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U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS

International Travel

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Learn About Your Destination

Peru

Peru
Republic of Peru
Exercise increased caution due to crime, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise increased caution due to crime, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Do not travel to:

  • The Colombia-Peru border area in the Loreto Region due to crime
  • The Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), which includes Vilcabamba, due to crime and threats of terrorism.   
  • Some areas within the regions of Ayacucho, Cusco*, Huancavelica, and Junín, due to crime and threats of terrorism.   

* The city of Cusco and popular tourist sites nearby, like the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu, are not located in the affected area.   

Country Summary: Crime is common in Peru. Petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assaults, and other violent crime often happen even in daylight hours and with many witnesses around. Kidnapping is rare, but it does occur. The risk of crime increases at night. Criminal groups sometimes set up roadblocks to rob people in areas outside of Lima. 

Ayahuasca and Kambo Usage
U.S. travelers should not use Ayahuasca or Kambo because of the known dangers. U.S. citizens have suffered serious illness and, in some cases, died after taking these drugs. They have also been sexually assaulted, injured, or robbed while under the influence of these substances.   

Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country. Public demonstrations can take place for a variety of political and economic issues.   Demonstrations can shut down local roads, trains, and major highways. This often happens without warning or clear information on reopening times.  Road closures can limit access to public transportation and airports. Closures may also disrupt travel in and between cities. 

Due to road safety risks, U.S. government employees working in Peru are prohibited from nighttime driving except within cities, between Lima and Huacho (to the north), and Lima and Paracas (to the south). U.S. government employees working in Peru may travel at night with commercial bus companies along the Pan-American Highway, to Huaraz, and on the Lima-Arequipa-Cusco corridor.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Peru.

If you decide to travel to Peru:

  • Stay aware of your surroundings. 
  • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas
  • Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. 
  • Avoid demonstrations and large crowds. 
  • Develop a communication plan with family or your employer or host organization (if you are traveling on business), so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. Specify how you'll confirm you're safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you'll contact first to share the information. 
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
  • Review the Country Security Report for Peru. 
  • Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States. 
  • We strongly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel.  Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage. 

Colombian-Peruvian border area in the Loreto Region – Level 4: Do Not Travel

  • Do not travel to these areas for any reason. 
  • Drug trafficking and crime, plus poor infrastructure, limit how well Peruvian law enforcement can operate in this area. 
  • Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Peru must obtain special authorization to travel within 20 kilometers of the Peru-Colombia border in the Loreto region.  They cannot travel on the Putumayo River, which forms much of the Peru-Colombia border.  Due to the risks, the U.S. government cannot provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in this area. 

Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM) includes areas within the Departments of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junín – Level 4: Do Not Travel

  • Do not travel to these areas for any reason. 
  • Drug trafficking and crime, plus poor infrastructure, weaken Peruvian law enforcement’s ability to act effectively in this area. 
  • Remnants of the Shining Path terrorist group are still active in the VRAEM. The group might strike suddenly. They target Peruvian government sites and staff. 
  • Due to security risks, U.S. government employees working in Peru must obtain special authorization to travel to the VRAEM. Due to the risks, the U.S. government can’t provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the VRAEM. 
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Embassy Messages

Alerts

Quick Facts

PASSPORT VALIDITY:


Must have six months validity at time of entry.

BLANK PASSPORT PAGES:


One blank visa page required for entry stamp.

TOURIST VISA REQUIRED:


None for tourist stays less than 90 days.

VACCINATIONS:


None.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY:


$30,000 USD. More than $10,000 USD must be declared upon entry.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT:


Same as entry.

U.S. Embassy Lima
Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n
Surco, Lima 33
Peru
Telephone:
+ (51)(1) 618-2000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: + (51)(1) 618-2000
Email: LimaACS@state.gov

Consulates

U.S. Consular Agency - Cusco
Av. El Sol 449, Suite #201
Cusco, Peru
Telephone: + (51)(84) 231-474
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: + (51)(1) 618-2000
Email: CuscoACS@state.gov

Requirements for Entry:

  • Peru requires everyone entering the country to have passports valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Peru. Travelers with less than six months validity in their passports will be refused entry into Peru.
  • Your approved length of stay will be determined by Peruvian border officials at the time of entry. Overstays result in fines you must pay to Peru to depart the country.
  • The U.S. Embassy is unable to assist if you are denied entry into Peru. Airlines must return travelers who are denied entry to their point of origin.

