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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.
    Jonny · 14/10/2024
    Hi Eva,

    I have my appointment this week and getting things organised but having trouble getting a copy of my TAM virtual.

    When I log in I simply get a pop up saying "El tiempo de permanencia es hasta 26/11/2024" which seems to make sense but I don't get an actual official document for me to download. The best I could do is take a screenshot of this but it doesn't look like the file I see in your other article titled "How many days did I get when entering Peru?".
    Have you come across this before and have any advice?

    Many thanks
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 15/10/2024
      @Jonny
      Hello Jonny,

      No, I haven't heard of this before. But Migraciones is known for changing their online forms and documents all the time and for overall problems with their online presence.

      So, personally I would just take a screenshot of the pop-up and if asked for the TAM virtual at Interpol, show it. If they give you trouble, just enter the page while being there and show the result. You should be fine.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Alfred · 24/09/2024
    I just got my fecha de canje, I needed the giro miami for Interpol, which I was able to get at BCP in Miraflores (Av. José Pardo 425).

    I was told it has 6 months of validity. I’m leaving Peru soon so I don’t think I’ll be able to begin the process for the family visa before I go. How long does the family visa process take?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 24/09/2024
      @Alfred
      Hello Alfred,

      the application itself might take you about half an hour or so. Not sure, which visa you want to apply for, but you find detailed info on how it's done in our Visa Guide. https://www.limaeasy.com/peru-guide/peruvian-visa-types

      However, once you have applied for your visa you can only leave the country with a special travel permit, which allows you to be outside Peru for a max of 30 days. You find more info about it in our article "Travel permit" https://www.limaeasy.com/peru-guide/legal-stuff/travel-permit-permiso-especial-de-viaje-autorizacion-de-estadia-fuera-del-pais-aep

      The evaluation and approval process can take anything between 3 and 4 weeks to 3 and 4 months. And then you still have to get your carné, which at least at the moment takes another month or two in Lima.

      So, if you plan to leave before applying for your visa, make sure you return before your documents "expires".  Usually documents issued in Peru are accepted when they were issued a maximum of 3 months prior to being submitted on the Agencia Digital. Documents issued outside Peru are usually only accepted when they were issued not more than 6 months prior to being submitted. There are exceptions, such as a work contract, this can't be older than 30 days.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Alfred · 21/09/2024
    Is the TAM printout absolutely necessary? When I put in my info and click verificar, the website crashes. Is the date is in MM/DD/YYYY format? When I switch it to DD/MM/YYYY it said it cannot find my info.

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 21/09/2024
      @Alfred
      Hello Alfred,

      the official requirement is still a copy of the page with your entry stamp. As Peru abolished stamping of passports already last year, you can't fulfill this requirement. Instead the closest thing to the entry stamp is a printout of your TAM virtual. And yes, as far as I know, Interpol wants to see it. But if you are lucky, explain the situation or even show that the page doesn't work, you might get away with it.

      Honestly, right now I don't know the format of the date, but you could just try both. And if you, for example, arrived in Peru late at night, let's say on the 25th, you may only have entered Peru/passed immigrations after midnight, so on the 26th.

      Personally, I would contact Migraciones under consultastamvirtual @ migraciones.gob.pe and ask for your TAM virtual. Explain in short your situation, give them you full name as in your passport, passport number, nationality and date you entered. They usually respond to this sort of messages within 3 business days.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Alfred · 24/09/2024
      @Sunflower Thanks Eva, migraciones sorted my issue and I was informed that it’s in DD/MM/YYYY format.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 24/09/2024
      @Alfred
      Thank you so much for confirming.

      Hope, everything works out smoothly from now on.

      All the best
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    riaan · 07/09/2024
    Hi, I am married to a Peruvian and have been living in Peru on a residence visa for 2 and a half years. I want to apply for nationality. I paid the fee for the ficha de canje and went to the Interpol website to make an appointment. I have two questions please. I have a different passport now than when I entered the country, Should I fill in the details of my new passport or my CE?
    In the options for applying for a new immigration status there does not appear to be an option for nacionalización por matrimonio. Which option do I choose?

    Greetings
    Riaan
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 07/09/2024
      @riaan
      Hello Riian,

      if any of your information, which is printed on your carné (including your passport number) or which is registered in the Migraciones database, changes, you must (!!!) inform Migraciones about the changes within 30 days and apply for a so-called Actualización de datos.

      So before you can do anything else, you first must change your passport number in the Migraciones database and get a new carné with your new passport number on it. How it's done is explained in our article Update your information in the Migraciones database.

