Peru Entry Requirements: Visa, Vaccines and Documentation

Entering Peru is relatively simple, but there are nuances by nationality and destination within the country. This guide describes 2026 requirements to avoid surprises at airport or Peruvian clinics. Information is operational, not marketing.

Visa by nationality

Peru allows entry without visa up to 183 days for citizens of most Western countries. Main cases:

Without visa up to 183 days: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, all European Union countries, Switzerland, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and most of South America.

Visa required: China (except Hong Kong), India, Russia, Cuba, Vietnam, several African and Middle Eastern countries. Visa is requested at the Peruvian consulate of country of origin, 30-60 days in advance.

Entry stamp: Peruvian immigration officer places a stamp with number of authorised days (usually 90, maximum 183). Check the stamp on passing immigration. If less than 90 days, request immediate extension if trip requires more (rarely denied).

Passport: valid for at least six months from Peru entry date. If expiring sooner, renew before travelling.

Mandatory vaccines

Only one vaccine is mandatory per Peruvian Ministry of Health:

Yellow fever: mandatory for travellers coming from yellow-fever-risk countries (most of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America like Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia). NOT mandatory for travellers coming direct from Europe, US, Asia or Australia.

However, IS highly recommended if itinerary includes Peruvian Amazon (Manú, Tambopata, Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado). Without vaccine, entry to these zones is at own risk. Apply at least 10 days before trip (immunity effectiveness). Cost: USD 30-80 by country. One dose for life.

Recommended vaccines

The Peruvian Ministry of Health and WHO recommend:

Hepatitis A: due to food consumption in restaurants and markets. Two doses with six months separation. If first trip, single dose offers 1-year protection. Cost: USD 60-120.

Tetanus-diphtheria: international travel standard. Booster every 10 years.

Typhoid: optional, recommended for Amazon or street-market consumption. Cost: USD 80-120.

Rabies: optional, recommended for trips to rural communities with stray dogs. Three doses in one month. Total cost: USD 250-400. Only recommended for exceptional travellers having animal contact.

NOT mandatory and NOT recommended for standard Peru itineraries: dengue, malaria (except deep Amazon), zika.

Physical documents to bring

Four documents to always carry:

First, original passport. Carry at neck or in interior bag, not external backpack. At airport and entering Machu Picchu the original is required.

Second, passport and visa photocopy (if applicable). Carry 2-3 separate copies from original. In case of loss, theft or administrative requirement.

Third, international insurance. Printed coverage letter with 24/7 assistance number visible. For medical emergency, Peruvian hospitals require coverage confirmation BEFORE non-emergency treatment.

Fourth, yellow vaccination card if has yellow fever. WHO issues the yellow card. Peruvian migration may ask at entry (rarely does).

Customs and declarations

Peru allows entry without declaration:

Up to USD 10,000 in cash (more requires declaration).

Three liquor bottles per adult.

200 cigarettes per adult.

Personal equipment: camera, laptop, mobile, books.

Some categories require declaration:

Drones (mandatory entry declaration, MTC registry).

Professional photography equipment (more than USD 3,000 value).

Pharmaceutical products in large quantities.

Live plants, seeds or vegetable products.

Health safety during the trip

Four precautions:

First, drinking water. Do NOT drink tap water. Bottled water at hotels and restaurants is the norm. To use tap water: boil 5 minutes. Purification pills are alternative but less reliable.

Second, care with street ceviche. Ceviche at award-winning restaurants is safe. At markets or street stalls, there is cross-contamination risk from raw fish. For first time, eat ceviche only at established restaurants.

Third, fruits and vegetables. Only consume if peeled (mango, pineapple, banana) or cooked. Salads at markets are gastroenteritis risk.

Fourth, insecticide. In Amazon, insecticide with 30%+ DEET is necessary. In highlands and coast, not necessary. Carry repellent for 5-7 days if going to jungle.

Private hospitals with international standards

If medical emergency arises:

In Lima: Clínica Anglo Americana, Clínica San Felipe, Clínica El Golf. Have agreements with international insurance (Allianz, AXA, etc.).

In Cusco: Clínica San Juan de Dios, Regional Hospital. Cusco altitude can aggravate respiratory emergencies; important consideration.

In Arequipa: Clínica San Juan de Dios.

The bespoke travel designer has direct contacts at these hospitals. In emergency, call travel designer's WhatsApp BEFORE hospital, for insurance coordination.

The most expensive error is travelling without adequate international insurance. A medical emergency in Cusco or Amazon, without coverage, can cost USD 10,000-30,000 in treatment + evacuation. The USD 80-180 per person insurance avoids this and justifies itself.

Kada Travel

Andean Migration Card (TAM)

On entering Peru, migration delivers a small yellow card: the Andean Migration Card (TAM). Keep it. It is returned on leaving Peru. If lost, replacement must be obtained at Migrations office (2-4 hour process). Hotels may ask for it at check-in (rarely).