When planning a trip to Peru, eventually bureaucratic and visa related matters come to mind. As finding detailed and up-to-date information on this topic can be challenging, we put together comprehensive information and advice on all Peruvian tourist visa issues that might pop up.
Nationals of some countries need a tourist visa and have to apply for it at a Peruvian consulate before coming to Peru; see PDF under attachments at the end of this really long article to find out if you have to apply for a tourist visa.
Nationals of other countries can travel visa-free to Peru and receive a "temporary authorization to enter and stay as a tourist for a certain time" (sounds fancy but since the end of May 2023 it's nothing more than an entry in the Migraciones database) at the Peruvian border or airport upon entry.
Most nationalities that can travel visa-free to Peru are allowed to stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period for touristic, recreational or health purposes (see attached PDF at the end of this really long article to find out if you can enter Peru visa-free and how long you can stay).
Peruvian tourist visas issued at a consulate can be single entry or multiple entry visas; The "temporary authorizations" for those who can travel to peru visa-free are single entry.
All visitors coming to Peru need a passport with at least 2 free pages in the visa section that is valid for at least another 6 months upon arrival.
As in nearly all countries around the globe, foreigners are not allowed to work in Peru or receive a remuneration for any kind of professional activity in Peru while being in the country on a tourist visa / temporary authorization to enter as a tourist.
Tourists can only sign legally binding documents (work contract, sworn statement needed, for example, for changing your immigration status, car or apartment purchase, marriage license, ...) with a so called "Permiso para firmar contratos".
Extensions of tourist visas / authorizations to enter as a tourist are not possible anymore
Do I need a visa to enter Peru as a tourist?
Peru is a very welcoming country that signed agreements with many countries, allowing the citizens to travel visa-free to Peru for tourism. Citizens of below mentioned countries do not have to apply for a tourist visa at a Peruvian embassy or consulate before coming to the county. They only need a passport with at least 2 free pages in the visa section that is valid for at least another 6 months upon arrival to get a “temporary authorization to enter and stay as a tourist for a certain time” (sounds great, but today is just an entry in the Migraciones database) directly at the immigration control at the airport or border. For a more detailed listing, please have a look at our PDF "Visas for Peru by country and allowed length of stay" at the end of this very long article for clarification.This PDF is an English translation of the original from the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs which can be found here.
Following nationals do not need a tourist visa for Peru
South America: Citizens of all South American countries except Venezuela
Central America: Citizens of most Central American countries (exception Cuba, El Salvador, Haiti and Nicaragua)
North America: Citizens of the United States, Canada and Mexico
Europe: Citizens of all countries within the European Union and Switzerland
Africa: Citizens of South Africa
Asia: Citizens of Brunei, Indonesia, Israel, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand; some citizens of China and India: according to a supreme decree from September 2016 Chinese citizens and according to a supreme decree from March 2017 Indian citizens with a permanent (!) residence visa 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 to Peru visa-free; other Chinese and Indian nationals still have to apply for a tourist visa at a Peruvian embassy or consulate!
Oceania: Citizens of Australia and New Zealand
How and where to apply for a Peruvian tourist visa
As already mentioned above, citizens of some countries need a visa even for touristic and recreational purposes (please have a look at our PDF "Visas for Peru by country and allowed length of stay" at the end of this very long article for clarification.). As Peru doesn’t offer online visa applications, these nationals have to apply for a tourist visa at a Peruvian diplomatic mission that has jurisdiction over their domicile or country of residence.
Requirements for the tourist visa application at a Peruvian Consulate
Required documents to apply for a tourist visa include, but may not be restricted to:
Application form
Valid passport
Round-trip ticket
Hotel reservation, tourist package reservation or invitation letter
Proof of sufficient funds
Passport photos
Proof of legal residency in the area or country under the consulates jurisdiction
Receipt for paid application fee
Please be aware that the consulate, where you apply, will invite you to a personal interview.
On the website of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE) you find a world map showing all Peruvian consulates abroad. Just click on a marker and the address, phone number, e-mail and - if available - website of the consulate appears.
There is no Peruvian embassy or consulate in my country. Where do I apply?
Especially in Africa and Asia, where the residents of most countries still have to apply for a tourist visa, Peruvian consulates are scarce, website aren’t up-to-date and e-mails often aren't answered. So, finding the correct consulate, getting information and applying for the visa can be quite a challenge. The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs unfortunately doesn't consistently publish which consulates have jurisdiction over which regions/countries. Therefore, if there is no Peruvian consulate in your country of residence, the only way to find out where and how to apply for a visa is by getting in contact with the nearest Peruvian diplomatic mission (which sometimes isn’t near at all) and ask if they are in charge or know who is.
How long can I stay in Peru as a tourist?
