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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".

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".

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 full 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 (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 some Interpol offices 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” or at BCP branches known as "Giro Miami" 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" (you are supposed to get it at any BCP branch) 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"  (you are supposed to get it at any BCP branch) and photocopy of it (***)

Explanatory notes

(*)

Usually Interpol asks you to 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. So, 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.

(***)

Please note: Starting July 2024, we got comments from a few of our US American and Canadian readers, who applied for the Ficha de Canje at the Interpol office in Lima and Arequipa, informing us that they didn't need the money order anymore. They just presented the original and a copy of their "FBI Criminal Record Check" / "RCPM Certified Criminal Record Check” with Apostille and official translation (needed for the visa application) and were fine. As the money order is still on the requirement list for US Americans, Canadians and Australians, we are not sure if this requirement hopefully is finally a thing of the past or if the experiences of the readers, who contacted us, were just isolated cases where an Interpol official forgot to ask for it.

Getting the money order is and always has been a mission. In Peru it is officially called "Giro sobre el exterior”, but at BCP branches commenly known as "Giro Miami". Here an example on how it looks.

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

According to official sources you should be able to get the money order at any (!) BCP branch; unfortunately that isn't true, some BCP branches doesn't even seem to not know about it or are only willing to issue it to BCP clients. However, according to reader reports the BCP branch on Av. Larco 611 in Miraflores, the one on Av. Pardo y Aliaga 1203-1207 in Lima and the one next to the La Rambla Mall in San Borja are familiar with issuing the money order and you shouldn't have any problem getting it done there, while at the BCP branch in La Molina it's a hit and miss.

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. In Lima (the process in the provinces may be different) just 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, 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

Please note: Starting July 2024, we got comments from a few of our US American and Canadian readers, who applied for the Ficha de Canje at the Interpol office in Lima and Arequipa, informing us that they didn't need the money order anymore. They just presented the original and a copy of their "FBI Criminal Record Check" / "RCPM Certified Criminal Record Check” with Apostille and official translation (needed for the visa application anyway) and were fine. As the money order is still on the requirement list for US Americans, Canadians and Australians, we are not sure if this requirement hopefully is finally a thing of the past or if the experiences of the readers, who contacted us, were just isolated cases where an Interpol official forgot to ask for it. So, until we get official information if the requirements really change, we leave the explanation for the additional criminal record check below:

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".

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.
    Leroy · 17/08/2022
    Hi,
    Im currently going through the process of organising a ficha de carne internacional as an australian citizen. The issue I have run into is paying the "Giro sobre el exterior" for AUD$99. I’m currently in Tacna and the BCP manager told me the only way is to have the "Giro sobre el exterior" in USD to the value equivalent of AUD$99. I then called the interpol office in Arequipa, was given a whatsapp number, where the interpol officer confirmed I could do this. I’m worried this is incorrect information and don’t want to waste anymore time. My question is has anyone made this money order in USD equivalent? Should I just try and organise somebody in Lima to sort this out for me instead?
    Thanks in advance,
    Leroy
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 17/08/2022
      @Leroy Hello Leroy,

      Getting the money order is such a headache; a nightmare in Lima, worse or even impossible in the provinces.

      I don’t know if it’s ok to have the money order in US$. According to the website of the Australian Federal Police “…money orders are to be in Australian dollars ($AUD) and are to be made payable to the Australian Federal Police…”; but this statement is on a page for national police checks, and I couldn’t find anything anywhere regarding money orders from abroad.

      On the other hand, Interpol is the authority accepting or denying your money order when you apply for the Ficha de Canje. Assuming you get it in Arequipa and have the confirmation from Interpol Arequipa in writing that a US$ amount equivalent to the AUD$ 99 is accepted, I personally think you should be fine.

      Other options include paying the money order before your Interpol appointment at a bank in Arequipa who probably has more experience with issuing the giro sobre el exterior, having someone in Lima try their luck or getting in contact with the Australian Federal Police and ask what they think about it.

      Sorry.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Michael · 17/08/2022
    Hello,

    do you have any idea if Ficha de Canje Internacional has to be issued specifically by Interpol offices in Peru? Or is it a global document that you can get before travel in your home country from your local police/interpol offices.

    I have other documentation and a work contract already sorted. However, the necessity of a personal visit to the Interpol office in Lima is holding back a work resident visa application. Is there any way around this?

