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How to obtain the Ficha de Canje Internacional at Interpol in Peru

Interpol - Ficha de Canje Internacional

How to obtain the Interpol clearance in Peru

All foreigners must present the "Ficha de Canje Internacional" to Migraciones when changing their immigration status, for example, from a temporary visa or temporary authorization (for example, tourist) to another temporary or residence visa or from one resident permit type to another. So, before you can even start any temporary or resident visa application process in Peru, you first have to get the Interpol clearance done.

Content overview

 

What is the Ficha de Canje

The Ficha de Canje Internacional is a document issued by Interpol (The International Criminal Police Organization) certifying that a person isn’t an internationally wanted fugitive, so hasn’t an international wanted persons notice (Red Notice).

Getting the Ficha de Canje Internacional is contrary to popular opinion an easy process, at least if you know how it’s done, can reach the website for the online appointments and are lucky enough that there are free appointments.

Please note: The Ficha de Canje issued by Interpol in Peru and the criminal background check (Antecedentes policiales, penales and judiciales in Peru) issued in your home country and proving the lack of any police, criminal or judicial record are two different documents. Both documents are required by Migraciones, for example, to apply for a residence visa in Peru. You find more information on how to fullfil the Antecedentes requirement in our article "International document corresponding to the Antecedentes policiales, penales and judiciales in Peru".

International document corresponding to the Antecedentes policiales, penales and judiciales in Peru

International document corresponding to the Antecedentes policiales, penales and judiciales in Peru

Legal Stuff
One of the requirements to apply for a resident visa in Peru or to change your visa type, for example from a work visa to a permanent resident visa...

 

Interpol offices in Peru

While for years Interpol was only located in Lima, now there are offices in the provinces as well making it easier for those living far from Lima and giving those that can’t get an appointment in the capital in a timely manner the option to try it elsewhere.

  • Interpol office in Lima: Av. Manuel Olguin block 6, Monterrico, Surco
  • Interpol office in Arequipa: Seguridad de Estado, Calle San Francisco 214, Arequipa
  • Interpol office in Chiclayo: Segunda Macro región Policial, Calle Manco Capac 205, Chiclayo
  • Interpol office in Cusco: Complejo Policial 6 de Diciembre, Av. 28 de Julio, Wanchaq, Cusco
  • Interpol office in Piura: Division de Investigación Criminal, Complejo Policial Carretera Panamericana Piura-Sullana km 2.5
  • Interpol office in Trujillo: Com. Policial Cap, Calle Toribio Mogrovejo 370, Urb. San Andres, Trujillo
 

How to pay the fee for the Interpol clearance

As with all administrative procedures in Peru, before you can make an appointment and apply, you first have to pay the corresponding fee either in person at a Banco de la Nacion branch or on the pagalo.pe website from a computer or with the pagalo.pe app from a smartphone or tablet.

You can find detailed explanations on how to pay, what you have to do and be aware of, how to register on the online payment platform and how to find the correct fee you have to pay, in our article "Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru".

Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru

Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru

Legal Stuff
All administration charges, processing fees and fines government agencies, public authorities and entities levy in Peru have to be paid at the Banc...

For paying the Ficha de Canje Internacional (Interpol) you need the code 08141 (on págalo.pe you can find it under Policia Nacional del Peru); costs are S/ 31.50 (2024).

Once the payment is done, keep the receipt safe. You will need it when making the appointment.

 

How to make an appointment at Interpol

Appointments can only be booked on the Interpol website not in person anymore. Be aware that the website quite regularly only seems to load and work properly on workdays (Mo-Sa) and before 09.00 pm.

If you have problems that the page won't load or "hangs", reload the page and try again. Helpful as well using another browser and/or clearing your cache. Be aware that the Interpol appointment page only seems to work if you are in Peru. So, if you are in Peru, but use a VPN set in the another country switch it off. If you are outside Peru and want to book your appointment before coming to the country, use a VPN and select Peru. And to avoid further system errors, we highly recommend to not using a translation program, which automatically translates the page from Spanish to your preferred language, and switching off any ad blockers or an incognito mode you might use.

Be aware that especially in Lima, it can be difficult to get an appointment. At the moment (January 2024) Interpol releases new appointments every Saturday between 08.00 am and 12.00 pm.

So, to make an appointment enter the Interpol website and you will get to this page.

How to make an appointment at Interpol in Peru
How to make an appointment for the Ficha de Canje on the Interpol website

Just click on Registre su cita and you are directed to this page.

How to make an appointment at Interpol Peru
How to make an appointment for the Ficha de Canje on the Interpol website

Now just fill in required fields:

  • Nacionalidad (Nationality): In the drop-down list search for your home country. Be aware that the names are in Spanish, so you won't find US or United States, look for Estados Unidos (EEUU). Additionally, the countries aren't sorted alphabetically, so you might have to search a while until you find your home country.
  • Tipo de documento (Type of document): Select the document with which you entered the country (most probably passport, so pasaporte).
  • Numero de documento (Document number): Enter your passport number.
  • Apellido paterno (Last name): Enter your last name.

