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Tourist Visa extension in Peru

Tourist Visa extension in Peru

How to extend your tourist visa in Peru

For the past two decades, every few years Peruvian regulations changed, allowing or denying foreigners to extend their stay as a tourist in the country. Since August 2021, foreign tourists cannot extend their time in Peru anymore. 

However, this general “no” for tourist visa extensions was softened with the implementation of new Migraciones administrative regulations, called TUPA, on October 22, 2023, which allow foreign nationals from member countries of the Andean Community, and only these (!), to extend their stay as a tourist again and officially abolished with the new Foreigner Law, Decreto Legislativo 1582 on November 14, 2023.

The new Foreigner Law, Decreto Legislativo 1582, published on November 14, 2023, states that foreign tourists can stay in Peru for 183 accumulated days in a 365-day period; so, half a year within one year. It further describes that in case foreign tourists don't get the full 183 days, an extension can be granted until the 183 days are reached, unless international agreements or conventions determine a shorter period or don't allow extensions.

So, for now, the only foreign nationals, who can extend their stay as a tourist, are Bolivians, Ecuadorians and Colombians, which is stated in the TUPA from October 2023. All other foreign nationals cannot extend their stay as a tourist in Peru. 

Overview

To understand what's going on with tourist visa extensions in Peru, first some important background information about the situation from May 2018 to March 2020 and from March 2020 to August 2021, and then the unpleasant situation since August 2021 and the new development that gives hope for the future since October 2023.

Tourist visa extension in Peru, May 2018 to March 2020

From May 15, 2018 to March 2020, when Covid hit Peru, tourists who got less than the from the 2017 foreigner law allowed 183 days in a 365-day period when entering the country could extend their tourist visa, for those you can enter Peru visa-free the "temporary authorization to enter and stay as a tourist" (which is nothing more than an entry in the Migraciones database while in Peru quick and easy online. The procedure was and still is called "Prórroga de Permanencia - PRPL". However, it seemed that the online extension process was only supposed to work for South American nationals according to bi- and multilateral agreements and Migraciones was a bit surprised to find that all nationalities, some with problems, could suddenly extend online.

Back then, the platform to extend a “tourist visa” was embedded in the Migraciones website - where you still, however unfunctional, can find it - and didn’t work properly. While some foreigners could extend without any problems, others got seemingly never-ending error messages from “no data record found”, to “information of the bank receipt not found”, to “requested extension days invalid”. If the problems were just the result of bad programming or that the system supposedly only was intended to work for some nationalities - which makes sense to me and seems plausible as the Banco de la Nacion payment code with which you paid for the extension under "prorroga permanencia" explicitly stated that this option is only for South Americans - we will never know.

Anyway, in June 2019, it got a bit more complicated - welcome to Peru. The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs quietly published an updated list showing which nationals need a "real" tourist visa issued by a Peruvian consulate before coming to Peru and which nationals can travel visa-free to Peru and for how long. With this new publication, the general rule to be allowed to stay 183 days in a 365-day period became outdated for most nationalities.

So suddenly and mostly unnoticed, next to Schengen State nationals, many other nationalities including, for example, US and Canadian nationals were only allowed to stay for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Immigration officers increasingly applied the new regulations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, giving many nationalities only the for their nationality allowed 90 days upon entry, which resulted in an increasing number of visitors in need of an extension and challenging the system.

Please see our PDF " Visas for Peru by country and allowed length of stay" at the end of this article to find out how long you can stay visa-free in Peru - this PDF is an English translation of the original from the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs which can be found here.

Tourist visa extension in Peru, March 2020 to August 2021

Then, in March 2020, Covid hit Peru, borders and airports were closed from one day to the other and thousands of tourists were stuck in the country for months. The Peruvian government assured all visitors that they can stay in the country, even with an expired "tourist visa" without having to fear any reprisals. As long as Peru is under the State of Emergency “tourist visa” extensions wouldn't be necessary and all overstaying fees would be waved. Additionally, visitors would get a 45-day grace period to leave the country after the State of Emergency is lifted.

Then in mid-2020, Migraciones - back then all offices were still closed - introduced a completely new online platform for Peruvians and foreigners, the Agencia Digital. Since then foreigners can for example change their immigration status (so apply for or change their residence visa), extend their residence visa, apply for different permits (such as the permit to sign contracts), check the status of several procedures, etc. online. One menu point of the Agencia Digital is named “Prórroga de Permanencia”, so the extension of your temporary stay which technically includes the tourist visa / authorization to enter as a tourist.

However, in March 2021 the Supreme Decree 002-2021-IN, which updated and partly changed the Peruvian foreigner law (Decreto Legislativo 1350) from 2017, and in July 2021 a new TUPA, which establishes new administrative regulations and procedures under the jurisdiction of the National Superintendency of Migration, was published. Both new texts lack any information regarding tourist visa extensions and only establish the rules and regulations for extending "real" temporary visas, such as a temporary student visa or the temporary work visa.

Tourist visa extension in Peru, August 2021 to October 2023

Despite still being in a State of Emergency, in mid-August 2021 Migraciones announced that - with air travel being possible for months now - the grace period for foreigners being in the country on an expired tourist visa /authorization to enter as a tourist is over. Starting August 20, 2021 foreigners who are in the country on an expired tourist visa / authorization to enter as a tourist have to pay the overstay fee of S/ 4.40 (0.1% of an UIT) per day they overstayed when leaving.