    Anyway, amazing work on this site and thank you for all the information that you provide.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 17/08/2022
      @Michael Hello Michael,

      Thank you for your nice words.

      Unfortunately, no, there is no way around the Ficha de Canje Internacional and it has to be issued by Interpol Peru. And as you are fingerprinted, and your teeth are checked, you have to go in person.

      And yes, I know, getting an appointment at the Interpol office in Lima at times is nearly impossible. If it makes things easier for you, you could make an appointment at the Interpol office in Arequipa, Chiclayo, Cusco, Piura or Trujillo as well; at least usually there you get one in a timely manner.

      Sorry!

      Another option that most probably isn't one anymore is trying to apply for your resident work visa at a Peruvian consulate in your home country. Then the Ficha isn’t necessary to get the visa (requirements regarding the work contract are a bit different when you apply outside Peru and once in Peru and applying for your carné they might still ask for the Ficha; but you already had your visa and could start working right away). But be aware that for the past year, most consulates abroad do not issue resident visas anymore and tell you to enter Peru as a tourist and then apply at Migraciones. Nevertheless, it might be worth to ask at the nearest Peruvian consulate.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Hugo · 15/08/2022
    Hello,
    I have been trying to get an appointment for my wife online at the Monterrico location for over two weeks but I just get the "there are no appointments available" answer. We applied in 2019 without any problems but a new "ficha de canje" is now required for any changes or updates to your status. Would you have a suggestion on how to get through and get the appointment? I feel we would waste time going in person without the appointment made online. 
    Thanks,
    Hugo 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 15/08/2022
      @Hugo Hello Hugo,

      Yes, the ficha is not only needed when changing the immigration status (for example, from tourist to resident work or family visa) but also when changing your visa type (for example, from a resident work visa to a family visa or to the permanent immigrant visa).

      Unfortunately, there is not a lot you can do. Getting an appointment with Interpol in Lima sometimes is like winning the jackpot. The only thing you can do is try again and again and again (probably clear your cache once in a while or use another browser)… Going in person to Interpol is a waste of time; the security guard at the entrance will brush you off and you won’t get an appointment. Sorry.

      Another option could be to get the appointment at one of the Interpol offices in the provinces. So, why not surprise your wife with a nice two- or three-day trip to Arequipa, Chiclayo, Cusco, Piura or Trujillo and add the not so romantic visit to Interpol there to your agenda?

      Sorry, I don’t have a better solution.

      Hope, you soon get the appointment.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Chip · 13/08/2022
    Hello, I am trying to get my money order. The BCP bank here in Iquitos said that they need the US Treasury Departments' bank routing number to process it. I have not seen anything about this on the page. Please advise!
    Thank you
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 13/08/2022
      @Chip Hello Chip,

      It’s already a mission to get the money order in Lima, so I doubt that a bank in Iquitos can issue it. And honestly, I don’t know how it works to have money send to The Treasury of the USA and why it’s seemingly so complicated that even at banks nobody knows how to do it and the routing and account number aren't published.

      Anyway, you could get in contact with The Treasury of the USA and ask there; when you google for it you find, depending on the department, different bank details. I don't know which could be the correct one. Or ask at the Interpol office if they can tell you at which bank in Iquitos you can get the giro sobre el exterior. Or have a look at the above picture from a money order which was taken at the Interpol office in Arequipa. On the bottom are three numbers. Usually, the first is the routing number, the second the account number, and the third the check number. So, I assume (!!!), if nothing changed (the money order from the photo is from 2019), there might (!!!) be the numbers you need. Or ask around if someone recently got the money order and hopefully made a picture of it; there on the bottom should be the correct bank details.

      Sorry, I can’t help more.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Kevin · 25/07/2022
    Hi everyone,

    I am working on getting my Fiche de Canje Internacional for a second time as my first tramite was unsuccesful and my FBI background check is now out of date (quite frustrating). However, I have come to understand that the $18 money order (for U.S. Citizens) has nothing to do with actually receiving the clearance from Interpol but is a payment to the U.S. Treasury for the background check.

    However, it seems that this payment can be made online through CJIS and the Background check can be sent digitally which would expedite the process greatly (I waited almost 3 months for my paper Background Check to arrive from the FBI). Local authorities inisited on the money order the first time around but I am going to try and convince them this time around that all that is needed is the online payment and request form.