Requirements for Exit:

  • Make sure immigration officials record your entry into Peru upon arrival. An entry record (such as a passport stamp) is required even at remote land border crossings.  
  • If you do not have an entry record, you will not be allowed to exit the country until immigration authorities confirm the time and place of your entry into the country. This process can take several weeks for you to resolve through Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones (Immigration). You will likely have to pay an exit fine and can be subject to a 15-year ban on re-entering Peru.
  • Report lost/stolen passports to local police immediately and keep the report. You must apply for a new passport at the Embassy to depart Peru. You may be required to present your police report to immigration authorities upon departure.

Travel with Minors: Peruvian immigration procedures are complex for minors traveling without one or both parents/legal guardians.

U.S. citizen minors under the age of 18 traveling to Peru alone or with only one parent do not usually require additional documentation if entering as a tourist and staying for less than 183 days. If the stay lasts more than 183 days, or if they are dual U.S.-Peruvian nationals entering Peru with their Peruvian passport, they will require an "Autorización de Viaje para Menores de Edad" (Travel Authorization for Minors) to leave the country, regardless of the length of their trip. Please refer to the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website for more information.  There are very limited exceptions to this rule. 

An “Autorización de Viaje” is a written, notarized authorization issued by the Peruvian government with the approval and consent of the non-traveling parent. It can also be authorized by a Peruvian judge when the non-traveling parent is absent or missing. Peruvian immigration authorities will not accept a document notarized by the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. notary in lieu of an “Autorización de Viaje.” 

You can get an “Autorización de Viaje” from a Peruvian notary or a judge, or overseas at a Peruvian consulate. An apostilled U.S. birth certificate may be required for issuance of an “Autorización de Viaje.”

The U.S. Embassy is unable to assist travelers who are prevented from traveling for lack of an Autorización de Viaje.

Visit the Embassy of Peru website for the most current visa information.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Peru.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our websites.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack U.S. citizens outside of the United States. They are using simpler methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets.

  • High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
  • Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
  • Places of worship
  • Schools
  • Parks
  • Shopping malls and markets
  • Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

U.S. Embassy Lima enforces a Restricted Travel Policy for Embassy personnel traveling to the VRAEM (Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers) and specific areas of the Colombian border, which is based on its assessment of conditions and developments throughout the country. See the Overseas Security and Advisory Council’s Country Security Report for Peru. See the latest Travel Advisory for Peru.

The VRAEM is particularly remote and a known haven for drug traffickers and home to the last operational remnants of the Shining Path terrorist group.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Crime is a widespread problem in Peru. All types of crime occur in Peru. The most frequent are robberies and pickpocketing. Notably, sexual assaults and rapes can occur, even in tourist areas.

  • Travel in groups.
  • Do not leave food or drinks unattended, and use caution if a stranger offers you food or drink.
  • Intoxicated travelers, including U.S. citizens, have been sexually assaulted, injured, or robbed while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
  • Cell phone theft is common. Keep your phone in a secure location when not in use to lower the chances of theft. Do not leave your cell phone unattended in public places. Avoid using your phone on the street or while walking. Use security features such as passcodes and tracking apps.
  • Pick-pocketing, robbery, and hotel room theft are the most common crimes. Armed robberies have occurred in cities throughout Peru, including popular tourist destinations. Armed assailants usually target victims for their smartphones, wallets, or purses. If confronted by someone with a weapon, it is best not to resist.
  • Incapacitating drugs, such as Rohypnol and scopolamine, have been used to facilitate robberies and sexual assaults. Seek medical attention if you begin to feel ill or suspect you have been drugged.
  • On routes to and from the airport in Lima, robberies have occurred where the assailant uses a tool to break a window while the vehicle is stopped in traffic. Keep your belongings in the trunk or out of sight. Authorized taxi booths are present at the airport in Lima that will charge a flat rate according to the destination.
  • Use hotel safes, if available. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or clothing. Carry only the cash or credit cards that you need.
  • Stay alert in crowds and on public transportation. Be aware that thieves might create distractions to target you.
  • Avoid isolated areas when on foot, especially after dark.
  • Be alert for robberies in which criminals enter a taxi and force victims to withdraw money from ATMs.
  • Use an app-based taxi service, order a taxi by phone, or use a service affiliated with a major hotel. Travelers have been assaulted or robbed after hailing an unknown taxi on the street.
  • Use ATMs in well-protected indoor areas such as banks or shopping malls. Avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash at one time.
  • Do not let your credit card out of your sight to avoid credit card “skimming.” You should expect the vendor to use a credit card reader in your presence. The vendor will ask for your passport or ID number on the receipt.
  • To avoid carjacking or theft from your car while you are stopped at intersections, drive with your doors locked and windows rolled up. Do not leave valuables in plain view.