Furthermore, it was communicated that at the moment, the "tourist visas" of those that are already in the country are not extended anymore. Those visitors only have the option of leaving Peru or applying for a temporary or permanent residency.

Visitors who entered Peru in or after August 2021 might have noticed that they only got 90 days, which - except for a few nationalities - is now the number of days most foreigners are allowed to stay in Peru on a "tourist visa". See below pdf document "Visas for Peru by country and allowed length of stay - October 2021" in the attachments.

And even today nothing changed. Tourists still can NOT extend their tourist visa / authorization to enter as a tourist anymore.

Tourist visa extension in Peru for foreign nationals from member countries of the Andean Community since October 22

As already explained above, since August 2021, foreign nationals - those who can travel to Peru visa-free and those who have a real tourist visa in their passport - cannot extend their stay as a tourist in Peru anymore.

Upon entry all foreign tourists get up to (!) 90 days, which - except for a few nationalities - is the number of days most foreigners are allowed to stay in Peru as a tourist in a 180-day period. But even those few nationalities, who are allowed to stay longer or who have a real tourist visa allowing them to stay longer, still only get up to 90 days upon entry.

However, while the number of days foreign tourist get when they enter the country for now seems to remain at up to 90 days, on October 22, 2023, a new TUPA, a document establishing the Migraciones administrative regulations and procedures, was published.

There you find that now foreign tourists in Peru, whose home country is a member of the Andean Community, which includes Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, can extend their stay as a tourist for up to an additional 90 days if they don’t exceed the maximum allowed stay as a tourist of 183 days per year.

So, if you have a Bolivian, Colombian or Ecuadorean passport you can quite easily extend your stay as a tourist on the Agencia Digital (under Prorraga de permanencia).

All other nationalities be aware that tourist visa extensions are only possible for foreigners from Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador. According to the current regulations, other foreign tourists still cannot extend their stay.

Tourist visa extension in Peru since November 14, 2023

On November 14, 2023, a new Foreigner Law, Decreto Legislativo 1582, was published, stating that foreign tourists can stay in Peru for 183 accumulated days in a 365-day period; so, half a year within one year. It further describes that in case foreign tourists don't get the full 183 days, an extension can be granted, unless international agreements or conventions determine a shorter period or don't allow extensions.

As the current TUPA, which outlines the Migraciones administrative regulations and procedures, still states that only Bolivians, Ecuadorians and Colombians (so, foreigners whose home country belongs to the Andean community) can extend their stay, for other foreign nationals there seems to be international agreements or conventions in place determining a shorter period allowed to stay as a tourist or not allowing extensions.

So, still no tourist visa extensions for most foreign nationals in Peru.

Overstaying as a tourist in Peru

If your allowed time as a tourist in Peru is up, you either have to apply for a temporary or resident visa or leave the country. If you, however, decide to overstay, since January 1, 2025, a fine of S/ 5.35 (0.1% of an UIT) per overstayed day in 202 (S/ 5.15 per overstayed day in 2024) has to be paid when leaving the country.

Our article "Peruvian Overstay Fine for tourists" explains in detail the legal backgrounds of overstaying, consequences of overstaying, and how and where you can pay the overstay fine.

Peruvian Overstay Fine for tourists

Peruvian Overstay Fine for tourists

Legal Stuff
Tourists who stayed longer than the number of days they were given when they entered Peru must pay a fine when leaving the country. While this usua...

 

Please note: We from LimaEasy are not a Peruvian government agency, a public authority or (immigration) lawyers. All information is published to our best knowledge and should be seen as general guidance introducing you to Peruvian regulations and procedures. All information is subject to change, as regulations, requirements, and processes can change quickly without prior notice!

And if you find something wrong on this page, please help us to keep this guide as up to date as possible and contact us either below with a comment or use our contact form. Thank you!

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    Who needs a Visa for Peru or not – by country and the allowed length of stay
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  • This commment is unpublished.
    dylon
    dylon · 26/02/2022
    Hi I am Canadian and I have overstayed my stay of 90 days when can I return to peru 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 27/02/2022
      @dylon Hello Dylon,

      As Canadian you can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period. So, this means max. 3 months in Peru and at least 3 months out of Peru.

      Unfortunately, neither the Foreigner Law Decreto Legislativo 1350 nor its update Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN mention how many days someone who overstayed (and paid the fine for) must stay outside Peru before he or she is allowed to return.

      Depending on how long you overstayed, I personally would only return to Peru after 3 to 6 months. Otherwise, you might end up getting only a few days up to 30 days when re-entering.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Cora
    Cora · 21/02/2022
    Hi, I' from Germany and in Peru with the 90 days tourist visa. I want to stay longer and trying t consider my options right now. 

    1. If I overstay, will this have any effect on future entries for me? (I'm ok with paying a fine).
    2. If I leave Peru before the 90 day period is over and come back after 2 weeks, is it possible to get another 90 days?
    3. What other visa options are there? I heard about a work visa. Is it possible to get a visa like this within a month?

    Thank you so much for your help!

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 22/02/2022
      @Cora Hello Cora,

      Answer to point 1:

      As things stand today (this might change tomorrow, in a month, half a year or never), you usually don’t have any problems returning to Peru as tourist, if you haven’t overstayed your welcome before excessively and weren’t sanctioned with an entry ban. However, you might or might not get the full 90 days again.