In March 2017, a new Peruvian Immigration Law (Decreto Legislativo 1350) went into effect, allowing tourists who can travel visa-free to Peru for touristic, recreational or health purposes to stay for a maximum of 183 days within a 365-day period. Shortly afterwards, the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs excluded Schengen States nationals from this general rule, allowing them only to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Then, in June 2019, a new publication of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE) eliminated the general 183 days in a 365-day period granted by the immigration law for most nationalities.
Today, most nationalities who don’t have to apply for a tourist visa before coming to Peru are only allowed up to 90 days in a 180-day period; the 180-day period isn't per half year from January to June or July to December but calculated from your first entry.
Brazilian, Chilean, and Mexican nationals as well as those Chinese and Indian passport holders with 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, who are still allowed visa-free up to 180 days should know that Peruvian immigration often only gives them 90 days as well upon entry.
In case you have to apply for a tourist visa before coming to Peru, it’s up to the consulate to decide the number of days you can visit the country. Be aware that even if the consulate issued a 180-day tourist visa, often immigration officers only give you 90 days when you enter.
While you generally can expect to get the full days allowed (if you haven’t overstayed your welcome before excessively or if you haven’t been in Peru before and now try to re-enter the country before your 180-day period is over), you should be aware that you aren't entitled to getting the full 90 (or 180) days. As everywhere around the globe, it’s at the discretion of the immigration officer if he or she lets you enter at all and how many days you are allowed to stay.
Please see our PDF " Visas for Peru by country and allowed length of stay" at the end of this very long article to find out if you need a visa to enter Peru or if you can travel visa-free and how long you can stay - this PDF is an English translation of the original from the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs which can be found here.
Entering Peru
With the introduction of the new Immigration Law in 2017 and progressive digitalization, especially during Covid times, entering Peru today is a quite easy, seemingly organized and at least for now quick process.
Requirements
After a complete shutdown, Peru re-opened the country for international air travel in October 2020. Land borders only re-opened in mid-February 2022.
Finally, on November 1, 2022, the State of Emergency in Peru was lifted and all Covid entry requirements as well as all other regulations and restrictions that were in place to avoid the spreading of Covid were repealed.
So, entering Peru is back to "normal" and you just need your passport with at least 2 free pages in the visa section that is valid for at least another 6 months upon arrival and, if you have to apply for a tourist visa before coming to Peru, your visa stamp.
Entry process
After leaving the plane (or at the border), just follow the flow to the immigration control; note: at the beginning of 2023, automated passport control machines were finally put into operations, but for the moment are reserved for Peruvian passport holders.
At immigration control just present your passport (which should have at least 2 free pages in the visa section and must be valid for at least another 6 months upon arrival).
While during the height of the Corona pandemic Peru eliminated the stamping of passports when entering the country, in May 2022 the entry stamp was re-introduced just to eliminate it again at the end of May 2023 for those entering Peru on international flights; and, unfortunately, this time it seems for good.
So, your entry and the number of days you got is just automatically registered and nothing more than an entry in the Migraciones database. Now tourist once again don't have anything in writing on how long they are allowed to stay as a tourist.
So, to find out how long you can be in Peru as a tourist, you must ask the immigration officer and, if you want to have a confirmation "in writing" or need proof when you entered or left the country, you have to check online. Our article "How many days did I get when entering Peru?" explains how it's done
While during the height of the Corona pandemic Peru eliminated the stamping of passports when entering the country, in May 2022 the entry stamp was...
Once you are finished at the immigration counter, proceed to the baggage carousel and claim your luggage.
Clearing customs
Since June 2022, the good old customs declaration form has served its time and was replaced by the App "Bienvenido al Perú" which is available on iOS and Android and in short details which items have or haven’t to be declared. So, if you have something to declare, download the App, fill in required fields and once in Peru proceed to the customs counters at your point of entry.
Peruvian customs urges travelers to know and comply with Peruvian customs regulations. So, it's up to you to inform yourself. Our article “What you can & can’t bring into Peru” helps with this.
When travelling to a foreign country it’s always a good idea to know which items you can bring with no problems, and which ones you better leave at...
If you have nothing to declare, you don’t have to do anything. Clear immigration, get your luggage and proceed to the exit.
If you have something to declare, download the App "Bienvenido al Perú", follow the instructions and fill in the form within 48h prior to your arrival in Peru. Once in Peru, proceed to the customs counters at your point of entry.
If you carry more than US$ 10,000, download the App "Bienvenido al Perú", follow the instructions and fill in the form within 48h prior to your arrival in Peru. Once in Peru, proceed to the customs counters at your point of entry.
We highly recommend to be honest, as failing to declare taxable or dutiable items can result in fines of 50% of the custom value of the items if caught; failing to declare currency over US$ 10,000 results in a 30% fine on the amount you carry with you.
