Peru is basically a country of open doors. Citizens of most American and Western European countries do not require a tourist visa. The maximum period of stay is 183 days (cannot be extended).

For longer periods of time for other purposes (business, study, work, etc.), it is necessary to apply for the corresponding visa at a Peruvian consulate.

In order to enter Peru you must carry a valid passport. Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela and Chile may enter with their valid national identification document.

Currency:

The “Nuevo Sol” (S/.) is the official currency of Peru. There are notes of the following denominations: 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 soles. Coins are 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2 and 5 Nuevos Soles. Many shops, restaurants, hotels and gas stations also accept US Dollars. It is possible to exchange currency in banks and currency exchange agencies. There are also “cambistas” street currency exchangers, but these are not recommended. Currency exchange agencies are regularly open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, from Monday to Friday, and half day on Saturdays. Most cities have ATMs connected in most cases to Plus (Visa), Cirrus (MasterCard/Maestro), American Express and other networks. You may withdraw Nuevos Soles or US Dollars, although the exchange rates tend to be less favorable.

Time zone:

Peru has one time zone -5h, GMT.

Vaccination:

There are no mandatory vaccines for entry into Peru. Should you wish to visit the Amazonian region of the country, the Ministry of Health recommends vaccinations against yellow fever.

The vaccination against yellow fever must be administered at least 10 days before the date of travel to be effective.

Duty-free items:

In line with Peruvian customs regulations, those used or new items that a traveler may reasonably require for use or consumption, and that due to their nature, quantity and variety are not assumed to be for commercial use, are considered as duty-free items. When entering Peru, you must fill out the Official Luggage Declaration, which indicates all items that are subject to duty.

Cash Restrictions:

No one is permitted to carry more than US$30,000 either entering or leaving Peru. Travelers carrying more than US$10,000 (in any currency) must declare it at the Customs Office.

Packing:

Due to security measures, it is forbidden to carry sharp items such as scissors, pliers, blades, etc. in your carry-on baggage. For international flights, all liquid, gel and aerosol containers in carry-on luggage must not exceed 200 ml (6.76 oz). Forbidden items shall be discarded by security personnel at the airport.

Protected flora and fauna species: Biodiversity is one of Peru’s most valuable assets. Unfortunately, many flora and fauna species are in danger of extinction due to unauthorized exploitation and trafficking. Peruvian legislation forbids the removal, transportation, commercialization and export of wild flora or fauna species, live or dead, without the corresponding authorization.

All original items belonging to the National Cultural Patrimony are protected by Peruvian legislation and their commercialization and export is forbidden.

With regards to replicas of pre-Hispanic and colonial objects (ceramic, jewelry, stones, wood, textiles, paintings and others) it is necessary to obtain permission (“Certificate of export of goods not listed as National Cultural Patrimony”) from the Ministry of Culture.

Purchase receipts or other documents issued by the seller indicating that the item is not listed as National Cultural Patrimony are not valid.