      Answer to point 2:

      According to the law, as German, you are allowed to stay in Peru as a tourist for 90 days in a 180-day period. These 90 days can be consecutive or split up.

      If you leave Peru and try to re-enter the country before your 180-day period is over, two things can happen:
      - either the immigration officer you have to face doesn't bother and just let you in giving you another 90 days
      - or he/she is doing his/her job by the book and, if you haven't used your 90 days completely only gives you the remaining days or, if you already were in Peru for 90 days might give you a hard time (so be prepared for some discussion) and only allows you to return to Peru for a few days (I heard anything between 7 and 30 days; I never heard of anyone who was refused to enter).

      Be aware that you are not entitled to the full 90 days and as everywhere around the globe it’s up to the immigration officer, if you are allowed to enter at all and how many days, he/she allows you to stay.

      Answer to point 3:

      No, not a chance to get a work visa in one month if you aren’t on it already.

      The common, established and most successful way to get a work visa is being employed by a Peruvian company that sponsors the visa. So, you have to find a company offering you a contract which always was more than challenging, but today is even more difficult.

      Option 2 is to set up a company, then employ yourself as the general manager, get your contract approved by the Labor Ministry and apply for a work visa. Invest in a good notary who knows what he/she is doing, especially when foreigners are involved that want to use the company to get a visa.

      Third option is the "independent work visa" (trabajador independiente). This visa gives independent professionals (for example, freelancers) the right to work legally in Peru without being employed by a Peruvian company; however, a "service contract" with a Peruvian company has to be presented. So, here as well I can only recommend getting help, in this case, from of a knowledgeable immigration lawyer.

      To get an overview about finding a job in Peru, including the legal background and implications as well as applying for a work visa, have a look at our articles “Finding a job and working legally in Peru” and “Peruvian Work Visa”.

      Then there are of course other resident visa options such as for example a family visa (you have to be for example married to a Peruvian), a student visa (you have to be inscribed in a recognized university), retirement visa (you have to have a state or private pension or other benefits of at least US$ 1000 per month), visas for missionaries, artists, journalists, investors, …..

      You find all available resident visa options in the update of the foreigner law, starting with Article 71, page 29 of the pdf document) including requirements.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Soumya
    Soumya · 15/02/2022
    Hi,
    Me and my wife are Indian and entered Peru on Nov 2021. I came for work purpose. I have a visa validity of 180 days. The Peru embassy in India said that as my wife has a valid B2 American visa, she can enter Peru as a tourist and doesn't require any visa stamp and stay for 180 days. On arrival to Peru she got  90 days visa only which is about to expire in Feb 2022. We plan to stay  till May 2022 but I could not find any website to extend my wife's tourist visa.
    By going through the below threads I understood that extension is not possible for tourist visa and you have to pay fine of S/4.40 per day when you leave Peru.  But will there be any legal consequence/police criminal case if you overstay your visa validity?

    Also I applied for a Peru residency card for my work permit 2 months back (don't know when I will get it). Can I also apply for my wife's residency ?

    Thanks in advance.
    Soumya

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 15/02/2022
      @Soumya Hello Soumya,

      Indian passport holders have to apply for a visa, even for tourism purposes, before coming to Peru except those Indian nationals such as your wife who have a residency or another visa with a validity of at least 6 months in the US, Canada, Schengen area, UK and Australia. They can come to Peru visa-free and are allowed to stay up to 180 days - at least that is what the corresponding Supreme Decree 006-2017-RE and the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says.

      However, since Peru shortened the allowed time to stay as tourist for most nationalities, even those that are still allowed to stay 180 days (which are only passport holders of Mexico, Brazil and Chile as well as some Chinese and Indian nationals according to Supreme Decrees from 2016 and 2017) are only given the 90 days when entering. It seems that this is the new standard for everyone. Unfortunately, nothing can be done about it as it’s as everywhere around the globe at the discretion of the immigration officer if you are allowed to enter the country at all and how many days you can stay.

      And as far as I’m aware, even those nationals that are still allowed to stay the 180 days and only got 90 cannot extend their tourist visa anymore. However, in your case you might have a slight chance to somehow extend your wife’s stay as you already applied for a residency. So, it might be worth to check with Migraciones if anything can be done.

      Usually, your wife can only apply for her own residency, correctly change her immigration status (cambio de calidad migratoria, in your case to a family visa), when you got your resident card and when she is on a valid visa (for example tourist visa) in the country. On the other hand, if you are already leaving in May, it doesn’t make sense to go through the process of applying for a residency for your wife.

      So, as I fear Migraciones won’t offer any way for your wife to stay longer than the 90 days she got, the only option would be for her to overstay her tourist visa. While you should be aware that she is illegally in Peru as soon as her tourist visa expires, as things stand today (this might or most probably might not change) she doesn’t have to fear any consequences. She only has to pay S/ 4.60 (amount for 2022; S/ 4.40 for 2021) for each day she overstayed. Once the payment is done, she can leave Peru with no further bother.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Luca
      Luca · 15/02/2022
      @Sunflower Fantastic and detailed answer by Sunflower. I left 5 days ago with 60 days overstay and paid 60x4.60 276 soles fine. No further issues. I'm Italian. In your case from 🌻 response you should be able to extend your wife visa in theory but in practice they won't probably allow it.. the usual Peru. If you are only staying until May 2022 I wouldn't bother too much with anything else (although your wife will be illegal for 3 months)
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Soumya
      Soumya · 17/02/2022
      @Luca Thanks
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Soumya
      Soumya · 17/02/2022
      @Sunflower Thanks Eva for the clarification
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Steve
    Steve · 01/02/2022
    Hi Eva. Thank you so much for your thorough information.
    I'm a Chinese citizen with US visa so I was granted entrance without Peruvian visa. I entered the country on 17/nov/2021. The migration officer in the airport told me that I had 90 days and the andean card says the same. The question is, according to your country list, Chinese citizens with visa exemption can have up to 180 days in 365 days and the D. S. Nº 069-2016-RE even says we have up to 180 days within 6 months. How can I get my 180 days if the visa extension is not available at the moment?
    Thanks in advance.
    Steve
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 01/02/2022
      @Steve Hello Steve,