Before you can leave the airport, you and your luggage are scanned and you might be asked to follow an official for a thorough check of your luggage.
You made it! Welcome to Peru!
How many days did I get?
After not stamping passports during peak Corona times, in May 2022, tourists entering the country finally got an entry stamp again, making it easy to check how long they could stay in Peru.
Peruvian entry stamp 2022
Unfortunately, at the end of May 2023 Peru eliminated the entry stamp again for those entering Peru on international flights.
So now, the only way to find out how many days you are allowed to stay as a tourist in Peru, is to ask the immigration officer or, if you prefer a written confirmation check online. Our article “How many days did I get when entering Peru?” explains in detail the legal background and gives you options to check the number of days you are allowed to stay in Peru as a tourist.
For years, it wasn’t possible to extend your tourist visa / (for those who can travel visa free to Peru) once you entered Peru) temporary authoriza...
Expired Peruvian tourist visa
Like in any other country, we recommend respecting the rules and regulations here in Peru, including the time you are allowed to stay in the country as a tourist.
However, if you overstayed your stay as a tourist a few days, weeks or even months - at least for now - you rarely have to fear extreme consequences. When leaving Peru you just have to pay a fine of 0.1% of an UIT (S/ 4.95 in 2023) per day you overstayed. The fee must be paid before leaving the country. In our article "Peruvian Overstay fine for tourists" we explain the details
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...
Once the fine is paid, you can usually leave Peru with no reprisals.
Those having excessively overstayed their welcome (we are talking about many months or even years), however, might be additionally sanctioned with a re-entry ban for a certain time.
Border-hopping Peru
Between 2008 and 2017, border hopping was an easy and popular way to “renew” your tourist visa. Back then, the Peruvian foreigner law stated that visitors can enter Peru for touristic, recreational, or health purposes for 183 days. It however didn't mention if the 183 days were per year or per visit. So, many foreigners used this little gap in the old Peruvian immigration law to live in the country on a tourist visa. As soon as their visa was about to expire, they just crossed the border, stayed 5 minutes, a day or two, in one of Peru’s neighboring countries and returned asking immigrations for another 183 days. For years, this worked absolutely fine.
After the introduction of the new foreigner law (Decreto Legislativo 1350) in 2017 which rectified the loophole and the reduction of the time most nationalities can stay visa-free in Peru two years later, Peruvian border officials got stricter and increasingly applied the new rules giving foreigners only the back then allowed 90 or 183 days in a 180 days or 365 days period and didn’t let border-hoppers re-enter (or only for a few days) when they already stayed the maximum allowed time as visitor in the country.
Then in March 2020, Covid hit the country, borders were closed and Migraciones worked hard on digitalizing certain processes and procedures. Now, all entries and exits are saved in the Migraciones database and can be retrieved at all control points.
Since August 2021, travelers, who already stayed their allowed 90 days in a 180-day period, reported that when trying to re-enter the country at Lima’s airport before their 180-day period was over, that they were scolded and only given anything between 3 and 30 days. And according to reports from travelers who tried to re-enter Peru at a land border after already having stayed their 90 days, immigrations often only gave a few days up to a month. Others reported that they still got the full 90 days, however only if they haven't already stayed the max of 183 days in a year.
So, be aware that it's always at the discretion of the immigration officer and his/her evaluation of your situation how long you are allowed to stay in Peru.
One way or the other, the times of border-hopping seem to be over and foreigners wanting to stay longer in Peru should work on getting a "real" temporary visa (for example, a temporary work visa or a temporary student visa) or a residence visa. Our Visa Guide explains the most common temporary and residence visas including the legal background, requirements, necessary preparation work and a step-by-step application guide.
Do I need a return ticket when travelling to Peru?
Peruvian law requires that foreign visitors need a return or onward passage out of the country if they aren't residents, proving that they leave the country when the visa or temporary authorization to enter expires. But the law doesn't state that this return or onward passage must be an airline ticket; it could be anything proving that you leave Peru when the time comes.
When entering the country, Peruvian immigration officials hardly ever ask to see this proof. The ones executing above regulations are usually the airlines. As they could be held responsible and have to fly you back, if denied entry to Peru, most airlines require a return or onward flight ticket to even let you check-in to your flight to Peru.
So, if you plan to come to Peru on a one-way ticket, it’s best to check the requirements of your carrier. Some insist on a flight ticket showing that you leave the country, others accept a reservation for a return flight, a few are happy with a bus ticket and there are as well airlines that let you fly with just a one-way ticket.
If your airline requests a return or onward ticket, you could always make a reservation for one, print the confirmation, and then depending on the agency, you either don't pay it and let it expire or cancel it within a certain time. Other options include buying a fully refundable ticket or, more affordable, "renting" a ticket.