Then click on Ingresar and you get to the Datos Personales page.

How to make an appointment at Interpol Peru
How to make an appointment for the Ficha de Canje on the Interpol website.

Fill in required fields:

  • Nacionalidad (Nationality): already filled in
  • Tipo de documento (Type of Document): already filled in
  • Numero de documento (Document number): already filled in
  • Calidad Migratoria (Immigration status): In the drop-down list select the immigration status you are applying for. So, if you want to apply for a family visa (cambio de calidad migratoria a familiar residente), choose Cambio a inmigrante por familiar residente or if you want to apply for a retirement visa select Cambio a rentista.
  • Apellido paterno (Last name): already filled in
  • Apellido materno (Second last name): This field is not obligatory. If you only have one last name, leave it blank. If you have a second last name enter it here.
  • Nombre(s) (First name(s): Enter your first name(s) as in your passport.
  • Sexo (Sex): Choose your sex; masculino (male) or feminino (female).
  • Fecha de nacimiento (Birth date): Enter your birth date.
  • Estado civil (Marital status): Choose your marital status; soltero (single), casado (married), divorciado (divorced) or viudo (widowed).
  • Estatura (Height): Enter your height in meter.
  • Peso (Weight): Enter your weight in kg.
  • Nombre de padre (Father's first name): Enter the first name of your father.
  • Nombre de madre (Mother's first name): Enter the first name of your mother.
  • Nombre de conyuge (Name of your spouse): This field is not obligatory, so you can leave it blank. If you want you can enter the name of your spouse.
  • Nombre de empresa (Name of your company):This field is not obligatory, so you can leave it blank. If you want you can enter the company you are working for.

As soon as you have filled in all the required fields, check that your personal data is 100% correct. Then click on Siguiente and you get to this page.

How to make an appointment at Interpol Peru
How to make an appointment for the Ficha de Canje on the Interpol website.

Now enter your current address in Peru, best exactly as on the "recibo" (water or electricity bill) you should bring with you (see requirements below).

  • Departmento (Department): Enter the department (region, state); for example: Lima, Cusco, La Libertad, Madre de Dios, ...)
  • Provincia (Province): Enter the province; for example, Lima, Cusco, Trujillo, Tambopata, .....)
  • Distrito (District): Enter the district; for example: Miraflores, Cusco, El Porvenir, Las Piedras, ...)
  • Urbanizacion (Urbanization): This field isn't obligatory. You can enter here the area or housing development where you live.
  • Direccion (address): Enter the street and house number where you live.

Below enter the last address in your home country.

  • Estado o ciudad (State or city): Enter the state or city where you last lived in your home country.
  • Direccion (address): Enter the street and house number where you last lived in your home country.

Once you are finished click on Siguiente and you get to the Programar Cita page.

How to make an appointment at Interpol Peru
How to make an appointment for the Ficha de Canje on the Interpol website.

Here first select where you paid the fee and then enter the required numbers

  • Numero de secuencia
  • Fecha de comprobante
  • Numero de Cajero

from you pagalo.pe or Banco de la Nacion receipt.

Then choose where and when you want your appointment:

  • Sede (Branch): Select the Interpol office; Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Chiclayo, Trujillo or Piura.
  • Fecha (Date): Choose a date.
  • Horas (Time): Choose a time.

Then click on Generar cita. If you are lucky, everything goes smoothly, and you have your appointment. Download the appointment confirmation, print it (!) and keep it safe.

When choosing the Interpol office in Lima, it’s unfortunately not unheard of that no appointments are available at the moment. The only thing you can do is to try later, the next day, the day after that, … Interpol releases new appointments regularly, however with a changing schedule.

At the moment (January 2024) Interpol releases new appointments once a week on Saturdays between 08.00 am and 12.00 pm. So, try on Saturday morning. You might have to reload the page a few times (and clear your cache) until you are successful.

When time is an issue and you can't get an appointment in Lima, another option is to get your ficha at one of the Interpol offices in the provinces, where usually appointments are readily available.

 

