Peru

Professional Immigration Services for Peru Travel

If you're planning to explore the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu, conduct business in Lima's vibrant commercial district, or pursue academic opportunities in this culturally rich South American nation, understanding Peru's visa requirements is your crucial first step.

Navigating Peru's Immigration Framework

Peru maintains a welcoming visa policy that allows citizens of many countries to visit for tourism without a visa, while requiring appropriate documentation for business activities, extended stays, study, work, or settlement. Travelers to Peru receive a card from Peruvian Immigration upon arrival stating the length of approved stay, usually 90 days. Foreign nationals from almost 100 countries can travel to Peru visa-free for tourism purposes and stay for up to 90, 180, or 183 days within a 6-month or one-year period, depending on the applicant's nationality. Whether you're a tourist seeking adventure through the Sacred Valley, a business professional establishing regional partnerships, or a student enrolling in Peruvian universities, specific visa categories address your unique travel purpose.

Key Traveler Categories Requiring Visas:

• Long-term tourists and cultural explorers staying beyond visa-free periods
• Business professionals signing contracts or receiving compensation
• International students and researchers
• Work permit applicants and foreign residents
• Investors and independent professionals

Our comprehensive guide transforms complex immigration processes into clear, actionable strategies, providing expert legal documentation support and personalized consultation for your Peruvian journey.

Most travelers can visit Peru without a visa for tourism or business purposes. Citizens from the majority of countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and European Union countries enjoy visa-free access to Peru. Stays are typically granted for 90 days upon arrival, though immigration officials may authorize stays up to 183 days at their discretion.

Visa-Free Countries (90 Days)

Citizens of the following countries can enter Peru without a visa for up to 90 days:

• European Union countries (all 27 member states)
• United States, Canada
• United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand
• South American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Venezuela)
• Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong
• Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama
• Israel, Turkey, South Africa

Passport Requirements

All visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Peru. Peruvian immigration authorities will not allow travelers to enter if their passport has less than six months validity at the time of entry. Your passport should have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. Tourists must also provide evidence of return or onward travel.

Peru uses the Tarjeta Andina de Migración (Andean Migration Card), or TAM, which is now fully digital and registered automatically when your passport is scanned at the airport. You typically will not receive a physical card. If you need proof of entry for hotels, you can access your TAM virtually online.

Who Needs a Visa

Travelers from China, India, Russia, and most African and Asian countries require a visa before arrival. Business visitors staying longer than 90 days also need appropriate visas regardless of nationality. For United States nationals, a business visa is required if the traveler is going to sign or conclude a contract in Peru, but not if the purpose is solely to attend business meetings or conferences without signing contracts.

Transit Requirements

Transit passengers remaining in the international area for under 24 hours typically do not need visas. However, verify requirements based on your specific nationality and airline routing.

Always confirm current requirements with the Peruvian consulate or embassy in your country, as visa policies can change without notice.

Peru offers various visa categories designed to accommodate different travel purposes and duration requirements. Understanding the specific visa type that matches your intended activities is crucial for a successful application process.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

Tourist Visa allows leisure travel with multiple entry and a maximum 183-day stay within a one-year period. Visa-free visitors typically receive stays of 90 days, with up to 183 days granted at the discretion of immigration officials. Citizens of numerous countries can enter Peru without a visa for tourist purposes for up to 90 days, with some nationalities eligible for 180 days. Citizens of China, India, and Macau holding valid visas or residence permits from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, or Schengen Area may enter visa-free for tourist or business trips of up to 180 days.

Business Visa Categories

Peru provides several business visa options:

• Business Visa allows foreign nationals to engage in business activities for a maximum stay of 90 days
• Investor Visa requires a minimum investment of PEN 500,000 (approximately USD 133,000) in a Peruvian company and employment of at least five Peruvian nationals
• Business visas permit short-term trips for meetings or negotiations without earning salary, while work visas allow formal employment

Work and Employment Visas

Resident Work Visa for employees requires a valid employment contract with a duration of 12 months or more, is valid for one year, and allows you to live and work in Peru. Temporary Work Visa permits non-citizens to work in Peru for up to 183 days within a 365-day period, suitable for short-term contracts. Processing timelines vary approximately 1-2 months. Employment contracts must first be approved by the Ministry of Labor and Promotion of Employment before Migraciones will accept the visa application. Independent Professional Visa serves self-employed professionals and freelancers offering services, though it can be time consuming to obtain due to required assessments.