Can I work in Peru when on a tourist visa?
No!
A Peruvian tourist visa / temporary authorization for tourists allows entry for touristic, recreational, or health purposes only. Even though there are quite a few foreigners working in Peru for a Peruvian company on a tourist visa, Peruvian law explicitly prohibits to work in Peru for a Peruvian company or to receive a remuneration for any kind of professional activity in Peru while visiting the country as a tourist.
Can I study or do an internship in Peru on a tourist visa?
Generally no, sometimes yes.
For more information, please have a look at our detailed article "Peruvian Student Visa".
Foreigners planning to study at a Peruvian educational institution or to do an internship / apprenticeship (without payment!) at a Peruvian company...
Can I sign legally binding documents in Peru when on a tourist visa?
No!
Before signing a legally binding document (work contract, sworn statements, car or apartment purchase, marriage license, ...) tourists have to apply for a so called "Permiso para firmar contratos". Our article "Permit to sign contracts" explains in detail how it works and what you have to do.
While Peru has a volunteer visa, the so-called “visa cooperante” (cooperation visa), getting one is such a bureaucratic mess and in most cases not ...
!!! As visa and entry regulations can change quickly without prior notice, we highly recommend confirming current visa requirements with the nearest Peruvian embassy or consulate !!!
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Visas for Peru by country and allowed length of stay - October 2021 Who needs a Visa for Peru or not – by country and the allowed length of stay
not really sure what you are expecting and what additional information you are looking for.
As described above, foreigners can enter Peru as a tourist for touristic, recreational or health purposes. Attending business meetings or conference usually requires a business visa.
I entered through immigration today, and they informed me that US citizens are only allowed to stay in the country for 90 days per year. They’ve adopted a completely digital system now without stamping passports. Seems as though in the system I was flagged because I’ve stayed more than 90 days already. They allowed me to stay for two more weeks, but he basically told me the next time I come here they most likely will not let me re-enter. They recommended I go to the embassy and could easily apply to stay longer but I’m wondering what type of visa I can get to stay longer. I don’t plan on working here or volunteering here and I wasn’t planning to get married to a Peruvian for at least another few months..
Yes, as described above in the article the whole immigration process is digitalized now and stamping of passports was eliminated in May 2023 when entering Peru at Jorge Chavez International Airport.
Additionally, over the past year I heard from a few of our readers (and read on social media) that "according to some new law" or "according to some immigration officer" US passport holders are only allowed to stay as a tourist for up to 90 days per year. At least until now I couldn't find anything official in writing confirming this; no new law, no new regulation and no change of current laws, regulations and publications that stipulate this.
The rules are still the same. According to the Peruvian Foreigner Law, Decreto Supremo 1350 foreigners can stay in Peru as a tourist for 183 days per year. See Titulo IV, Capitulo I, article 29 h on page 60 of the document or screenshot below. However, already in June 2019, a publication of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE) limited or better divided the general 183 day per year to 90 days in a 180-day period.
So today, most nationalities who can travel to Peru visa-free, can stay 90 days in half a year. If you check the RREE publication under North America and United States it says 90 days (see on the Peruvian government website or screenshot below) Unfortunately, it doesn't say 90 days in a 180-day period but as well not 90 days in a 365-day period. But practice has shown that US passport holders can stay in Peru as a tourist for up to 90 days in a 180-day period and 180 days per year.
But no matter what any rule or regulation says, it's always at the discretion of the immigration officer you have to face if he/she allows you to enter, how he/she evaluates your case, and how long he/she allows you to stay. You are not entitled to get the full 90 days per half year or the full 183 days per year.
And, if you already stayed 90 days over the past six months or your max allowed 180 days over the past year, then you might not be allowed to enter or only get a few days. And if you overstayed your time in Peru before, then this will come up when your passport is checked and the immigration officer will evaluate your case differently.
Anyway, not knowing your circumstances, it's difficult to give advice. First of all, I don’t know why the immigration officer told you to go to the embassy. Sorry, they can’t do anything for you. Already since August 2021, Peruvian consulates do not issue temporary or residence visas (except for tourism and business) anymore.
So, if you plan to stay in Peru for over 183 days per year in the future, then you should apply for a residence visa, and this is done at Migraciones in Peru. But the options Peru offers don't seem to fit your lifestyle (family, work, student, religious, investment, retirement…) and honestly, I have no clue what the immigration officer meant when telling you that it's easy to apply for a visa allowing you to stay longer, because each visa has certain requirements that you must fulfill, which you seemingly cannot.