Required documents for your Interpol clearance

  • Application form (you get it at the office)
  • Appointment confirmation (printed copy)
  • Passport
  • Photocopy of the passport page with the personal information and photo (*)
  • Entry stamp / Printout of the TAM virtual (**)
  • Passport photos (usually they are taken at the Interpol office for free)
  • Payment receipt for the Interpol clearance (code 08141; fee S/ 31.50 as of 2024) and printed photocopy
  • Even though not on the official requirement list, a few of our readers told us that some Interpol offices, especially in the provinces, ask for a recibo, so a water or electricity bill, and printed photocopy proving your address (doesn't have to be in your name)
  • Even though not on the official requirement list, a few of our readers reported that the Interpol office in Arequipa asks for a second identity document and copy (can be an ID card, driver's licence or similar from your home country)
  • Black pen (a remnant from Covid times, most offices now provide pens, but in Peru it's always good to have your own on you)
  • If you are applying for a family visa: official document that proves the family tie. For example:
    • If you are married to a Peruvian: photocopy of your Peruvian marriage certificate and photocopy of the spouse’s DNI (best have the originals with you as well)
    • If you are married to a foreigner with Peruvian residency: photocopy of your marriage certificate (with Apostille and translated into Spanish by a certified translator) and copy of the spouse’s carné (best have the originals with you as well)
  • If you apply for other temporary or resident visas: even though not on the official requirements list, sometimes Interpol, especially in the provinces, seemingly randomly asks to see the document proving the basis for your visa application. For example: if you apply for a work visa, Interpol may ask for a photocopy of the work contract; or if you apply for a retirement visa, they may ask for a photocopy of the letter from your pension fund; or if you apply for a student visa, they may ask for a photocopy of the enrollment certificate or the official letter from the Peruvian host university, etc.
  • If you are already a resident, Carné de extranjería and photocopy of it
  • If you are a US American national: an international money order, a so called “Giro sobre el exterior” for the amount of US$ 18.00, made out to "The Treasury of the USA" (you are supposed to get it at any BCP branch) and photocopy of it (***)
  • If you are a Canadian national: an international money order, a so called "Giro sobre el exterior" for the amount of CAD$ 26,75, made out to "The Receiver General for Canada" (in Lima you get it at the BCP branch on Av. Juan de Arona 889 with Av. Rivera Navarrete in San Isidro or as suggested by the Peruvian government the one on Jr. Lampa 499 in the city center or at the branch on Av. Larco 611 in Miraflores) and photocopy of it  (***)
  • If you are an Australian national: an international money order, a so called "Giro sobre el exterior" for the amount of AU$ 99.00, made out to "The Australian Federal Police" (in Lima you get it at the BCP branch on Av. Juan de Arona 889 with Av. Rivera Navarrete in San Isidro or as suggested by the Peruvian government the one on Jr. Lampa 499 in the city center or at the branch on  Av. Larco 611 in Miraflores) and photocopy of it (***)

(*)

One of our readers informed us that you must write your address and phone number on the photocopy of your passport and sign it.

(**)

Since May 2023, you don't get an entry stamp anymore when entering Peru. As a copy of the page with your entry stamp was and officially still is a requirement Interpol sometimes asks for a proof that you are legally in the country and when you entered. Just download your TAM virtual on the Migraciones website to fullfil the requirement. For more information about the TAM (virtual) check out our article How many days did I get when entering Peru?. Under subpoint "Option 1: Migraciones website" you find a detailed explanation on how to download the TAM virtual.

(***)

Money order - giro sobre el exterior
Example of the Giro sobre el exterior / Money Order US nationals need for Interpol; the photo was taken at Interpol in Arequipa; payment was done at a BCP branch in Arequipa

One of our readers informed me that - at least at the BCP branch on Avenida Ejercito in Arequipa - the staff knew the Giro sobre el exterior -  as "Giro Miami" and it was actually not a problem to get it.

According to one of our readers, the BCP branch on Jr. Lampa 499 in the city center does not issue the money order anymore even though this branch is according to the Peruvian government website supposed to do so. Additionally, the BCP branch in San Isidro allegedly only does the money order for clients. At the BCP branch in La Molina getting the money order seem to be a hit and miss. However, over the past few weeks we got many reports that the BCP branch on Av. Larco 611 in Miraflores is familiar with issuing the money order and you shouldn't have any problem getting it done there, but here as well readers reported that sometimes BCP staff wouldn't issue the money order without you being a client. Update May 2023: One of our readers reported that it wasn't a problem to get the money order at the BCP branch on Av. Pardo y Aliaga 1203-1207 in Lima.

In Cusco, one reader was able to get the money order at the BCP office on Avenida del Sol.

As regulations may change quickly without prior notice and depend on your nationality, procedures in your home country and the visa type you are applying for in Peru, we highly recommend confirming the above requirements and amounts with the Interpol office or online shortly before your visit.

 

Interpol Visit

On the day of your Interpol appointment, arrive at the office 15 to 30 minutes early with all required documents and without accompanying persons (only handicapped persons are allowed to enter the office with one adult for support).

Especially in Lima, the situation in front of the office sometimes seems chaotic. However, the staff is usually friendly and helpful; some English is spoken; the process is quite organized.

So, when you arrive at the Interpol office just proceed to the gate, where a guard checks your appointment confirmation and hands you the form you have to fill in. You are then directed to the waiting area. Sit down on the first free seat and move one seat forward each time the first person gets up to proceed to an officer. Once it's your turn, hand in your documents.

The officer quickly checks your documents and then sends you to get a photo taken. After that, you are sent to have your teeth visually examined. And then your fingerprints are taken. That's it.