    I will update this thread on whether my attempt is successful and how you can go about the online request and payment though CJIS. If I am successful hopefully this is helpful for all of you out there struggling with this as I have been and still am.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 25/07/2022
      @Kevin Hello Kevin,

      Honestly, I’m not familiar with procedures in the US and can't comment on your attempts to circumvent the system, which I fear will delay your resident visa application even more and in the end might be unsuccessful. Additionally, I have the feeling that you mix up the different checks needed from Interpol and, as you are a US citizen, from the FBI.

      To apply for a resident visa in Peru, you need the Ficha de Canje, which is issued in Peru by Interpol. This is just a simple search in the Interpol database checking if a person is an internationally wanted fugitive. If nothing comes up, the Ficha is issued usually within a few hours to all nationalities.

      However, the US, Canadian and Australian governments demand from Interpol Peru to forward the data from their citizens as they want to do an additional background check for which the international money order is necessary. This additional check, which is only necessary for US Americans, Canadians, and Australians, has nothing to do with the Ficha issued by Interpol and requested by Migraciones for the resident visa application. So, you don’t have to wait until you get the results from this additional check; you only need the Ficha to apply for your visa.

      Next to the Ficha de Canje, Migraciones additionally requests the “Antecedentes policiales, penales and judiciales” of the resident visa applicant. For US nationals, this corresponds to the “FBI Criminal Record Check” or the “Identity History Summary”.  This document has nothing to do with the Ficha or the above mentioned additional background check the US, Canadian and Australian governments are doing when you apply for the Ficha.

      All the best.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Matt · 16/08/2022
      @Sunflower Hi Eva. So which document is required to be submitted for the "Antecedentes policiales, penales y judiciales" and where do we get it?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 16/08/2022
      @Matt Hello Matt,

      You find detailed information about the "Antecedentes policiales, penales y judiciales" in our article International document corresponding to the antecedentes.

      If you are a US American you need, for example, an FBI Criminal Record Check or an Identity History Summary.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Giorgio · 11/07/2022
    for Lima - it shows that there's no available dates to get the ficha de canje done. do they expect people to travel to provincia to get one done?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 11/07/2022
      @Giorgio Hello Giorgio,

      sometimes getting an Interpol appointment in Lima is a challenge. The only thing you can do is try again later or the next day or the day after that, …  Supposedly, Interpol releases new appointments once a week or once a month.

      If you are pressed for time, for example, because your tourist visa is expiring soon and you have to apply for your residency before that, traveling to an Interpol office in the provinces might be an option as they usually have appointments available in a timely manner.

      Greetings
      Eva


  • This commment is unpublished.
    Michael · 06/06/2022
    I went to la Molina last week (June 3), BCP would only make the “international check” if someone with you has a BCP account (you need someone with a DNI or CE card to open an account). Just a heads up, in case anyone’s trying to go there alone- you may have a problem. (I’m from the U.S., luckily I went with my mother in law, and it worked out.). Oh, and it was $34 USD to get the $18 USD money order.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 06/06/2022
      @Michael Hello Michael,

      thank you so much for sharing your experience.

      A few weeks ago, I got in contact with Interpol and they assured me, exactly as mentioned on the government website, for US citizens all larger BCP branches can do the money order without having to have an account. It's unbelievable, especially as you can't open an account without residency and not everyone new in Peru has a relative or friend with a BCP account.

      Anyway, happy it worked out for you. Now the worst part should be over.

      I wish you all the best

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Tristan · 17/05/2022
    Hi! Been super helpful thanks so much! So i am in process to change my immigration status to resident as I now have a daughter here in Peru. I've already been to interpol and have my canje internacional I am just wondering what happens to the police check that was sent off to Australia? Do they send it back to Peru or to the address I nominated in Australia? I need to submit that document also before I can progress onto the next part of my application. 

    Thanks heaps!! 

    Tristan
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 17/05/2022
      @Tristan Hello Tristan,

      as mentioned above in our article, the additional Interpol check US, Canadian and Australian citizens have to go through has nothing to do with issuing the "ficha de canje" and with applying for your resident visa in Peru. As far as I was told by Interpol a few years back, if this check reveals something serious, your record is tagged, and you might be detained as soon as you leave the country. I don't know if the result of the check is even sent to you. 

      So if you have your ficha de canje and all other documents, you now can apply for your resident visa. 