Another option could be to apply for the Permiso temporal de permanencia. It’s a temporary permit of residence allowing foreigners, who overstayed their time as a tourist in Peru to regularize their stay in the country and become legal. It’s really easy to get, valid for one year (after that you must either leave Peru or apply for a “real” residence visa) and you even can work when you have it. But one huge limitation is that you can only leave Peru with a special travel permit allowing you to be outside Peru for a max of 30 days, and you can only apply for it three times. So, not sure if this could be an option for you.
Honestly, without knowing more about your circumstances, the easiest would be to marry. But this is a process taking a few months and you must be legal in Peru to get married, get your marriage certificate and change your immigration status to, so apply for, a family visa.
@Sunflower Thanks for your quick replay and for your patience, I know you get a lot of repeat questions/scenarios.
A little more info, if we start the day count on January 1st. I was here for 56 form Jan-Jun and so from July to now I have been here 6 days. a total of 70 days
If we are doing a calendar year based on 1st Entry Sep 4th 2022. Then I have been here 116 day and never going over 58 days in a 180 day period.
Are they possible counting days that I have been giving for each entry visa instead of how many actually days I have been here?
Do you advise printing that document to show the officer or that will just make things worse? I guess If I am on a Sep-4th to Sep 4th calendar then things are about to rest and give me a new 90 days? After this trip I don't plan to return till Sep 20th.
Peru doesn't count in calendar years, but in 180-day periods or 365-day periods. A 180-day period isn't from January to June or from July to December and the 365-day period isn't from January to December. The period starts on the day of your first entry.
And no, only the days you actually stay in Peru are counted. You might want to check you TAM virtual to see if all entries and exits are registered correctly.
I know from quite a number of US nationals who stay in Peru as a tourist for two times 90 days without any problems. Until now I couldn't find out the reason why some US nationals, and here especially those who regularly enter, stay for a few weeks, leave and re-enter, are told that they can only stay 90 days per year.
I spent hours searching the internet for anything confirming this; in vain. I even got in contact with Migraciones in Peru and the General Consulate of Peru in Washington DC, both confirming that US nationals can stay up to a combined 180 days per year.
So, honestly I don't know what's going on. And as it's always up to the immigration officer there is really nothing I can do to clear up the situation. Sorry.
Anyway, if you entered for the first time on September 4, 2022, leave latest September 3, 2023 and haven't spent more than 180 days over this time, then when you enter Peru on September 20, 2023 a new 365-day period should start and you should be able to get another 90 days. But, as you were "warned" when you entered this time, I would come prepared.
Either have the stuff on your phone or print the article from the foreigner law and the RREE publication out. Additionally, I would get in contact with Migraciones (best use the chat on the Agencia Digital) and ask there how many days US nationals can stay in Peru as a tourist. As I just did that a few months ago, I'm sure you are told 180 or 183 days. Write down the date and name of the person you spoke to. Then I would contact a Peruvian consulate in the States by e-mail as well asking how long US nationals can stay in Peru as a tourist. Here as well, as I just did that a few months ago, I'm sure you get the same answer I did and that was 180 days per year. Print out the answer. In case the immigration officer gives you trouble again when you re-enter, I would show them your printouts and ask where you can find that US nationals can only stay 90 days per year as Migraciones, the consulate and official publications all say 180 days per year.
Having this conversation with an immigration officer is a balancing act as you are completely at his/her mercy. So, proceed with caution, be super friendly and respectful, tell them why you visit Peru frequently (girlfriend/fiancé) and ask for help understanding the rules and regulations so you can be united with your girlfriend for as long as possible.
I had a question if you didn’t mind. Long story short, I have entered Peru 7 times total since December 2021 and I normally use all of my 180 days a day here.
I am a U.S. citizen and some websites say US passport holders can enter 180 days out of a 365 day time period and others 90 out of 180 days. The first time I entered Peru was December 12, 2021 and I stayed for 3 months, went back to the US for 2 months, then stayed another 2 months in Peru so I was here 120 days out of 180 days and had no problems at all.
My new 180 days a year started on December 13th of 2022. I stayed here in Peru for 87 days then went back to the US then returned again 7 days before my 180 day mark from December 13, 2022. The migration officer told me that I only had one week here since I already used 83 out of the 180 days but she told me I am welcome to stay up to 90 days and pay the extra 72 days that I will be “overstaying” whenever I leave in August. After I went passed security, the migration supervisor apologized to me on her behalf and told me it’s not 90 out of 180 days but 180 out of 365 days for me since I’m a U.S. citizen.
My question is, when I leave Peru next month, will I need to pay for “overstaying” even when I am able to stay here for 180 days a year? Last year I stayed for 120 days in a 180 day time period and was completely fine, no questions asked but what the migration officer told me worried me since I always want to do things the right way. Also, even when I leave Peru, I will have only stayed around 160 days out of the 180 days I’m allowed per year so how would that be overstaying?