While for many months the check Interpol does before issuing the Ficha de Canje Internacional took an hour or so and you could pick up the document later on the same day, at the Lima office the Ficha is now issued immediately. So no waiting and returning later anymore.

US, Canadian and Austrialian passport holders be aware that especially in some Interpol offices in the provinces you might be sent to the postal office nearby during the appointment to send the documentation for an additional check to the US, Canada, Australia and then return with the receipt before getting their Ficha.

With the Ficha in hand, you now can start your temporary or resident visa application process.

Additional record check for US, Canadian and Australian citizens

If you are a citizen of the US, Canada or Australia, an additional criminal record check from the federal police body of your home country (for example, the FBI) is required. For this, the above-mentioned international money order is needed. This check has nothing to do with issuing the ficha de canje necessary for your visa application at Migraciones and the approval of your visa; if something serious comes up, your record is tagged, and you might be detained as soon as you leave the country.

Be aware, that Interpol asks you to send an envelope with your documents to the FBI (for US citizens), the RCMP (for Canadian citizens) or the AFP (for Australian citizens). A few of our readers who applied for the Ficha at an Interpol office in the provinces were sent to the postal office nearby during the appointment and had to return with the receipt before getting their Ficha.

Additionally, getting the results back may take many weeks or even months and the criminal record check you get does not meet the criminal record check requirements from Migraciones and does not have an Apostille on it. So, waiting to get this check back and use it for the "Antecedentes" requirement to apply for a residence visa is not recommended and additionally counterproductive as you most probably will run out of time on your stay as a tourist before you get the document and have it sent abroad and returned with Apostille.

So, better come prepared to Peru bringing your criminal record check already with you (you still will need the money order and the additional check for Interpol) or, if you are already in Peru, apply for it on your own. You can find more information about the necessary criminal record check and how to get it in our article "International document corresponding to the Antecedentes policiales, penales and judiciales in Peru".

International document corresponding to the Antecedentes policiales, penales and judiciales in Peru

International document corresponding to the Antecedentes policiales, penales and judiciales in Peru

Legal Stuff
One of the requirements to apply for a resident visa in Peru or to change your visa type, for example from a work visa to a permanent resident visa...

 

And one of our readers, who is Australian, shared his experience, which might be useful for other Australians (and probably US Americans and Canadians as well):

"Hi again Eva.

Australian citizens.

Interpol clearance - Ficha de canje internacional additional finger print check by Australian Federal Police.

(Not to be confused with the Antecedentes policiales, penales y judiciales Police clearance certificate issued by the Australian Federal Police.)

When conducting the 'Ficha de canje internacional' interview, Interpol Peru will finger print Australians twice. Once for Peru and once for the Australian Federal Police. Interpol will ask Australians to fill out the second finger print form in English.

Interpol will instruct you to send this form with the AUD$99.00 international money order to the Australian Federal Police.

As Eva from Lima Easy kindly points out, this specific step is unrelated and not necessary for your residence application. Peru Migracciones only requires the Peruvian 'Ficha de canje internacional' and the criminal record check, not this additional check.

If you do as Interpol requests and send the additional finger print form and AUD$99.00 money order to the Australian Federal Police you will receive an email from the Australian Federal Police stating:

> To be able to process your application we require you to complete the attached application form and email back to us along with additional identification to make a minimum of 100 points. We also require credit card details as the fee is $99.00 Australian dollars and we cannot accept the cheque you have supplied. We also require an official English translation of the fingerprints you have supplied (attached) as all the labels must be in English. (Some of the labels are in Spanish and some labels are in misspelt English.) You can email these documents back to us together so we can process your application. AFP

So in conclusion, this specific step is not necessary for the Peru residence application and the data provided by Interpol Peru and the Peruvian bank check in it's raw state, is not satisfactory for the Australian Federal Police.

So I guess use your own discretion if you bother proceeding with this step. One assumes Peru Interpol and Australian Federal Police need to coordinate on their requirements if this step is it be successful.

Good luck."

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  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jeff
    Jeff · 18/07/2024
    I finally got the appointment system to work.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 18/07/2024
      @Jeff
      Congrats. Baptism of fire in Peru passed.

      All the best.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jeff
    Jeff · 18/07/2024
    Update: Actually the template of a pagalo.pe form that displays on the interpol website in order for you to figure out where the data is they want, IS WRONG.

    And they apparently tried to take all humans out of this process. So what do I do? Ignore the rule about no apointments except online, walk into the office with no appointment, show them my receipt proving I actually did pay for it and see what they do then? Or will some gate keeper refuse to let me enter the building without yet another printout proving I got the appointment that is impossible to get because of their bureaucratic mistakes?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 18/07/2024
      @Jeff
      Without an appointment you most probably won't be seen - at least not in Lima, Arequipa may be different.

      But as I've seen you managed on your own to figure out which number on the receipt belongs were and now have your appointment.

      Welcome to Peru
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jeff
    Jeff · 18/07/2024
    You do a really admirable job at trying to document all the whims of highly bureaucratic error-prone processes. But have you ever thought of this as a sisyphean task?

