Vicuna on hillside in Peru

What to know about Peru's visa requirements and entry procedures

Feb 27, 2024
Reading time: 4 minutes

Citizens of many nationalities can visit Peru without a visa. So we first list which countries are visa-exempt, then discuss the different visa options for those who must obtain one. We also explain what to expect in terms of the entry process.

Machu Picchu trekking
Peru's visa requirements and entry procedures

Countries with a no-visa agreement with Peru

The good news is that citizens of many, many countries are allowed into Peru without a tourist visa.

If you hold a passport for the one of the following countries, you don't need a visa to enter Peru for up to 183 days:

  • All South American nations except Venezuela
  • Canada, USA and Mexico
  • Most central American and Caribbean nations
  • South Africa
  • Israel
  • All EU countries plus Britain, Norway, Belarus and Russia
  • Japan, Brunei, Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan
  • Australia, New Zealand and most Oceania nations

Here's a full list of countries not requiring tourist visas for Peru. Please check this list when actually booking your trip to ensure nothing has changed.

Salt Mines of Maras in Peru

There are just so many great reasons to visit Peru!

Documents to show upon entry โ€“ visa or no visa

Whether you're entering Peru with a visa or without one, note that you'll also need to present the following to obtain entry:

  • Proof of onward travel (like a plane or bus ticket).
  • Documents showing you can enter your onward destination if you're not returning home afterwards.
  • Bank statements showing you have sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses.
  • A passport that's valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Vinicunca Peru

The mesmerising Vinicunca (or 'Rainbow Mountain') of Peru

The entry procedure

When travelling to Peru (visa or no visa), you'll be given an embarkation card to fill in. This card โ€“ also called a TAM (for Tarjeta Andina de Migraรงion) โ€“ will be given to you on your flight, or at the border crossing.

While it's usually not checked, in principle you must have a return or onward ticket booked when flying into Peru in order to obtain a TAM.

Always keep your passport and embarkation card on your person when travelling around Peru.

Be sure to never be parted from your passport or card. Even on the Inca Trail, you must have these with you. So don't leave them in a hotel room, or put them in the luggage your hand over to a porter.

If you're asked to show these documents and don't have them to hand, you could be fined.

Llamas on the Inca Trail, Machu PIcchu, Peru

The Inca Trail is one of Peru's biggest tourist attractions

Peru's tourist visa options

For those of you who do need a visa to travel to Peru, you can choose between four durations:

  • 30 days
  • 60 days
  • 90 days
  • 183 days

Note you can't extend your visa while in the country. So always go for the longest possible visa if you're unsure of when you want to leave, or would just prefer some wiggle room.

If you do decide you want to extend your stay beyond your current visa, an option is to pop into a neighbouring country like Bolivia and apply for a new visa from there.

Grass floating island on Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca forms part of the Peruโ€“Bolivia border

Get your visa before travelling to Peru

You cannot obtain a tourist visa upon arrival in Peru, as you can in many other countries. You must purchase one before your trip, so be sure to give yourself enough time for this.

We suggest that you research the visa application process offered in your country the moment you know you're going to be travelling to Peru to ensure you start early enough.

Note too that the visa application form is going to ask after your finalised travel arrangements ...

Proof of travel arrangements

You will need to attach proof of your travel plans when submitting your visa application. This proof is the "Letter of Invitation" you'll receive from your accommodation or tour agency when you make a booking with them.

This step in the visa application process means you need to formalise your travel plans before applying for your visa, so please factor this all into your pre-trip schedule and budget.

And that's all you need to know, folks, when it comes to Peru's tourist visa and entry requirements. Not too onerous at all. ๐Ÿค“