      Generally Chinese passport holder have to apply for a tourist visa at a Peruvian consulate before coming to Peru and can get up to 180 days in a 365-day period. Since 2016 however, those Chinese citizens, who have a permanent residency or a visa with a validity of at least 6 months for the USA, Canada, any country belonging to the Schengen area, UK or Australia, can travel visa-free to Peru for touristic purposes. According to the supreme decree from 2016, these Chinese citizens as well can get up to 180 days upon entry in a 365-day period.

      Back in 2016, many other nationalities including US or European passport holders as well could get this number of days in Peru as a tourist and till today this wasn’t changed in the foreigner law, but in 2019 to just up to 90 days in a 180-day period in the list of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE); the only exception are passport holders of Mexico, Brazil and Chile as well as Chinese and Indian nationals as described above who, according to the list, still can get up to 180 days.

      So, why didn’t you get the full 180 days?

      Option 1: The list on the official government wasn’t updated for a couple of years, so it might be outdated and/or they just forgot to change the number of allowed days for Chinese and Indian passport holders.

      Option 2: As nearly all nationalities are only allowed a max of 90 days including nationals from the US, whose resident you are (the reason you didn’t have to apply for a tourist visa before coming to Peru), I assume that immigration just gave you 90 days as appropriate for US nationals.

      Option 3: The foreigner law, the above-mentioned decree and the RREE list quite clearly state that tourists are allowed “up to” 90 or 180 days. So, you should be aware that you are not entitled to get the full 90 days or 180 days when entering. As everywhere around the globe. it’s at the discretion of the immigration officer if you are allowed to enter the country at all and how many days you can stay. He/she can give you 5 days, 6 weeks or 3 months, and there is nothing you can do about it.

      And sorry, as mentioned above, there is no “my 180 days”. As there are no extensions of tourist visas / authorizations to enter as a tourist any more, your only options are to either leave when you 3 months are up (so latest February, 15, 2022) or overstay your welcome and pay a fine of S/ 4.60 per day you overstayed when leaving.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Steve
      Steve · 02/02/2022
      @Sunflower Thank you so much Eva!
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Bobbi
    Bobbi · 25/01/2022
    Hi there. I am here with my granddaughter and I was over 2 years on my visa the december prior to covid, so dec 2017, and yes we are still here, but planning to leave in the next few months. I am being told that my 9 year old granddaughter is no obligated to pay, but I am; and this could be negotiated or request a decrease in the amount owed. Can you tell me more about how to proceed with this. I know that I need to wait until I actually have a return ticket before doing anything. Will still be banned from returning for a period of time if I find a way to pay the fees, as I am if I don't pay the fees. 
    Thanks in advance for your response.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 25/01/2022
      @Bobbi
      Hello Bobbi,

      You are in Peru since December 2017? Assuming you got 183 days when entering, you could have stayed until June 2018 and since then have to pay overstay fees:

      - June 2018 - December 2018: S/ 4.15 per day
      - January 2019 - December 2019: S/ 4.20 per day
      - January 2020 - March 16, 2020 when all borders were closed and all international travel was suspended: S/ 4.30 per day
      - March 17, 2020 - August 19, 2021: nothing as overstay fees were waved due to the state of emergency and travel restrictions
      - August 20, 2021 - December 2021: S/ 4.40 per day
      - January 2022 - day you leave (2022): S/. 4.60 per day

      So, now using the exact date you entered, the days you got and the date you will leave, you can calculate yourself how much you have to pay. Not knowing your exact dates, you are now at an estimated S/ 3300 - S/ 3500. The good news: your granddaughter doesn't have to pay (see attached screenshot from the Decreto Legislativo 1350, page 16, article 66; as far as I know, this wasn't changed in the updated version Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN).

      Usually, the overstay fee is paid when leaving the country at the airport (or border). By the way, you can NOT leave Peru without having paid! After check-in and security check you proceed as everyone else to immigrations. There your overstay fee is calculated and you get a piece of paper with the amount you have to pay. With this, you pay at the Banco de la Nacion branch at the airport, return to immigrations and are free to leave. As this might take a while in your case and the immigration officer you have to deal with knows that you have to catch your flight, it might be wise to be there more than early, giving you enough time to negotiate a reduction of the fees.

      To avoid having to discuss at the airport you can (at least before Covid could) pay a Migraciones office a visit a week or two before your planned departure, present your case and a flight ticket out of the country, negotiate a "discount" and even discuss if a ban to re-enter the country is really necessary. After having paid at a Banco de la Nacion branch or on pagalo.pe under the Migraciones administrative procedure 00675-Multa Extranjeros - Exceso Permanencia (Por Día) and the concepto Multa Ext.- Exceso Permanencia (por día) UIT 2018 / 2019 / 2020 / 2021 / 2022 you would get a permit to leave.