There is little government presence in many remote areas of the Andes and Amazon basin. Illicit activities, such as illegal mining, logging, and coca production, are common.

Drug trafficking and other criminal activity, combined with poor infrastructure, limit the capability and effectiveness of Peruvian law enforcement in these areas.

 The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens along the Colombian border and in the VRAEM, as U.S. government personnel are restricted from traveling in these regions.

Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on politically significant holidays and during international events. 

  • Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
  • Past demonstrations have turned violent.
  • Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Scams: Internet romance scams and financial scams are prevalent in Peru.  Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.

Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S.-based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.

GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation apps may give you the shortest route without safety considerations. If using a GPS app while walking, step into a store or building to consult the map as thieves target cell phone users in public areas.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Report crimes to the local police at 105 (National Police) or 0800-22221 (tourist police) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +51-1-618-2000. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

  • Help you find appropriate medical care.
  • Assist you with reporting a crime to the police.
  • Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
  • Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
  • Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
  • Provide information on victims’ compensation programs in the U.S.
  • Provide information on assistance programs for victims of crime in Peru
  • Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
  • Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
  • Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance. If you are in immediate danger, please contact the local police.

Tourism: The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely find appropriate medical treatment only in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don’t know it, you can be kicked out of the area, arrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should obtain information from the local authorities before you start.

Ayahuasca/Kambo/Hallucinogens: Traditional hallucinogenic drugs, often referred to as ayahuasca or kambo, are often marketed to travelers as “ceremonial” or “spiritual cleansers.” These drugs typically contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a strong hallucinogen, that is illegal in the United States and many other countries.

U.S. citizens have suffered serious illness or death after taking these drugs and have also been sexually assaulted, injured, or robbed while under the influence of these substances. Facilities or groups offering ayahuasca/kambo are not regulated by the Peruvian government and may not follow health and safety laws or practices.

Drugs: Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Peru are severe.

Offenders can expect long pre-trial detention and lengthy prison sentences under harsh conditions with significant expense for themselves and/or their families. Never agree to carry a suitcase or package through customs for anyone. Peru uses strict screening procedures for detecting narcotics smuggling at its international airports.

Customs Currency Regulations: $30,000 USD or its equivalent in cash or negotiable items is the maximum allowed for entry or exit. Any amount more than $10,000 USD must be declared and the legal source proven.

Artifacts: Peruvian law forbids the export of pre-Columbian objects and other artifacts protected by cultural patrimony statutes.

U.S. customs officials are required to seize pre-Columbian objects and certain colonial religious artwork brought into the United States.

Animal Products/Plants: Avoid products made of wild plants and animals, as many are of illegal origin and may involve protected or endangered species whose sale and export are illegal.

Peruvian authorities will seize any protected species that is sold or transported, either live or transformed into food, medicinal beverages, leather, handcrafts, garments, etc.

Some products, including live animals, require special permits when leaving Peru. Knowingly importing wildlife or plants into the United States that were taken from the wild or sold in violation of the laws of Peru (or any other country) is a violation of the Lacey Act (16 USC § 3371).

Some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Special Circumstances: Many popular destinations in Peru are remote. These areas have few facilities that can provide advanced or emergency medical care.