    After paying for the interpol process (and seeing that charged confirmed by the world's largest bank) the Interpol website claims "comprobante de pago no valido o extornado"

    I confirmed that I entered the correct information from pagalo.pe into the interpol's appointment setting website. 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 18/07/2024
      @Jeff
      Jeff,

      you are absolutely right, the work I'm doing here in my free time helping foreigners find their way through the Peruvian bureaucratic jungle free of charge and every day of the year could be seen as a sisyphean task.

      But when I came to Peru nearly 20 years ago there were no accurate websites, not even official ones, helping you with all the red tape, there was no-one willing or interested in providing information, explaining how things work, what you have to do, ... at least no-one who didn't see the $$$ signs when meeting a gringa. And 20 years back there was no Agencia Digital, which makes everything so easy now. You had to visit a Migraciones office or any other office, their was no pagalo.pe, you had to visit a Banco de la Nacion branch, join enormous lines, wait for hours, fight for your spot, just to be told that document x was missing or you needed a round stamp on a document and not a square one, or you needed another document, which nobody told you about before.

      As I couldn't afford one of the many immigration lawyers, who already back then charged an arm and a leg and which you never really could trust 100%, it took me nearly two years to get my residency based on being married to a Peruvian, who lived abroad since childhood, to get my foreign marriage to a Peruvian correctly registered and to get my kids Peruvian documents sorted out with the correct names.

      I can't remember how many days I spent traveling to  the main Migraciones office in Lima and other Peruvian authorities, feeling pushed around for hours, no-one willing to help or explain and then being sent away because once again something was missing or not to their liking. These were months of feeling being at the mercy of some authority, being completely helpless, frustrated and disillusioned. So, my only option was to read Peruvian laws, learn the rules but as well how to behave in Peru when visiting officials and then "fight back" with the knowledge I had adquired. 

      And as I didn't wish my worst enemy to go through the ordeal I had to I decided to share my experience and knowledge free of charge to everyone. And that's what I'm doing til today. So, while you may think what I'm trying to do is an endless and futile job, especially with laws, regulations and processes constantly changing and systems not working properly, my goal is to help people like you with their countless questions and problems they encounter when they are new to Peru.

      And to answer your question regarding the payment receipt: it can take a few hours until a payment made on pagalo.pe is transmitted to the Interpol / MIgraciones website.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Jeff
      Jeff · 18/07/2024
      @Sunflower I think the few hours until data is moved from pagalo.pe to Interpol must have been the issue.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jeff
    Jeff · 18/07/2024
    This recibo address thing is very odd. Using Booking.com I rented a room short term at someone's house. Asking them to give me a copy of their utility bill with their address will seem very odd or even suspicious to a local unfamiliar with such strange needs.
    Can't I just show them my booking confirmation from Booking.com that lists the address I am temporarily staying at?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 18/07/2024
      @Jeff
      Hello Jeff,

      locals are very familiar with having to provide a "recibo" to prove their address. So, for them it's not strange or uncommon.

      Nevertheless, it depends on your "landlord" if he is willing to give you a water or electricity bill.

      And no, Migraciones or Interpol won't accept your booking confirmation. You need a "recibo" (water, electricity, phone bill)

      Greetings
      Eva

  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jordan
    Jordan · 03/07/2024
    A question about the extra process for US/Canadian/Australian citizens. I am a dual citizen of Australia as well as country X, however my passport is from country X and I'll be entering the country on this passport. Basically, the Peruvian government wouldn't know I'm Australian unless I tell them. Do I still have to pay the $99 and do the extra check in this case?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 03/07/2024
      @Jordan
      Hello Jordon,

      if you enter Peru on your passport from country X, which isn't the US, Canada and Australia, and you are and plan to live in Peru, apply for your visa as citizens of country X, then no, you don't have to pay for the additional check.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Bill
    Bill · 18/06/2024
    Ok I did all this to get my carné de extranjería and now I want to become a Peruvian citizen. Do I have to go black to Interpol?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 18/06/2024
      @Bill
      Hello Bill,

      before you can apply for the Peruvian nationality you must have lived in Peru for at least two years.

      Depending on your residence visa you then either have to apply for a naturalizacion (see here) or, if you have a family visa through marriage with a Peruvian, for a nacionalización por matrimonio (see here).

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Max
    Max · 17/06/2024
    For Canadians: It is possible to get the BCP cheque in Arequipa (and maybe other cities)!