      However, you can't show up at Migraciones anymore and nearly everything is done through the Agencia Digital. I'm not sure which tramite is the right one in your case, but assume (!!!!!) it's the "Solicitud de reconsideracion del procedimiento sancionador" under "Solicitudes en general" in the Mesa de Partes virtual. This tramite might be wrong as it's usually used when you already got a fine and request Migraciones to reconsider. But I couldn't find anything that would fit better to your case. Sorry.

      Anyway, personally, I would try to call Migraciones or use their chat function on the Agencia Digital (bottom right corner) and ask how you best proceed.

      Greetings
      Eva

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Bobbi
      Bobbi · 25/01/2022
      @Sunflower Thank you immensely for all of this information.

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 25/01/2022
      @Bobbi
      Your are more than welcome. And if you left Peru would you please share your experience. This might be helpful for others.

      All the best for you and your granddaugter.

      Eva

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Bobbi
      Bobbi · 25/01/2022
      @Sunflower Gladly Eva!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Steven
      Steven · 17/02/2022
      @Bobbi I think I depends who the immigration officer is, even after paying your fine, one may allow you back into Peru and another could give you a year ban. 
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Delta
    Delta · 14/01/2022
    Hi.  I am in Los Organos n have a house here.  I was only given a 90 day visa when I arrived in November 2021.  Is there a way I can renew my visa online?  Or do I need to go to Piura to renew it?  I really don't want to travel to Piura n what if they refuse to extend my visa?  
    Are they allowing residency visas online?  Thx for any help to sort through this!  
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 14/01/2022
      @Delta
      Hello Delta,

      Not sure where you are from, but you were given the maximum allowed days on a tourist visa for most nationalities which is 90 days in a 180-day period. At the moment tourist visa extensions aren't possible, so trying is a waste of time.

      And yes, you can apply for a residence visa online through the Agencia Digital. Have a look at our visa overview page under "Peruvian resident visas". By clicking on the links of the different visas (work, family, retirement, religious, student) you get a page with detailed information including requirements and a walk-through through the process for each resident visa type.

      But be aware that you will need the Ficha de Canje (for that you have to get to the Interpol office in Piura) and a police clearance certificate, criminal record and judicial matters check issued in your home country for the application of every resident visa.

      So, it might not be that easy to extend your stay in Peru. Sorry.

      Other option is to overstay your welcome and pay the fine when leaving, which I can't and won't recommend; or, after your allowed 90 days in Peru leave and immediately return. As you haven't stayed the necessary 90 days outside Peru to end your 180-day period, the immigration officer you have to face might only give you a few days (I heard anything between 7 and 30 days but if you are lucky even a full 90 days). Be aware that he or she has the right to deny entry, but I never heard of that happening.

      Greetings
      Eva

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Delta
      Delta · 14/01/2022
      @Sunflower Hello Eva.  Thanks for the quick response.   I am a Canadian.  They're not giving out 180-day visas any longer, nor extending visas for another 90days, that's too bad, for me.  Have you ever heard of anyone being refused entry into Peru after overstaying on their visas n paying the fine upon exit?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Delta
      Delta · 14/01/2022
      @Sunflower Also, do you know what are the requirements for Peru once you get a resident visa? ie driver's licences? taxes? Thanks!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 14/01/2022
      @Delta
      No, I don't. As things stand today, you don't have to fear any consequences. However, be aware that you are illegal in the country as soon as your tourist visa expires and that rules and regulations might change without notice.

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 14/01/2022
      @Delta
      For the requirements and a walk-through through the process of obtaining a Peruvian driver's license have a look at our article "Driver's license in Peru".

      Taxes is a wide field and one of the few areas I only have basic knowledge about. For accurate information you should contact someone who knows exactly what he or she is talking about, especially as there are many variables. The responsible authority is SUNAT.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Nick
    Nick · 11/01/2022
    Hello, I'm trying to figure out how many days they gave me when I arrived. I've filled out the form on the Agencia digital about 30 times and it keeps doing the same thing. It says "welcome" and my name and then I click OK and nothing happens. I had the same experience when I tried to preregister before arriving and I just gave up. I'm in Mancora right now, do you know if I can go to the migraciones in Tumbes or Piura and ask them in person?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 11/01/2022
      @Nick
      Hello Nick,

      yes, checking your TAM virtual which should give you info on how long you can stay, on the Agencia Digital doesn't seem to work properly.

      And yes, you should be able to visit a Migraciones office and ask in person. However, be prepared that the "security" guy at the entrance might try getting rid of you and won't let you enter. So, you might have to be insistent and tell him that checking online doesn't work.

      Other option, before going there in vain, is entering the Agencia Digital, filling in the necessary data on the first page and, when I remember correctly, somewhere on the bottom or top - sorry, the Agencia website doesn't load at the moment -  there is an option to send a mail. Or just call and see, if you can get an answer.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Nick
      Nick · 11/01/2022
      @Sunflower Thank you for your swift reply, I had another question, if I have already overstayed do I pay the fine at the airport or do I need to go to a bank or something? The reason I am asking is I'm trying to figure out how early I should show up if I need to leave the airport find the bank and come back.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 11/01/2022
      @Nick
      If you overstayed and are flying out of Peru, just proceed to the immigration counters at the airport. There they will tell you how much you have to pay, usually give you a piece of paper and send you to the counter of the Banco de la Nacion at the airport where you pay your fine (just recently someone told me that he could pay at immigrations which sounds strange as all fees and fines in Peru must be paid at the Banco de la Nacion.

