Our advice for Peru remains unchanged, and we continue to recommend exercising a high degree of caution. Some areas may have higher levels of risk. It is important to be aware that a State of Emergency is still in effect in northern coastal and certain central parts of Peru due to weather conditions. This may result in disruptions to travel services, including inter-provincial road travel, and temporary closures of tourist attractions.
Civil unrest is ongoing in some regions of central and southern Peru. We advise reconsidering the need to travel to the province of Puno, as a State of Emergency remains in effect there. Take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and avoid areas affected by civil unrest. If protests occur in your vicinity, leave the area if it is safe to do so and follow the guidance of local authorities. Stay updated by contacting your airline or travel provider for the latest information.
SAFETY
Safety Certain areas of Peru, particularly the northern coastal and central parts, are currently under a State of Emergency due to weather conditions. This can lead to disruptions in travel services, including inter-provincial road travel, and temporary closures of tourist attractions.
Civil unrest has also been observed in some regions of central and southern Peru. The province of Puno is under a State of Emergency. It is important to avoid participating in protests, stay updated through local media, and follow the guidance provided by local authorities.
Violent crime is prevalent in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa, so it is advisable to avoid venturing out alone, especially at night. Petty crime, such as theft, is common in public areas, hotels, and restaurants. Thieves may be well-dressed, so it is important to keep your belongings close and valuables out of sight. Be cautious when using your mobile phone on the street, as there have been incidents of snatch theft by motorbike riders.
It is unsafe to use unlicensed taxis, as there have been reports of robbery, assault, and even rape. Instead, book licensed taxis through phone dispatch services or taxi apps. Be vigilant when driving, as criminals may target cars stopped at traffic lights. Keep your doors and windows locked, even while in motion. Incidents of robbery and assault have occurred on intercity buses, so it is advisable to avoid placing personal belongings in overhead racks or under your seats. Use reputable bus companies for your travels.
Ayahuasca tourism is a growing industry in Peru, but it is important to research and choose tour operators carefully to ensure your safety. Serious assaults and robberies have been reported in relation to ayahuasca tours.
In remote areas, particularly the Southern Highlands, there may still be active members of local terrorist groups. Exercise caution when traveling outside populated regions.
Stay informed about the current situation and follow the guidance provided by local authorities and travel advisories.
HEALTH
Health Many parts of Peru are situated at high altitudes, and altitude sickness can occur above 2500m. It is recommended to consult your doctor before traveling to these areas and ensure that your travel insurance covers emergency evacuation and related medical expenses related to altitude sickness.
Outbreaks of dengue fever are frequent, particularly after heavy rain or flooding. Insect-borne diseases, including malaria, are common, especially in areas affected by flooding. It is important to use insect repellent, ensure your accommodation is insect-proof, and consider taking medication to prevent malaria. Other infectious diseases prevalent in Peru include cholera, hepatitis, tuberculosis, typhoid, and rabies.
Yellow fever is present in Peru, and vaccination is recommended before traveling. Zika virus is common in jungle regions, and pregnant individuals should consult their doctors before making travel plans.
To prevent waterborne illnesses, it is advisable to drink boiled or bottled water and avoid consuming raw or undercooked food. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, seek immediate medical assistance.
It is important to stay informed about the current health risks and follow the advice of healthcare professionals and travel advisories to ensure your well-being during your trip to Peru.
LOCAL LAWS
Local laws Possession and use of illegal drugs in Peru is strictly prohibited and can result in severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. Law enforcement officials use advanced technology to detect drugs, so it is essential to refrain from using or carrying illegal substances.
Carrying photo identification, such as your passport, is mandatory in Peru. If you require certified copies of your passport photo and visa pages, you can contact the Australian Embassy in Lima for assistance.
Exercise caution when taking photographs. It is illegal to photograph infrastructure, military installations, or police sites and personnel. If you are uncertain about the legality of taking a photograph, seek permission from local authorities before doing so.
Always conduct yourself with respect. Indecent behavior, including disrespecting cultural, historical, or sacred sites, is against the law. Local authorities have detained individuals, including Australians, for such behavior.
Exporting antiques and artifacts from pre-colonial Peru is illegal. If you wish to purchase and export a reproduction, ensure that you use a reputable dealer who can provide the necessary documentation.
For dual nationals under the age of 18, it is mandatory to travel with both passports. Children traveling with only one parent must carry permission from the non-traveling parent in order to depart Peru.
It is important to familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations of Peru to ensure a safe and lawful visit.
VISAS
Tourist visas
Australian tourists do not require a visa to enter Peru. Upon arrival, you can obtain a permit to stay for up to 3 months. If you exceed the allowed period, you will be required to pay a fine before departing the country.
For other types of travel, such as work or study, you will need to apply for a visa through a Peruvian embassy or consulate.
Please note that entry and exit conditions can change unexpectedly. It is advisable to contact the nearest Peruvian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information regarding visas, currency, customs, and other travel requirements.
Border measures
Entry stamp
As of 29 May, Peruvian airports will no longer issue immigration entry or departure stamps. Instead, digital records will be kept for air travel entry and exit.
If you enter Peru from Bolivia on foot, by bus, or by taxi, you must ensure that your passport is stamped with a Peruvian entry stamp at the immigration office in Desaguadero or Copacabana (Puno region). You will need to go to the immigration checkpoint to obtain the stamp.
If you enter Peru overland from Ecuador, make sure your passport is stamped with a Peruvian entry stamp at the local immigration office. You may need to ask for directions to the immigration office. The majority of people crossing the Ecuador-Peru border do so through Aguas Verdes (Tumbes region). If your passport is not stamped at the Ecuadorian border, you can have it stamped at the Immigration Office in the city of Tumbes.
If you have not obtained an entry stamp to prove your entry at land borders or sea ports, you will need to apply for an exit or expulsion order at the Immigration Office in Lima. It is important to obtain this order, as it is required to leave Peru by air. Failure to do so may result in a prohibition on re-entering Peru for up to 10 years.
Only cross the border at official checkpoints and ensure you obtain an exit stamp from the country you are departing.
Travel via the United States
If you are transiting through the United States, you must comply with US entry and transit requirements.
Check the visa requirements for your specific situation by contacting a US embassy or consulate.
Emergency travel documents can be used for entry, transit, or departure from Peru as long as they have a minimum validity of 6 months.
Passport validity
It’s important to note that some countries have a requirement that your passport remains valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date. This rule can apply even if you are just transiting or making a short stopover in that country.
Different countries and airlines may apply this rule inconsistently, leading to conflicting advice from various sources. To avoid being stranded, it is advisable to check the expiry date of your passport before you travel. If there is any uncertainty about its validity, consider applying for a new passport.
Lost or stolen passport
Your passport is a valuable document that may be targeted by individuals seeking to commit crimes or deceive you. Always keep your passport in a secure place and be cautious of potential scams or attempts to obtain it fraudulently.
In the event that your passport is lost or stolen, it is important to notify the Australian Government immediately. If you are in Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service. If you are overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate for assistance.
After contacting the Australian Embassy in Lima, you will need to visit a Peruvian Immigration Office to obtain an entry stamp in your new passport. You can find the nearest office by referring to the Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones website.
Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier
While Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, acceptance of passports with an ‘X’ gender identifier for entry or transit in other countries cannot be guaranteed. It is recommended to contact the nearest embassy, high commission, or consulate of your destination before arriving at the border to confirm whether passports with ‘X’ gender markers will be accepted by the authorities.