    After reading this (really helpful) article, I figured that only BCP branches in Lima do the cheque for Canada. This is also what is said in this page: https://www.gob.pe/7307-obtener-ficha-de-canje-internacional-interpol. I asked BCP on their online chat, and also went in person to Arequipa branch on calle Jerusalem, both said that only Lima branches would do a cheque in Canadian dollars. Which is true, but then I went to my appointment at Interpol in Arequipa without the cheque, and they said I can have it done in US dollars, to the amount equivalent to 26.75 CAD. They showed me a cheque example, same as the one shown in this page, but addressed to "The Receiver of Canada" with the amount of 20 USD. My wife went back to BCP on calle Jerusalem to get the cheque while I was filling the form at Interpol. You need to bring US Dollars in cash to BCP if you are not a client. Interpol agents were really nice and not on a hurry, we just had to get back to them that same day with the cheque. I recommend making your appointment in the morning to also allow time to ship the documents with Serpost afterwards (as mentioned here), which also took a while for us, although office is nearby. They also asked me for a photocopy of my "national ID card", for which they accepted Quebec driver's license. They provided the pen.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 17/06/2024
      @Max
      Hello Max,

      thank you for taking the time to share your experience with Interpol in Arequipa. I'm sure that will be helpful for others going through the same.

      You are now the third person telling me that Interpol in Arequipa wants to see a second ID. Honestly, I never heard of that in other Interpol offices in Peru, it's not on the requirement list and I'm beginning to wonder why. Anyway, I think, it might be a good idea to add it to the requirement list above in our article to make people, especially in Arequipa, aware that this can happen.

      Thanks again and I wish you all the best with your visa application.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Chip
    Chip · 08/05/2024
    I went through the INTERPOL process yesterday, and it was a little different from what you explained above. This is in Arequipa, btw, oh, and I'm from the US. One, they provided a black pen. Two, if you mess up while filling in your form(s) (and scratch out anything you wrote) they will make you do it all over again with a new form(s), but you only get one do-over, if you mess up your second form(s) your appt is canceled and you have to start all over with a new appt. Three, now they require a driver's license/ID from your home country, not just your passport. I don't have a DL anymore because it expired while I was living in Colombia and then it was stolen when I was pickpocketed in Quito. The officer at INTERPOL gave me his email address and I sent him a scanned image of my stolen DL. Four, at the end they put the appropriate docs/fingerprints into a manila envelope, addressed it to the FBI, and told me to go to the PeruPost location (1 block away), and I paid to have it sent, then I had to take the receipt back and give it to the INTERPOL guys. They record the info, make a photocopy, and gave it back to me. So, sending the docs to the FBI was not an option. They then gave me the Ficha de Canje doc and said I could start the Immigration application as soon as I wanted, meaning without waiting for the FBI docs.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 08/05/2024
      @Chip
      Hello Chip,

      thanks again for sharing your experience.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Jeff
      Jeff · 18/07/2024
      @Chip Many unusual concidences.  I will also be going to Arequipa Interpol (next week). I also had my US DL pickpocketed from me in Quito while waiting to return to Colombia. Though at least from my Colombia visa requirements I already have my FBI background check. I do have a scanned image of my DL fortunately on the cloud.

      Did Arequipa ask you about the proof of local address (e.g. water/electricity bill)? I don't want to create concerns from the owners of a room I am temporarily renting by asking them for this. It would be good to know if they didn't ask for this silly thing.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Aryn
      Aryn · 19/07/2024
      @Jeff I was not asked for a utility bill at Interpol in Arequipa when I went through this process a couple months ago (though we had it just in case).  
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Jeff
      Jeff · 19/07/2024
      @Aryn Thank you for that info. I will try to get it from the small hotel I am staying at.

      I was raised near New York City... where efficiency and impatience are celebrated. Then spent a decade in Germany (where efficiency is celebrated though not practiced except in their lack of small talk). 

      But I have recently spent 2+ years in Latin America. So I am gradually unlearning all that ;-) 
      I try to expect everything takes lots of time, keep talking/nudging people, smile, be interested in how the other person is, hope things will work,
      and eventually I might get my task done.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Chip
      Chip · 19/07/2024
      @Jeff I don't remember if they asked for a document with the address, but then, I took one with me, anyway. I asked my landlady for a bill and she gladly gave me one, then the INTERPOL guy kept the original.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Anthony T
    Anthony T · 30/04/2024
    Hi. I am in Peru and recently married. I am beginning the process to obtain my family visa.  I will be living in Iquitos.  I have obtained my finger prints from the police office here in Iquitos. I am tempted to have the extensive criminal record check done in my home state and have the Apostille there vs the FBI and State Department route. I have had other documents translated previously so can do that when it arrives within a couple of weeks. So I am understanding correctly do I need that before visiting Interpol or is it best to send it to FBI although this will take longer, and arrive at Interpol with postage proof showing I sent it to the FBI? Also this money order thing. I am a US citizen on a tourist visa currently. Do I need that money order for the US treasury as well?  
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 01/05/2024
      @Anthony T
      Hello Anthony,

      the criminal record check from your home country and the ficha de canje from Interpol in Peru are different documents that have nothing to do with each other. The additional check Interpol requires from US citizens, or better the FBI requires Interpol Peru to asked from US citizens who apply for the ficha, is a relic from many, many years ago that unfortunately is still a requirement. 