      If you are crossing a land border you first have to see immigrations, get the exact amount and then have to go to a nearby Banco de la Nacion which is only open during normal banking hours.

      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    daniel d.
    daniel d. · 02/01/2022
    greetins..hola..and a question if can answer as soon as possible.

    on a passport/US entered peru on July 7th, 2021 (with 90 day document). exited on January 1st, 2022 (177 days). migration officer stated to go "caja". 

    Paid 190 soles ($48). brought back to migration officer. the migration officer (I did ask/by a letter). I asked if I could exit and come back again. I said "next week". he said "tomorrow, if you want". (english was rather good). 

    do not want to waste a fight ticket...sounds appropriate/valid?

    daniel


    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 02/01/2022
      @daniel d.
      Hello Daniel,

      no, this doesn't sound valid, but we are in Peru ....

      The law clearly states that most nationalities, including US passport holders, can stay in Peru as tourists 90 days in a 180-day period; so, 3 months in Peru, 3 months out of Peru.

      When you entered in July Peru still had an exceptional regulation in place intended for tourists who were stuck in Peru during the lockdown and in times when there were no or only limited flights. This was lifted on August, 20.  So your 90 days started in August and you should have left by November 18. You however overstayed and paid the fee for staying 43 days longer than allowed. Your 180-day period, calculated from August 20 only ends on February 16; so by law that's the earliest you can re-enter Peru.

      However, if you return earlier, there are two options: the immigration officer you have to face doesn't bother and just gives you another 90 days; or he/she does his/her job by the book and either denies you to enter Peru (never heard of this happening) or only gives you a few days. From people getting in contact with me here and who are in the same situation as you, I heard that they were given between 7 and 30 days when re-entering Peru before their 180-days period was over.

      So, its a bit of a gamble.

      Greetings
      Eva



  • This commment is unpublished.
    daniel
    daniel · 27/12/2021
    good afternoon,

    on nov.11th i arrived peru (german passport) 
    at the immigration i was asked how many days iam appr.planning to stay in peru!
    i told them that my return flight will be 81days after! so i was sure they ll gonna give me the 90days (since that is the rule)

    some minutes later i found out,that there is no stamp and even later i found out that its all digitial (TAM VIRTUAL) 
    iam actually qu
    but just recently i found out about the migraciones/tam virtual webpage via your webpage

    iam just about to fill it out,but iam wondering what i need to insert here:

    "ultimo movimiento migratorio" 
    do i need to insert the date of my arrival in peru?

    or is it maybe the wrong link?

    i just wanna find out if i got the 90days,thats all!


    so its a 100% thing that iam not able to extend my 90days here in peru?
    i dont wanna do the overstay,thats for sure!


    greetings,
    Daniel 


    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 27/12/2021
      @daniel
      Hello Daniel,

      Yes, for over a year now passports aren't stamped anymore and unfortunately you won't get anything in writing on how long you can stay. And yes, you are right that you have to check your TAM virtual to find out if you really got the 90 days. This is done on the Agencia Digital. The "ultimo movimiento migratorio" on the first page there is - as you assumed correctly - the date of your arrival in Peru. You can find more info on the TAM and the TAM virtual and how to check it in our Glossary.

      And yes, right now there seems to be no way to extend your stay in Peru.

      Have a nice stay in Peru.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      daniel
      daniel · 27/12/2021
      @Sunflower thx for the infos!
      i just inserted everything correctly and iam not able to see anything regarding my 90days...when i click on "finalizar" nothing happens!

      seems a bit complicated ! ;)
      or maybe iam just in the wrong category
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 28/12/2021
      @daniel
      If you entered the Agencia Digital, clicked on "Consultas en linea" and then chose "TAM virtual" and "personal" you are exactly where the system should show you a page with your personal data, the date you entered Peru and the time you are allowed to stay. Nothing you can do wrong. So, probably the system once again doesn't work correctly.

      Personally I wouldn't worry to much if I got the 90 days. If you haven't stayed excessive periods of time in Peru before, haven't overstayed your welcome before and didn't re-enter before a previous 180-day period was over, then you should have gotten your 90 days. However, be aware that when you come to Peru you have no right to the full 90 days (there is no rule that you are entitled to 90 days; the law actually says the max is 90 days in a 180-day period). It's always up to the immigration officer how many days he or she allows you to stay.

      If you want to make sure you got your 90 days, you can try and call Migraciones or send them a mail which is possible somewhere through the Agencia Digital (the page doesn't load at the moment, so I can't tell you where the button is, but when I remember correctly it should be somewhere on the bottom right corner of the page or at the top.