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Thibaud · 04/05/2022
    Hi! Love this site, it's already answered a couple questions I had!

    Now my main problem is this: I'm trying to change my migratory status to Resident Researcher (Investigador Residente), and it's clearly marked that the ficha de canje is one of the requirements for such a visa.

    However, on the interpol webpage to book my appointment, under the options for Calidad Migratoria, I can't find Investigador Residente!

    So what should I do, book it specifying a different calidad migratoria and explain the situation once I turn up for my appointment, or would that cause a whole new set of problems?
    Thanks in advance!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 04/05/2022
      @Thibaud Hello Thibaud,

      thank you for your nice words! You made my day.

      It's not often, but honestly, I don't know what to do. I just checked the Interpol online appointment site and you are right; there is no investigación residente.

      I can't advise you to select another calidad migratoria, because I know how much trouble even the slightest mistake on such forms could cause. However, if you apply for a family visa (familiar residente), for example, you would have to select "cambio a inmigrante por familiar residente", even though you actually don't apply for becoming an inmigrante. So, in case you decide to take the gamble, I would choose "Cambio a inmigrante" which gives you the possibility to argue that just "por investigación residente" is missing and you thought that's the correct status for all other visa types not listed.

      If you want to make sure that you do everything correct, the only option is to get in contact with Interpol. Their phone number in Lima is 437 8063; not sure if they answer the phone. In case you can't reach anyone, you have to visit the Interpol office and talk to the guy at the door. Hopefully, he knows or is willing to help and asks someone who knows inside.

      Sorry for not being able to answer your question.

      If you find out, would you let me know?

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Thibaud · 27/05/2022
      @Sunflower Hi again!
      I never managed to reach Interpol on the phone so I ended up going there in person, where the guard at the door told me it would be perfectly fine to book my appointment using the Inmigrante option, and just explain it on the day of my appointment, which is what I did, and indeed it was not a problem at all (I had my appointment in Trujillo). 
      Two more things specifically for US citizens:
      Interpol had me mail off the FBI background check request, which cost 25 soles at the SERPOST office.
      Also, getting the BCP money order was an absolute nightmare. The branch on Jiron Lampa is apparently no longer a main branch, and they can't issue money orders. The only 2 that can are the one in San Isidro, and the one all the way out in La Molina. 
      But the fun extra twist is they will only give out said money order to someone who already has a BCP account! I pointed out how ridiculous this was  since until I have my carnet, I can't open a bank account in Peru! They absolutely refused to budge in San Isidro but in La Molina, after 20 minutes of back and forth, while I was getting ready to grab random clients in the waiting room until I found one willing to help me out. But the staff finally relented after I confirmed that I would pay upfront both for the value of the money order and the bank fee for issuing it (12 USD) and that I would not be able to get that money back no matter what.
      But I was finally able to get it!
      So if possible, I'd recommend to any US citizens that they try and find a Peruvian with a BCP account willing to accompany them to one of these two branches, or head to La Molina and go through what I did.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 27/05/2022
      @Thibaud Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

      The money order thing is getting more ridiculous by the day. According to the Peruvian government site, for US citizens, all BCP banks in Lima should be able to issue this and they recommend specifically the one in San Isidro and in the city center. I never before heard that they are asking for an account; doesn't make sense.

      Anyway, sorry for that. Hope from now on everything works smoothly.

      Greetings
      Eva

  • This commment is unpublished.
    jenny · 18/04/2022
    hello! i am trying to get to an interpol cita in the province, and the article indicates that paying the fee for being Canadian can only be done by a BCP branch in Lima. Is this the only option, I would need to travel to Lima? Is it not possible to be done remotely?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 18/04/2022
      @jenny Hello Jenny,

      All nationals have to pay the fee for the Interpol clearance on pagalo.pe or at any Banco de la Nacion branch/ATM.

      Canadians additionally have to pay a check which is done by the RCMP. For this an international money order is necessary which not all banks can do. The article doesn’t indicate that it can only be done by a BCP bank in Lima but clearly says that in Lima it can be done and works without a problem at the BCP bank on Av. Benavides with Av. Caminos del Inka.

      I don’t know which bank in your vicinity might be able to do the Giro sobre el exterior, so you might have to ask the one or other bank where you are. Personally, I would first try a BCP bank or Scotiabank.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      jenny · 02/05/2022
      @Sunflower Hello! I wanted to share the result of getting this document, for anyone else pursuing this Canadian Giro al exterior! After a morning in the bank, it became apparent that even if they think they can, BCP in the province could not payment for less than $100. Banco de la Nación cannot send money to an institution, only a person.