I understand people who stay over 183 days a year paying for over staying but mine will still be 3 weeks short of that. They also didn’t stamp my passport upon entry in June so I have no idea. If I do have to pay if this done when you’re at migrations leaving? And will I allowed back in in October for 20 days if they think I overstayed since it’s a new 180 day period? Thank you so much!
According to the Peruvian foreigner law, Decreto Supremo 1350, in general, foreigners can stay in Peru as a tourist for 183 days per year. What many sources, including some official ones, don’t mention is that a publication by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs limits or better divides these 183 days. US American passport holders as well as most other foreigners, who can travel to Peru visa-free, can be in Peru for 90 days in a 180-day period. As two times 90 days in two 180-day periods nearly equals the 183days in a year, there is no contradiction.
However, be aware that you don’t have a right to get the full 90 days or the full 183 days. It’s always at the discretion of the immigration officer if he/she let’s you enter the country and how many days he/she is willing to give you. Since Agust 2021, the maximum tourists get when entering the country is 90 days. But even if you’ve never been to Peru before, the immigration officer could just allow you to stay for a week or a month. It’s completely up to him/her.
Or if you already stayed 90 days in a 180-day period, leave the country and return before your 180-day period is over, it depends on the immigration and how he/she evaluates the situation. If he/she is doing his/her job by the book, you either won’t be allowed to enter or only get a week or month. Another immigration officer, however, evaluates the situation differently saying you haven’t stayed the full 183 days allowed per year and gives you another 60 days or 90 days.
No matter what any law or regulation says, the one in charge is the immigration officer and what he/she says and puts in the Migraciones data base counts.
And yes, stamping of passports was eliminated at the end of May 2023. The only way to confirm the number of days you got is checking online on the Migraciones website.
In case you get an error message and aren’t shown your entry, check out our article How many days did I get when entering Peru? There you find a detailed explanation about the topic including other ways to find out how many days you were given.
So, check your TAM virtual and see how many days you got when you entered on June 4 (hope my math is correct). Anyway, if you only got the 7 days, then you should have left on June 11. As you haven’t left, you are now “illegally”, the Peruvians call it irregular, in the country. And while this usually doesn’t have any severe consequences, there could be inconveniences or problems later as your overstaying is now registered in the Migraciones database. Especially if you come to Peru regularly and try to spend the maximum time allowed, it is not wise to overstay.
Anyway, when you leave, you will have to pay the overstay fine of S/ 4.95 per day you stayed after June 11. You can pay the fine at the airport (the counter is located just opposite the immigration counters) or before you leave at a Banco de la Nacion branch or on pagalo.pe. Our article Peruvian overstay fine for tourists explains in detail everything you should know about overstaying including the consequences, where and how to pay as well as when you can return to Peru after having overstayed.
And no-one can guarantee you that you will be allowed to re-enter in October. As explained before it’s always up to the immigration officer. Nevertheless, denying foreigners to come back to Peru is rare, but it happens especially to those who overstayed their time in Peru before and who end up at a counter with an immigration officer doing his/her job by the book.
I'm not really familiar with the different US visas, but when I remember correctly the B1/B2 USA visa is a temporary (!) tourist-business visa combination valid for 10 years, however allowing its holder to stay in the US for a maximum of 6 months at a time.
According to a supreme decree from March 2017 only those Indian 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 to Peru visa-free.
So, I think you must apply for a tourist visa at a Peruvian consulate before coming to Peru.
Hello Lima, I'm from Nigeria and a passport holder, I want to visit Peru for tourism on a short visit to meet my family, I have been finding it difficult on how to apply for the visa and the right immigration website to apply for Peru visa. I will be glad if you can help. Thanks.
I moved your comment from our Health Declaration page, where you posted, to our Tourist Visa article as here above you find lots of useful information about the tourist visa including the requirements you have to fulfill; especially interesting for you probably the chapter How and where to apply for a Peruvian tourist visa.
As Nigerian passport holder you must apply for a tourist visa before you can come to Peru. This has to be done at a Peruvian consulate (you can't apply for a Peruvian tourist visa online). Unfortunately there is no Peruvian consulate in Nigeria. The Peruvian consulate, who is in charge in your case, is the one in Accra, Ghana.
While above in our article you find the general requirements, best get in contact with the consulate in Accra, ask for the exact requirements and their application process. The contact details for the Peruvian consulate in Accra are
Thank you for such an informative website - it is proving to be really helpful!
I am planning a trip to south America - flying to Lima next week. I plan to spend a few weeks in Peru with my boyfriend who will then return home and I will fly to Ecuador to meet with a friend. After having spent around 4 weeks in Ecuador we plan to travel back to Peru where we will continue to explore.
My question is that will I be allowed to exit and re-enter the country.