      Have a nice day
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      daniel
      daniel · 28/12/2021
      @Sunflower hi eva,
      thx again for the detailed infos! i will try it one more time!
      actually i sent them an email before,but i dont think i will ever get any respond ;)


    • This commment is unpublished.
      daniel
      daniel · 28/12/2021
      @Sunflower seems to not work for me...once i ll push
      "finalizar"button nothings gonna show up ;)
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jul
    Jul · 19/12/2021
    Hi everyone,
    I wanted to share my experience. I arrived early August, left last week of November, paid a fee and came back early December. Clearly they told me I already did 110 days and gave me 1 month more. I really don't know what to do, but I can't leave that's for sure. I don't mind paying the fee at all I just fear other consequences. Anyone in my case? Thank you all, have a beautiful sunday :-)
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 20/12/2021
      @Jul
      Unfortunately there is not a lot you can do. Most nationalities can stay in Peru for up to 90 days in a 180-day period as tourists. So, you are allowed to stay for 3 months within half a year, which you already did. In my opinion you can be happy that they let you enter and gave you another month.

      There is no tourist visa extension at the moment and even if the extension was possible, you already used your days. So, now your only option is to overstay your welcome; something I can't and won't recommend for numerous reasons.

      As things stand today (that might change any time) you don't have to fear any consequences, just pay the overstay fee when you finally leave. However, Migraciones is now able to see all your entry, exits and overstays and might give you trouble when trying to re-enter again before your 180-day period is completely over (honestly I don't know how they calculate this now, as you entered during your first one).

      Anyway if you plan to stay longer in Peru you should consider applying for a residency.

      Happy holidays
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Jul
      Jul · 20/12/2021
      @Sunflower Thanks Eva, as you say i better stay in peru and not leave until i am sure :-)

      Happy holidays to you too!!!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Jul
      Jul · 15/02/2022
      @Sunflower Hi Eva, Hope you are well! I tried TAM virtual but once i reached step 2 'resumen' and click on 'finalizar' nothing happen - does it work ?  also what are the prerequisites to apply for a residency - where can i find easily this info ? Thanks :-)
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 15/02/2022
      @Jul
      Hi Jul,

      As with so many other things in Peru, for some people checking the TAM on the Migraciones website works, for others on the Agencia Digital and for others nothing works. Check out our article "How" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.limaeasy.com/peru-guide/legal-stuff/how-many-days-did-i-get-when-entering-peru">How many days did I get when entering Peru?" and work through Option 1 to 4. Hopefully, one will work.

      Then the requirements for a residency depend on which resident visa you want to apply for. So, if you apply for a family visa you will need other documents than if you apply for a work, investment or retirement visa. So, you might want to check out our Visa" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.limaeasy.com/peru-guide/peruvian-visa-types">Visa Guide where we described the 5 most common resident visas in Peru including exact requirements and how to apply.

      Be however aware that you can only apply for a resident visa - correctly change your immigration status (cambio de calidad migratoria) - when you are in Peru on a valid visa (for example a tourist visa / authorization to enter as tourist). Be aware as well that no matter which resident visa you apply for since mid last year, you always need a criminal background check from your country of origin.

      Greetings
      Eva

  • This commment is unpublished.
    Suzy
    Suzy · 15/12/2021
    Hello, 
    I arrived to Peru 30/07/2021. As it was impossible to extent my tourist visa I left 19/11/2021.I had to pay 8 soles when leaving Peru. They calculated my stay from 20/08/2021.I am in Argentina now. I would like to return to Peru 30/12/2021. My immigration lawyer says it is possible. But I am not sure, because of the 90/180-day regulation. what do you think?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 15/12/2021
      @Suzy
      Hello Suzy,

      I can't answer your question. Not sure how your immigration lawyer comes to the conclusion that you can return to Peru. The law clearly states that most foreigners are allowed to stay 90 days in a 180 day period. As immigrations in Peru calculated from August 20 your 180 day period would end on February 16 or if you calculate from your actual entry in July, it would end on January 26.

      However, most probably you won't have any problems returning to Peru at the end of December; but no-one can guarantee that. You might face an immigration official you works strictly by the law and who might give you a hard time.

      Personally I think that the chances are high that you are allowed entry, but, just be be prepared, expect to explain yourself or to do same soft-soaping.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Suzy
      Suzy · 21/12/2021
      @Sunflower Thanks Eva. Happy Holidays!:-)
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 22/12/2021
      @Suzy
      Hi Suzy,

      just check out the comment from Jul above this one. She tried to enter before her 180-day-period was over. And she was allowed to enter but only got 1 month.

      Happy holidays and all the best

      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Richard
    Richard · 09/12/2021
    Hello

    I arrived in Peru from the UK in mid October, meaning my tourist allowance will expire in the middle of January. However, I'm also married to a Peruvian national and my wife is expecting to give birth here in the next few weeks, so I would ideally like to stay until March. As I understand it to apply for a family visa I would need a police clearance certificate but wasn't aware of that before I travelled out here. Is there still no way of extending the tourist visa or is it possible the authorities would show any flexibility given the circumstances? 

    My other question is what might be the consequences the next time I return to Peru if I stay beyond the 90 day period and simply pay the fine when I leave? Am I likely to encounter any problems the next time I come to Peru?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 09/12/2021
      @Richard
      Hello Richard,

      As far as I'm aware the extension of tourist visas is not possible at the moment. And there seems to be no way to get Migraciones to extend tourist visas no matter the circumstances. The online extension form on the website and on the Agencia Digital doesn't work, however you can always try visiting the Migraciones office, but I fear they just send you away and suggest to apply for a family visa.

      So, the only option is to overstay, something I never recommend. As things stand today you just have to pay the overstay fee when leaving, don't have to fear any other consequences and don't have problems when returning. If this practice will change in the next months I don't know.