      Once this is done, you can get an appointment for Interpol with your correct personal information, get all other necessary documents and then apply for the Nacionalización por matrimonio.

      I'm not sure, if you are aware but in 2023 the requirement of presenting the Ficha de canje internacional was declared an illegal bureaucratic barrier when applying for the Nacionalización por matrimonio and abandoned. I assume the option on the Interpol page was therefore eliminated. However, in 2024 a court suspended the ruling and starting June 14, 2024, Migraciones again requests the Ficha de canje internacional. I assume that Interpol hasn't updated the online application form and therefore you can't find the option Nacionalización por matrimonio.

      As it will take a few weeks until the change of your passport number is registered and a new carné is issued, I recommend to check again when you have your new carné. If there still isn't the option, best check with Interpol how to proceed,

      All the best
      Eva

    • This commment is unpublished.
      riaan · 10/09/2024
      @Sunflower Thank you for the information. I already updated my details at Migraciones and received a new CE. I will contact Interpol to find out more and post the reply here.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 11/09/2024
      @riaan
      Hello Riian,

      if you already updated your information and have a new carné with your new passport number on it, then you, of course, use your new passport number when trying to make the appointment.

      And yes, please let me know, if you find anything out.

      Hope everything works well

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Joss · 05/08/2024
    Hi, thank you for the information, I have a doubt, by the time I have my appointment for the ficha interpol, my tourist visa will be expired already by 5 days, can I still get my ficha interpol? I'm applying to cambio de calidad migratoria casado con peruano 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 07/08/2024
      @Joss
      Hello Joss,

      sorry for getting back to you so late. I moved and am just back online now.

      Anyway, usually you should be still legal in the country when you have your Interpol appointment. But as you applied for the appointment when your stay as a tourist was still valid and you couldn't get an appointment earlier, personally I think you shouldn't have a problem. Just have all required documents with you, if asked explain your situation and you should be fine.

      However, be aware that your stay as a tourist must be still valid when you apply for your family visa. So, no way around applying without having the ficha from Interpol. How it's done is explained in detail in our Family Visa article under "Can I apply for a family visa if I don't have all the required documents?"

      All the best
      Eva

  • This commment is unpublished.
    Dean · 01/08/2024
    My Interpol experience. 

    Completed my data sheet on line this wednesday and once completed I searched for an apoointment date thereafter (expecting it to say 'Appointment  on Staurday only') and for some lucky reason got an appointment for Thursday (next day). So i started the day by checking that I had all my copies (as per above) and was only missing my money order payment to my governement (Am cdn so I needed to get that) . 

    Went to BCP in miraflores  with no success even though I tried to escalate the issue (I mentioned that Interpol said they issued thes money orders) They told me to go to the San Isidro branch. OK I left early enough so as not  to worry about time , went to san isidro and they started the process and asked me for my BCP bank card to which i said as a non resident I currently do not  have a bank card and they said I needed to have an account here ot bring someone who has an account (WTF???) Spoke to the branch manager to no avail...My Interpol  appointment was in 45 minutes so i decided to go anyways and hopefully they would accept to do everything else and i coud come back next day with the money order. 

    By now Im exhauseted having trecked to interpol with two failed bank visits and so arrived at their  office, greeted by wonderful and helpful people. For some strange reason I was the only one there at 1 PM . Gave them all my docs, they then processed everything, lent me a black pen (lol) gave me the three 'procedures ' teeth, photos and fingerprints...then printed out the certificat and said have a nice day. At this point there was no mention of the money order to Canada (and dare say I wasnt going to ask them about it) So i left there a happier person than when I arrived :)
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 07/08/2024
      @Dean
      Hello Dean,

      sorry for publishing your super helpful comment so late. I moved and am just back online.

      Anyway, thank you so so much for taking the time and sharing your experience. I can't believe that they didn't ask for the money order. Probably sooner or later it might finally be a thing of the past. That would be such a relief for so many US Americans, Canadians and Australians.

      I will keep on eye on the money order topic and hope that your experience wasn't just an error someone made at Interpol but one less thing to worry about in the future.

      Thanks again and all the best

      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    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
      • 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 · 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
      • 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 · 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
      • 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 · 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
      • LimaEasy
      · 08/05/2024
      @Chip
      Hello Chip,

      thanks again for sharing your experience.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Aryn · 19/07/2024
      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.
      Chip · 19/07/2024
      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 · 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
      • 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 · 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
      • 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 · 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
      • 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 · 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
      • 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 · 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
      • 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 · 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
      • 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.
    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
      • 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

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