Also if I am granted 90 days tourism in Peru, does this run continually from my entry point? Ie July to September. Or if I spend 30days in Peru in July, 30 days in Ecuador in August would I still have 60days left to spend in Peru on my return?
Yes, you will be allowed to exit Peru and re-enter after your time in Ecuador.
When you enter Peru in July you get up to 90 days. Be aware that is always at the discretion of the immigration officer how many days he allows you to stay as a tourist. You don’t have the right to stay the full 90 days in Peru.
Anyway, when you enter Peru you won’t get an entry stamp anymore, but in case of foreigners who don’t have to apply for a “real” tourist visa a “single-entry authorization to stay in Peru as a tourist for a certain time” which is nothing more than an entry in the Migraciones database. If necessary, you can check this entry by looking up your TAM virtual. How it’s done is explained in our article How many days did I get.
Let’s assume you get 90 days when you enter Peru. In case you leave after 30 days your “authorization to stay in Peru as a tourist for a certain time “/TAM virtual is canceled and the remaining 60 days are “gone”.
When you return a month or so later you get a new “authorization to stay in Peru as a tourist for a certain time “/TAM virtual. And here again it’s completely up to the immigration officer how many days you get. You are not entitled to get the “remaining” 60 days. The immigration officer could only give you 30 days, or he/she allows you 60 days or even another full 90 days, the latter because you haven’t stayed the max allowed time of 183 days per year.
It seems complicated, but if you haven’t been to Peru over the last year or haven’t overstayed your time in the country, you shouldn’t have a problem to get at least 30 days when you enter (most probably more) and, if you only stayed 30 days, another 60 days when you return.
I would like some clarification on the recent article concerning the days you're allowed to stay in Peru on a tourist visa. At the beginning of the year, the law stated you're allowed 180 days per year in Peru. I entered Peru on January 07th, 2023 and left on March 26th for Brazil. I returned to Peru two weeks after. However, when I returned to Peru, the immigration officer said the law changed to only 90 days per year, therefore, the officer only give me the remaining days I had left out of the 90 days. But, 2 weeks after I saw the law changed again, (LEY # 31731, April, 27th, 2023) where you are allowed 180 days per year. My question is, do I have to pay the overstay fee or will it be waived because I did not stay over 180 days?
There have been rumors, especially on social media, for at least a year now that foreigners who can travel to Peru visa-free “according to some new law” or "according to some immigration officer" are only allowed to stay as a tourist for up to 90 days per year. At least until now I couldn’t find anything official in writing; no new law, no new regulation or no change of current laws, regulations and publications that stipulate this.
So, I was happy that someone, you, finally mentioned the “new law” with a number.
But are you sure it’s Ley 31731 from April 27, 2023? Have you read the law? Honestly, I never heard of it before, and checked Peru’s official gazette, El Peruano, for it. Yes, there is a Ley 31731 published on April 27, 2023, but it surely has nothing to do with how long tourists can stay in Peru. The law allows the expropriation of the property with code Nº 05_UC_271005 for the execution of the Acai-Bella Union II, stage project construction of the Iruro Dam. (see screenshot attached below).
With this being said, even though I try to stay as up-to-date as possible, but still might have missed something, I don’t know of any changes regarding the number of days foreigners are allowed to stay in Peru as a tourist.
Decreto Legislativo 1350 (Peru’s foreigner law) states that in general foreigners can stay a max (!!!) of 183 days per year. A publication of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs shows which nationalities must apply for a tourist visa and which don’t and how long they can stay in Peru. Most nationalities who can travel to Peru visa-free are still welcome for up to (!!!) 90 days in a 180-day period.
However, it’s always at the discretion of the immigration officer how many days you are allowed to stay in the country. You are not entitled to get the full 90 days per half year or the full 183 days per year.
And to answer your question: the “supreme authority” is the immigration officer, no matter the maximum allowed days a foreigner can stay as a tourist according to the law. So, if he/she only gave you, for example, 10 days, then you only can stay 10 days. If you don´t leave after these 10 days, yes, you have to pay the overstay fine for each day you stayed longer. In 2023, the fine is S/ 4.95 per day you overstayed.
Greetings
Eva
Edit: I just had another idea: Did you probably mean Ley 31732 , the amnistia de multa a las personas extranjeras? This law does not apply to tourists only to foreigners residing in Peru who didn't, for example, extend their residence visa in time. (see second screenshot). Tourist who overstayed still have to pay the overstay fine.
You can pay the overstay fine at the airport or using pagalo.pe.
The counter at the Jorge Chavez International Airport is open as long as international flights depart.