      Greetings
      Eva


  • This commment is unpublished.
    Luca
    Luca · 17/11/2021
    Hello again,

    I'm back for a new hopefully simple question:
    my 3 months will expire mid December and I have already decided to spend the Christmas here and leave Peru in January and pay the fine.
    However, I would like to visit Arequipa for a few days before leaving the country (but after my 3 months are expired). Do you know if I could face issues with taking a domestic flight with an "expired visa"?
    Thanks in advance
    Luca
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 17/11/2021
      @Luca
      Good morning,

      Your question might sound simple, but as so often in Peru, the answer to that isn't.

      Anyway, before Covid airlines and officials at the airport only manually checked the passports or IDs (and then only the page with the photo) of passengers on national flights and in rare cases the TAM. I don't know if this changed and if they now scan the passports of foreigners as the TAM is no longer a piece of paper but an entry in a database.

      If they scan the passport, then the system would immediately show that your "tourist visa" is already expired. Then either nothing happens, and they just let you board or you might be in trouble, which you might or not be able to solve by soft-soaping and showing a return flight / flight out of the country. So, in my opinion, it's a gamble. 

      Personally, I wouldn't take the risk and either take a bus (be aware that since November 15 everyone over the age of 45 has to be vaccinated) or fly before your "tourist visa" expires. On the way back from Arequipa to Lima, you shouldn't have a problem, as you can always tell the immigration officers that you are on your way out of the country.

      Greetings
      Eva

  • This commment is unpublished.
    Olimpia Argueta
    Olimpia Argueta · 04/11/2021
    Hello ! Thank you for posting this information. 

    Im an American. I entered Peru July 2021 and I was told there was no time limit on how long I could stay because Peru was in a state of Emergency . I asked for a specific time to clarify he said “I guess 180 days ?” 

    So now, I’m wanting to stay here permanently but I’m not sure what will happen if I leave the country. Will I be denied entry or will my time start again and will I get another 90 days ? 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 05/11/2021
      @Olimpia Argueta
      Hello,

      Yes, in July, Peru was still in a state of emergency and back then the time you could stay on a tourist visa was literally on hold. However, despite still being in a state of emergency, this changed a month later. On August 20, the clock for tourists (and residents with an expired residency) started ticking again.

      So, the first thing you have to check is how many days you got when entering Peru (as US citizen it should be 90 days, but probably you are lucky and they gave you 180 days). You can find this info in your TAM virtual.

      If your tourist visa is still valid and you want to stay permanently in Peru, you should immediately start with the application process for a resident visa.

      If your tourist visa is already expired, you have two options:

      - Apply for a residence visa; usually you have to be in Peru on a valid visa to do so, but at the moment there is a special program in place that foreigners on expired visas can “regulate” their immigration status (Procedimiento para regularizar la situacion migratoria de extranjeros)

      - Leave Peru; if your tourist visa is already expired, you have to pay S/ 4.40 for each day you overstayed before leaving.

      According to the Peruvian law, you are allowed to stay as tourist 90 days (3 months) in a 180-day (6-month) period. So, this means 3 months in Peru, 3 months out of Peru. So, right now, you already stayed at least 3 months and, according to the law, you have to stay 3 months out of Peru before you can re-enter.

      However, in Peru, sometimes the reality may differ from the law. So, if you leave and return to Peru before the 6-month period is over, you might have to face an immigration officer doing his job according to the law, denying you entry or just giving you a few days to arrange matters; or you are lucky and the immigration officer doesn’t bother and just allows you another 90 days. It’s a gamble.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Olimpia Argueta
      Olimpia Argueta · 06/11/2021
      @Sunflower Thank you!  This is very helpful! Just to clarify does the “clock start ticking” from the date I entered or starting August 20th to today ? 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 06/11/2021
      @Olimpia Argueta
      Just for clarification, the exceptional regulation was intended for tourists who were stuck in Peru during the lockdown and in times when there were no or only limited flights. The days they got when entering Peru counted down normally, however, in case their tourist visa expired during this time and they couldn't leave Peru, they wouldn't have to fear any consequences and wouldn't have to pay any overstay fees when being able to leave. For them the clock started ticking again in August, as they either had to leave latest the 20th of August, or pay overstay fees for every day they stayed longer than the 20th of August , or apply for a residence visa.

      Having read the announcements from Migraciones, the exceptional regulation doesn't apply to you. You entered in July and when the exceptional regulation was withdrawn your tourist visa was still valid. The days you got are counted from your date of entry.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    vane
    vane · 20/10/2021
    What else are the consequences to over stay in Peru besides of paying the 1.50$ fine per day. I over stay already for 2months. How long can I stay back home on my country to come back again here in Peru? 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 20/10/2021
      @vane
      At the moment, the fee for overstaying your welcome in Peru is S/ 4.40 per day you overstayed. Having paid the fee in full, you usually can leave Peru with no further consequences. However, there have been some rare cases where foreigners having overstayed excessively or having been involved in criminal activity were deported and sanctioned with a re-entry ban. As you never know what happens, if some laws change or if Migraciones adopts a hard line against illegals, we can only recommend to be in Peru on a valid visa.  

      How long you have to stay outside Peru before you can re-enter depends on your nationality. Most foreign nationals can stay 90 days in a 180-day period; meaning 3 months in Peru and 3 months out of Peru.

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