      With this being said, you should get your criminal record check when you are still in your home country as usually it's easier to get. As you are already in Peru, apply for it as soon as possible as getting the document issued, apostilled, send to Peru and translated in Peru will take the longest.

      However, you do not need the criminal record check from your home country when applying for the ficha de canje at Interpol in Peru. You will need it only when you apply for your family visa on the Migraciones Agencia Digital.

      Nevertheless, as a US passport holder you will need the money order for an additional FBI check (no matter if you already have the FBI check or another criminal record check or not)! And, when you are nearly done at the Interpol office, some Interpol offices ask you to send the documentation for this additional FBI check to the US using Serpost and return with the receipt before giving you the ficha de canje. As explained above, do not wait to get this additional check back; it can take months and won't have an Apostille, so, it's useless if you want / must (before your stay as a tourist runs out) apply for your family visa as soon as possible.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Aryn
    Aryn · 19/04/2024
    We just got our Fichas de Canje in Arequipa this morning and have a few notes to help anyone else doing this:
    -Bring your home country ID and a photocopy of it--this was not on any list of documents we saw but was required (ex. US driver's license)
    -They did definitely require the letter proving the purpose of your visa (ex. from the approved religious organization or acceptance letter from university)
    -They did not ask us for a utility bill (but we brought one anyway and would recommend just in case!)
    -For anyone with long hair, have your hair up--they had spare ponytails to tie hair back for the photos they take and asked that I put my hair in a ponytail.
    -There was a photocopy stand across the street in case you need to copy or print anything and the owner was extremely helpful and friendly!  The Interpol workers were also very kind and helpful.
    -They DID make us actually go to Serpost and mail the fingerprints to the FBI and bring back our receipt of having mailed them.  It's only a couple blocks away and easy to do, cost s/35.20 per person.  
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 21/04/2024
      @Aryn
      Hello Aryn,

      thanks again for sharing your experience. I'm sure it's very helpful for others.

      Interesting that they asked you  to send the documents to the FBI and requested to bring back the receipt. Never heard of this being done in Lima. Anyway, really good to know.

      And I have one question: you needed two IDs? Usually, your passport and a copy of it is all you need.

      Seems to me, you are now ready to apply for your visa.

      All the best
      Eva

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Aryn
      Aryn · 22/04/2024
      @Sunflower Yes, we needed 2 IDs!  We were surprised about that since, as you noted, we'd only been expecting to need the passport and photocopy, but luckily we had our US driver's licenses in our wallets, so it was easy enough to make a copy at the stand across the street.  
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 22/04/2024
      @Aryn
      Hello Aryn,

      thanks for getting back to me.

      Honestly, I don't know what Interpol in Arequipa is doing, but a second ID is not and never has been (at least not for the past over 20 years) on the requirement list to apply for a Ficha de Canje.

      Additionally, the one and only valid document for foreigners without a resident status for identification purposes is a passport. A foreign drivers license or other non-Peruvian document is no means of identification and no Peruvian authority should ask for it. Foreigners with a Peruvian residence visa can as well use their carné (or Peruvian (!) drivers license).

      Anyway, good that you had another document with you. I really have no idea why they ask for it.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Aryn
    Aryn · 11/04/2024
    A note on the money order--we just got this yesterday in Arequipa at the BCP on Avenida Ejercito with no issues.  For anyone else doing this in Arequipa, it seems to be also known as a "Giro Miami."  The employee at the door, after we explained that we had come for "giros sobre el exterior" for visa purposes, asked if we meant "giros Miami."  Since we hadn't heard that term, we repeated that we thought it was called a "giro sobre el exterior" and briefly re-explained what we needed it for.  She then pulled out a long set of forms to fill out and said that that would come out of our BCP accounts. We explained we didn't have BCP accounts since we are foreigners.  She asked about our carnets de extranjeria, which we explained we also didn't have yet because getting the visa came first and this was a visa step.  She redirected us to ask at the counter for "giros Miami" in that case.  At the counter, they knew exactly what a "giro Miami" was and proceeded to help us get what we needed with no issues and we were able to pay in cash.  They even had an example form with the $18 to the Treasury of the United States filled out to follow.   
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 11/04/2024
      @Aryn
      Hello Aryn,

      wow, thank you so much for sharing your experience. 

      Honestly I never heard of the term Giro Miami and couldn't find anything about it when I googled it. But as the staff at the BCP knew exactly what it is, this is really great and important information and might help others with conquering this step.

      Thanks again

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Aryn
    Aryn · 09/04/2024
    Hello!  A clarification question about the money order for the FBI.  If my husband and I already have the FBI background checks (apostilled before we left the US) do we still need to bring a money order to an Interpol appointment?  Or is that only if you do not yet have the FBI background check?  I was unclear on that point.  We will be applying for a religious visa in Arequipa.  
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 09/04/2024
      @Aryn
      Hello Aryn,

      yes, you will need the money order.

