visa page.
6‑month passport rule strictly enforced
If your passport expires within 6 months of arrival, you will be denied entry or boarding. Check your passport today.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Have your passport (with 6+ months validity and a blank visa page) ready. Keep your return ticket and hotel booking accessible—airlines may request them, though they are not legally required by immigration.
2
Proceed to immigration
At any international airport (Lima, Cusco, Arequipa), follow 'Migraciones' signs. Hand over your passport. The officer will ask the purpose and length of your stay. State clearly—e.g., 'tourism for 2 weeks.'
3
Receive entry stamp and exit
The officer will stamp your passport with the authorized stay (typically 180 days). No arrival card is issued. Collect your luggage and proceed to the exit.
Download Peru Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stayUp to 183 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
CostUSD 30 (approx. PEN 112)
For those who want a longer stay or multiple entries. Apply at Peruvian consulate.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stayUp to 183 days per entry
Validity5 years from issue
CostUSD 50 (approx. PEN 187)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must apply at Peruvian consulate.
Work Visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
CostUSD 50 (approx. PEN 187) plus processing fees
Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Apply at Peruvian consulate.
Digital Nomad Visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
CostUSD 50 (approx. PEN 187) plus processing fees
For remote workers. Must prove income and have health insurance. Apply at Peruvian consulate.
retirement visa
Rentista Visa (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 680 PEN) application fee + proof of monthly income ~$1,000 USD
For retirees with a stable pension or passive income. Requires proof of income and health insurance. Allows permanent residency after 3 years.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 510 PEN) application fee
Currently under discussion; would allow remote workers to stay long-term. Expected to require proof of remote employment and income above $2,000 USD/month.
work visa
Work Visa (Trabajador)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 680 PEN) + employer fees
For those with a Peruvian job offer. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Can lead to permanent residency after 2 years.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Inversionista)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 1,700 PEN) + proof of investment of at least $50,000 USD
For investors in Peruvian businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Fast track to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fineOverstaying beyond 180 days incurs a daily fine. Pay at immigration before departure. | PEN 4.10 per day (approx. USD 1.10), no maximum cap |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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 Peru
No transit visa needed
US citizens transiting through Peru do not need a transit visa for stays under 12 hours in the international transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry (up to 180 days) applies instead.
Transit hubsJorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) – Lima
Health & vaccines for Peru
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Common in Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Andes; acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in lowland areas like the Amazon and coastal regions. Use repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in Amazon regions (e.g., Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado). Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Lima
Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones
Av. España 700, Breña, Lima
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and permits. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Cusco
Oficina de Migraciones Cusco
Av. El Sol 500, Cusco
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the Sacred Valley. Bring passport and TM.7 form.
Practical information for US travellers
Country basics
CapitalLima
LanguageSpanish, Quechua
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for tourist stays.
Money
CurrencyPeruvian Sol (PEN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.43 PEN
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame (EST/EDT)
vs Los Angeles+3h (PST/PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,CType A, B, C — US plugs generally fit. Check your specific socket.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water widely available.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Peru
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Peru — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. US passport holders can enter Peru visa-free for tourism, business, or transit for up to 180 days. No visa application is needed.
Up to 180 consecutive days per entry. Extensions are not possible—you must leave before the 180 days expire unless you obtain another visa type.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Peruvian immigration. The 6‑month validity rule is strictly enforced—no exceptions. Renew your passport before traveling.
No legal requirement, but airlines often require proof of onward travel. Immigration rarely asks, but to avoid denial of boarding, have a return or onward flight booked.
No, not required for entry. However, it is strongly recommended because of altitude sickness risks, theft, and remote areas. Some tour operators may also require it.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short-term transit. For work, study, or long-term stays, you must apply for the appropriate visa at a Peruvian consulate before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.