Student and Academic Visas

Student Visa requirements include a valid passport, visa application form, letter of acceptance from a Peruvian educational institution, and proof of financial means to support studies. Journalist Visa allows foreign nationals traveling to Peru for journalistic activities for a maximum stay of 90 days. Visas for studying are valid for a maximum of one year with the possibility of extension.

Transit and Special Categories

Transit Visa requires a valid passport for at least 6 months from transit date and a confirmed flight ticket to a third country within the allowable transit duration. Family Reunion Visa is valid for a maximum of one year with the possibility of extension. Religious Visa allows foreign nationals to engage in religious activities and is free of charge.

Diplomatic Visas serve government representatives and international organization personnel with validity periods decided by the Government of Peru. Diplomatic, service, or official passport holders automatically enjoy visa-free entry for 183 days.

Processing times range from 5 to 15 business days depending on visa type and applicant nationality. Temporary visas are intended for short-term stays for up to 3, 6, or 12 months in Peru depending on the visa type. Multiple-entry options are available for most categories with appropriate justification.

Processing Times by Visa Type

Tourist visas are processed within 5-10 business days at most consulates, while business visas require 5-15 business days. Work permit applications typically take up to 30 days for initial processing, and student visas are completed in 15-20 business days. Peak travel seasons (June-August and December-January) may extend processing times by an additional 3-5 days. Rush processing is available for an additional fee and typically takes 2-3 business days.

Visa Fees and Payment Structure

Standard tourist visa fees start at 30 USD depending on nationality. Business visa fees vary by nationality and purpose of travel, while work permits require fees of 200-400 USD. Student visa processing fees are typically 100-200 USD. Expedited processing incurs additional charges of 50-75% of the base fee and reduces processing time by 3-5 business days.

Application Locations and Methods

Applications are submitted through:

• Peruvian consulates and embassies worldwide
• Immigration offices within Peru for extensions and status changes
• Authorized visa application centers in major cities

Essential Documentation

Required documents include valid passport with 6 months minimum validity, completed application form, recent passport photograph, proof of accommodation, return flight tickets, and bank statements showing sufficient funds. Work and student visas require additional employer or institution documentation.

Key Contact Information

Peru Immigration Services: +51-1-618-2000
Tourist visa validity: 90-183 days granted at entry, with maximum 183 days total per calendar year

Step 1: Identify Your Visa Category

Determine the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose, duration, and nationality. Tourist visas are available for short-term visits, while business, work, or student visas require specific documentation. Review Peru's visa requirements thoroughly before proceeding.

Step 2: Document Preparation and Assembly

Gather all required documents according to your visa category:

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity from date of entry
• Completed visa application form with accurate information
• Recent passport photographs meeting official specifications (typically 4.3 x 3.5 cm)
• Supporting documents (invitation letters, financial statements, travel itinerary, hotel reservations)
• Round-trip flight reservations or proof of onward travel
• Proof of financial means to support your stay

All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by certified translators. Documents issued abroad must be certified by a Peruvian consulate and endorsed by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Step 3: Application Form Completion

Complete the official visa application form, available through Peruvian consulates or embassies. Fill out the form in capital letters using black ink if completing by hand, or type directly if completing electronically. Ensure all information matches your supporting documents exactly. Double-check dates, names, and passport numbers before submission.

Step 4: Appointment Scheduling and Submission

Schedule an appointment at the nearest Peruvian consulate or embassy. Applications cannot be submitted through third-party agencies or online portals for most visa categories. Submit your complete application package in person during your scheduled appointment. Arrive punctually with all original documents and copies as required.

Step 5: Fee Payment

Pay the applicable visa fees using accepted payment methods at the consulate or embassy. Payment methods typically include cash, money order, or cashier's check, depending on the location. Retain all payment receipts for tracking purposes and potential refund claims if necessary.

Step 6: Processing and Tracking

Your application will be reviewed by consular officials. Processing times generally range from 5 to 10 business days, though this varies depending on visa type and consulate workload. Processing time can extend up to 15 business days for more complex applications. Track your application status through the consulate where you applied. You may be required to attend a personal interview during the application process.

Step 7: Visa Collection

Collect your processed visa according to consulate instructions. Approved visas must be picked up from the embassy, consulate, or foreign office where you applied. Verify all visa details for accuracy before leaving the consulate. If your application is rejected, review the reasons provided and consider reapplication with additional documentation or pursue appeal procedures where applicable.