Local rescue capabilities are severely limited. Accidents or injuries while hiking or climbing are common; crisis responders may take hours or even days to reach you.

When using tourist company services, travelers are encouraged to use qualified and licensed operators. See the Ministerio de Comercio Exterior y Turismo (Tourism Ministry) website for more information on licensed tourism companies. IPeru also provides information on tour companies.

Before you travel, always check with local authorities about local geographic, climatic, health, and security conditions that may impact your safety.

Be aware that you may not have access to phone or internet for days at a time. Check in with family prior to going to remote areas and leave detailed written plans and timetables. Use of a personal GPS beacon is encouraged.

Seismic Activity: Earthquakes are common throughout Peru. Visit Peru’s National Emergency Operations Center (COEN) for more information. In the event of a natural disaster, monitor local media and government agencies, including IPeru (Tourist Information and Assistance), the Commission to Promote Peru for Exports and Tourism (PROMPERU), and Peru’s National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (SENAMHI) for updates. 

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on emergency preparedness and response.

Legal Issues in Peru: Victims or their families may need to hire lawyers to advance their cases through the legal system.

Peruvian laws are subject to change with little notice and U.S. citizens have reported unethical practices by lawyers and others in the judicial system. The U.S. Embassy cannot give detailed advice about Peruvian law and does not provide translation services.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a list of translators.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries. They may be illegal according to local laws.  Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. Review the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: Review the following webpages for details:

International Volunteers:

Gay and Lesbian Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Peru. Same-sex marriage is illegal in Peru and same-sex marriages from other countries are not recognized. Two same-sex parents are not allowed to be listed on the birth certificate for a child born in Peru.

See our Gay and Lesbian Travelers Information page and our Human Rights reports for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Peru prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, but the law is not consistently enforced. The most common types of accommodations for physical disabilities include ramps, express lane cashiers in stores, and elevators. General accessibility accommodations are less common outside of Lima and other large cities. Public transportation throughout the country has limited accessibility accommodations.

Rental, repair, and replacement parts are available for assistive technologies and accessibility aids/equipment/devices.

Review our Travelers with Disabilities page.

Students: Review our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Medical Care:

  • Strongly consider travel insurance that includes coverage for emergency medical care.
  • Specialized medical care can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and you are expected to pay in full at the time of discharge.
  • Pharmacies are widely available. Some medications might not be available and brand names will differ from products in the United States.
  • Exercise caution if you explore herbal and folk remedies.

For emergency services in Peru, dial 113.

Ambulance services are

  • Not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except Lima and other major cities.
  • Not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
  • Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

See our Health Abroad page for more information.

  • Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Traveler Advice for Peru.
    • Review all sub-sections. These include Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
  • We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health page. CDC Traveler Advice provides advice on medical considerations including:
    • Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
    • Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers, and Expatriates)
    • General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. Review our Insurance Overseas page for more information on insurance providers with overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Insurance page for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

  • We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging, along with your prescription. Check with the Peru Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Peru.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

Air Quality: Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Peru. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you. Consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.

  • Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses AI, historical data, and global pollution models to create a 3-day air quality forecast for Peru.
  • For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
  • For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
  • For general health information, visit the “Your Health Abroad” page.
  • The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:
    •  Infants, children, and teens.
    • People over 65 years of age.
    • People with heart disease, diabetes, or lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
    • People who work or are active outdoors.

Health facilities in general:

  • Adequate health facilities are available in Lima and other major cities. Health care in rural areas may not be the same as you would typically find in the United States.
  • Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
  • Public and private hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is usually available. Some hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
  • Travelers should make efforts to obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care.
  • Medical staff may speak little or no English.
  • Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
  • Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities. Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:

  • U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery in Peru.
  • Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Medical Tourism website for information on Medical Tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Peru. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.
  • We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
  • Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Peru.
  • The quality of care varies widely at the many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities found in Peru. If you plan to undergo surgery in Peru, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and professionals are accredited and qualified.

Pharmaceuticals: Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, may have the wrong strength, or may have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration have rules for bringing medication back to the United States. Medication bought abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back. The medication must be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. Visit the websites of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Please review Peru's rules on importing medication.