      And as explained above, do not wait to get this additional check back to use it for the "Antecedentes" requirement to apply for a residence visa. You most probably will run out of time on your stay as a tourist before you get the document and have it sent abroad and returned with Apostille.

      Get your FBI check with Apostille when you are still in the US. Have it translated into Spanish in Peru.

      Then get an appointment at Interpol for the Ficha de Canje, get the money order, apply for the ficha (one of the requirements for US citizens is the money order - even though it's a relic from the past when you didn't need a criminal record check to apply for a visa today it is still a must).

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Aryn
      Aryn · 09/04/2024
      @Sunflower Ok, thank you for the confirmation/clarification!  We will proceed with getting our already-apostilled FBI background checks translated into Spanish here then and will also get the money orders for the Ficha de Canje appointments.  Thanks!  Your website and all the detailed articles have been EXTREMELY helpful in this process.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 09/04/2024
      @Aryn
      Great hearing that our articles here on LimaEasy are useful and really help with getting through the Peruvian bureaucracy.

      Wishing you all the best.

      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Jeff
      Jeff · 18/07/2024
      @Sunflower I don't understand the point of a money order when you already have the apostiled translated FBI background check. I just paid with my debit visa card on pagolo.pe for the interpol canje. Is the money order some sort of alternative to doing that.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 18/07/2024
      @Jeff
      Jeff,

      did you read the article above? It's explained there under Chapter "Additional record check for US, Canadian and Australian citizens"

      The money order and sending the documents necessary for the additional check is a requirement for US, Canadian and Australian passport holders to get the Ficha.

      No-one understands this nonsense, which is required from the US, Canadian and Australian authorities if their citizens apply for a residence visa in Peru and is a relic from many many years ago, when no criminal record check was required when applying for a residence visa in Peru.

      If you want to complain, best do so at the US embassy or US authorities.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Mark
    Mark · 14/01/2024
    Hello,

    We were wondering if there was any experience of trying to get the Ficha de Canje without having paid the fee to the FBI or Receiver General for Canada? I stupidly forgot about paying it, and now with the appointment tomorrow in Chiclayo, and it being Sunday today, there's no window to pay it. Have you heard of anything about this?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 14/01/2024
      @Mark Hello Mark,

      If you are a US American, Canadian, or Australian, you need the money order and must present it at Interpol to get the Ficha de Canje. No way around it.

      Even though it’s a bit of a gamble and your application might get denied as the money order is missing, I would still go to the appointment. I know of a few cases, especially at Interpol offices in the provinces, where the staff was super nice and friendly and would allow the applicant to “quickly” head to the bank, get the money order and return later on the same day to complete the application without having to make a new appointment. So, you might be lucky.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Antonella
    Antonella · 30/12/2023
    Hi. I am Peruvian and my fiancé Canadian. I need to help my fiancé and I will marry in January 12th, but his tourist visa will expire January 28th so we want to do the Interpol records now. Can we make the appointment now? Or should we need to be married to apply?. I will appreciate your help. 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 30/12/2023
      @Antonella
      Hello Antonella,

      Not sure if you are connected to Mark who seems to be in a similar position and asked the same a few hours ago (see below).

      Anyway, your fiancé should try to get the appointment now but for a day or so after the marriage. As he wants to apply for a family visa, one of he requirements to apply for the Ficha de Canje from Interpol is to present the marriage certificate.

      So, while a day or so after the marriage you still won't have the Peruvian marriage certificate, you will have a document issued by the municipality or notary proving your marriage. That should be accepted by Interpol.

      And as you most probably won't have the Peruvian marriage certificate before your husbands stay as a tourist expires, check out our Family visa article, where you find lots of useful info and where I explain how to apply for the visa without having all required documents.

      Wishing you all the best and a happy New Year.

      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Mark
    Mark · 30/12/2023
    Thank you for the helpful information. I was wondering if you had any insight into whether it is okay for me to apply for the Ficha only a few days before getting married to a Peruvian? I'm worried that since I won't be submitting a marriage certificate but will be receiving one a few weeks later, it might mess something up. 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 30/12/2023
      @Mark
      Hello Mark,

      if you need the Ficha de Canje from Interpol because you want to apply for a family visa, then one of the requirements is to present your marriage certificate when applying for the Ficha.

      So, yes applying before you are even married will mess up things, in the worst case they won't issue you the Ficha and you have to get a new appointment, which might be weeks away.

      As it seems that you are pressed for time, try to get the appointment now but for a day or so after you are married. Then you still won't have your Peruvian marriage certificate, which will take a few weeks to be issued by Reniec,  but at least you will have the document issued by the municipality or notary where you marry proving your marriage. That should be accepted by Interpol if you explain your situation.

      And I highly recommend checking out our Family visa article. Next to lots of useful information you as well find an explanation on how to apply for your visa in case you don't get your Peruvian marriage certificate issued by Reniec before your time as a tourist runs out.

      Wishing you all the best and a happy New Year

      Greetings
      Eva

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