      With no luck, I came back to the article here, and created a carta de poder por mi suegro, who went on my behalf to the address you mentioned in Lima - Av. Benavides with Av. Caminos del Inka. Unfortunately, they could not create the Giro either. Perhaps due to new personel who don't know the right procedure, we only know that they could only send a value of $100, and issuing it in Canadian dollars was not an option either. 

      In the end, we were directed by the Benavides branch to go to the head office branch in San Isidro, where we were FINALLY able to make it happen. The process was yet another exercise in tedious Peruvian tramites, this one spanning multiple provinces! At least I hope that this info might save someone a headache.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 03/05/2022
      @jenny Hello Jenny,

      wow, thank you so much for sharing your experience. What a nerve-racking odyssey.

      For years the BCP branch, we recommend here and which is located near the Interpol office, was one of the few knowing how to do the giro and US Americans and Canadians never had a problem getting it done in no time. So, I'm sorry that things seem to have changed.

      Thank you for letting us know that the branch in San Isidro is able to do it. I will update this article accordingly.

      Hope, now everything works smoothly for you.

      Thanks again

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Laura · 04/04/2022
    Hi, 

    Do you know if we have to do this process if we are changing our status from tourist to temporary students? I´ll be here just for 4 months. 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 04/04/2022
      @Laura Hello,

      Yes, according to the update of the Foreigner Law Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN you need the Interpol Ficha when you apply for a change of your immigration status from tourist to temporary student if you are over 18 years, (see page 30 of the document, article 73C “Procedimiento administrativo de cambio de calidad migratoria formación temporal”, point 7)

      For more detailed info, see as well our Student visa article.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Mick · 03/03/2022
    Can Interpol interviews be conducted online if you are far away from any of the Interpol offices in Peru? Thanks
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 03/03/2022
      @Mick
      Hello Mick,

      No, never heard of that. Be aware that you are fingerprinted at the Interpol office and your teeth are checked; so being there is a must. Sorry.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Gary · 03/03/2022
      @Mick Unfortunately not. 
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Nancy · 13/09/2021
    Hi. Thank you for the great article and step by steps. Question. I have been trying to get an interpol appt for days now (last week, on weekdays and now today) and can't pull the website up. It times out. Do you have any suggestions? Is there anyway to contact the Lima interpol directly? I will be flying into Lima from USA and then to Pucallpa, preferably I would take care of this appt immediately to avoid an extra trip to Lima. Thanks again for the article and for any help you can offer. 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 13/09/2021
      @Nancy
      Hello Nancy,

      trying to get the Interpol website to load if you are abroad can be a mission. It seems that it blocks all foreign IPs. Try using a VPN and switch the country there to Peru. Usually the Interpol website then loads with no problems and you can make an appointment in no time.

      However, especially for the Interpol office in Lima, appointments might be booked out for weeks, or no appointments are available. So, be prepared for another setback or consider using an office in the provinces.

      I hope with a VPN your problem is solved and you can finally get the online appointment system to work.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Nancy · 13/09/2021
      @Sunflower Thank you! Will try this!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Nancy · 13/09/2021
      @Nancy So the VPN worked. And I am an idiot (or at least very tired and stressed) which has led to a second question. I messed up and left my birthday as today's date.  Should I: pay all over and do this whole process again and get a new cita or b. show up with this one with my birthdate as today?

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Nancy · 13/09/2021
      @Nancy Soooo if anyone else ever reads this thread: if you are looking at the screen that comes up with all of your information after finishing making your appointment, and it looks like you have entered something wrong--before you panic, click the box "ver constancia" and double check. In my case, the boxes on the confirmation screen had my birthdate and several other boxes as the date I made the appointment, on the actual "constancia" everything was as should be (with my actual birthdate). Just in case anyone else is stressed and panics...good luck to all of you. And thank you to LimaEasy for the hand holding! You have been so helpful. 

      Also, I was lucky and was able to get a date 15 days from right now (2 days after we arrive) so that worked out.
      Thanks again
      Nancy D
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 13/09/2021
      @Nancy Congrats! You made it :-) Relax a little; more might be waiting for you,

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