Non-Traditional Medicine: U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died while seeking medical care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Peru. Ensure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:

  • If you are considering traveling to Peru to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page.
  • Artificial reproductive technology, including surrogacy, is largely unregulated in Peru and, by law, only permitted when the gestational mother and the biological mother are the same person. If you decide to pursue parenthood in Peru via assisted reproductive technology (ART) with a gestational mother, be aware that according to Peruvian law, the gestational mother is the legal mother and will be on the child’s birth certificate. Rectifying the birth certificate to reflect the biological mother can take a year or more. Individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk criminal prosecution.

Water Quality & Food Safety:

  • In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Altitude:

  • Many cities in Peru, such as Puno, Cusco, Arequipa, Ayacucho, and Huaraz, are at high altitude. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel. People with pre-existing medical conditions should talk with a doctor before traveling to high elevation. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Adventure Travel:

  • Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Adventure Travel website for more information about Adventure Travel.

General Health:

The following diseases are prevalent:

Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers, even for short stays.

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Peru.

Road Conditions and Safety: Driving conditions in Peru are very different from those found in the United States and are considerably more dangerous. Visitors are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with local law and driving customs before attempting to operate vehicles.

  • Roads are often poorly maintained and may lack crash barriers, guard rails, signs, and streetlights.
  • Fog is common on coastal and mountain highways.
  • Slow-moving buses and trucks frequently stop in the middle of the road unexpectedly.
  • When driving in urban areas, taxis and buses often block lanes impeding traffic.
  • Directional signals are often not used, and vehicles frequently turn from the middle through traffic lanes.
  • Road travel at night is particularly hazardous. Due to safety concerns, U.S. Embassy personnel are prohibited from traveling on mountainous roads at night.
  • Traveling in a group is preferable to solo travel. Spare tires, parts, and fuel are needed when traveling in remote areas.

Traffic Laws: Traffic laws are ignored and rarely enforced, creating dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians.

  • Seat belts are mandatory for driver and front-seat passengers in a private vehicle.
  • It is against the law to talk on a cellular phone while driving, and violators may be fined.
  • While driving outside major cities and on the Pan-American Highway, you must drive with your lights on.
  • If a traffic officer signals you to stop, you must stop.
  • Traffic officers must wear uniforms and identification cards that include their last name on their chest.
  • Traffic officers are not allowed to retain your personal identification or vehicle documents.
  • Under no circumstances should you offer or agree to pay a bribe to traffic officers.
  • If you are involved in an accident, you MUST contact local police and remain at the scene without moving your vehicle until the authorities arrive. This rule is strictly enforced, and moving a vehicle or leaving the scene of an accident may constitute an admission of guilt under Peruvian law.
  • If your car is a rental, call the agency or representative of the insurance company provided by the rental agency.
  • Always carry your driver's license, a copy of your passport, and the rental agreement when you drive a rental car.
  • International driver's licenses are valid for one year, while driver's licenses from other countries are generally valid for 30 days.

Public Transportation:

  • Rail travel is the main way tourists reach Machu Picchu and other tourist destinations in Peru. However, train services are occasionally disrupted by landslides, derailments, or strike and protest activity.
  • Many buses are overcrowded and poorly maintained. Buses, taxis, and rideshare vehicles often lack safety features such as seat belts and airbags.
  • Bus accidents resulting in multiple deaths and injuries are common due to routes along narrow, winding roads without a shoulder and steep drop-offs.
  • Accidents are frequently attributed to excessive speed, poor bus maintenance, poor road conditions, and driver fatigue.
  • Individuals should use private taxi companies or car-share applications when traveling as opposed to hailing taxis on the side of the road for safety.

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Peru’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Peru’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Peru should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.

For additional travel information

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.
  • See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.

International Parental Child Abduction

Peru was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Peru. For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report.

Last Updated: May 15, 2025

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Lima
Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n
Surco, Lima 33
Peru
Telephone
+ (51) (1) 618-2000
Emergency
+ (51) (1) 618-2000
Fax
+ (51) (1) 618-2724

Peru Map