While for years only cash payments in Soles or US$ (the exchange rate is miserable, so best have enough Soles on hand) were accepted, one of our readers informed us that at least since August 2022 additionally credit card payments are an option as well.
since i really fell in love with peru,and there is still so much to explore,iam planning another trip november 1st 2023 ! the thing is that i wanna fly back from lima on lets say march 1st 2024!
so its 4month total!
i also wanna see ecuador for 2-3weeks!
so my idea is to lets say go to ecuador or maybe even colombia after 80days of peru
stay there for 2weeks or even 1month but then return to peru! (not sure if by air or land)
because my return flight will be from lima !
as i understood,there is no guarantee if and how many days i will receive from the immigration officer when trying to re enter peru!
but i think i rather wanna try this option then "overstaying" !
could it be a problem that they wouldnt let me back into peru
as you already said, there is no guarantee how many days you will get when you enter Peru in November and when you return to Peru after your short trip to Ecuador. You are not entitled to get the full 90 days or stay the full 183 days per year. So, no-one can tell you what will happen as it's always at the discretion of the immigration officer.
Additionally, it seems that you have been in Peru before. Depending on when this was, be aware that the max number of days you can stay in Peru per year (not per calendar year, but counted from your first entry) is 183 days.
With this being said, if you haven't overstayed in Peru before and have been outside Peru for at least 3 months, you should be able to get 90 days when you enter in November. If not, best ask friendly for it, if necessary schmoozing the immigration officer a bit.
Personally, I think it's a wise decision to not overstay and leave Peru before your 90 days are up. Furthermore, even though there is always a slight possibility that the immigration officer won't let you re-enter, if you haven't overstayed before and if you haven't already stayed the max of 183 days per year, you should at least get another 30 days, especially as you can show a flight ticket out of the country on a certain date.
Peruvian law requires that foreign visitors must have a return or onward passage out of the country if they aren't residents, proving that they leave the country when the visa or temporary authorization to enter expires.
However, when entering the country, Peruvian immigration officials hardly ever ask to see this proof. The ones executing above regulations are usually the airlines.
Honestly, in case the airline (rather likely) or immigrations in Peru (rather unlikely) asks for your return ticket, I don't think that you will have a problem when it shows a return 4 months later and won't bother. And if, you can always tell them that you are spending some time in Ecuador and return to Peru to fly home again.
assuming you are a US passport holder, I don't see any reason to worry or any complications. You can enter both Peru and Ecuador as a tourist visa-free.
You can stay in Peru for up to 90 days in a 180-day period and a max of 183 days per year as a tourist, and I think in Ecuador up to 90 days in a year. If you don't plan to exceed these amount of days and there is nothing I'm not aware of you are fine.
Additionally, both countries eliminated all Covid entry requirements last year.
I entered Peru for the first time a month ago, I hold a New Zealand passport, on my entry stamp it says 90 days, now I need to enter Ecuador for a few days and back again for business matter. My question is can I enter normally since I used only 30 days from my 90 days in 180 rule or since the visa officer wrote 90 days on my visa it's counted as using them although I stayed only 1 month?
when you entered Peru the immigration officer gave you 90 days. So, you are allowed to be in the country for 3 months starting from the day you first came to Peru. In case you leave before these 90 days are over, your “authorization to stay as a tourist” (nothing more than the entry stamp in your passport and an entry in the Migraciones database) is canceled and the remaining days expire.
When you re-enter the country, you will get a new “authorization to stay as a tourist”. And it’s at the discretion of the immigration officer how many days he/she gives you. As you are allowed up to 90 days in a 180-day period and only stayed 30 of it, you should get at least the remaining 60 days or as you haven’t stayed the full 183 days per year perhaps even another 90 days; or just 30 days or whatever the immigration officer gives you, nobody can tell you. Be aware you don’t have the right to get the remaining 60 days or any number of days; it’s completely up to the immigration officer.
Hi as it stands now dose visa required of Nigeria National to enter Peru. A Nigeria getting Pre registration migraciones Can he/she enters Peru without Tourist Visa.
the pre-registration, which doesn't really work for most visitors at the moment, has nothing to do with a visa obligation of some foreign nationals.
So, yes, Nigerian passport holders must apply for a tourist visa at a Peruvian consulate before coming to Peru. As there is no Peruvian consulate in Nigeria, you must apply at the Peruvian consulate in Accra, Ghana.
Hi - I am a US citizen interested in going to Cusco Peru for 30-40 days in the summer of 2023 as a tourist and to take a Spanish class. Will I need to get special permission to take the class?
I am a US citizen who has been to Peru five times, starting on December 11th, 2021. I have a girlfriend in Lima, and I lived at her house for six months this past year. I went to Peru initially from December 11-22nd, then again from December 28th- March 3rd, from April 28th- June 25th, from August 15-September 15th, and from October 26th- November 4th. Every time I went to Peru, I was given 90 days almost every time and never had to pay an overstaying fine because I didn't stay past 183 days in a year. However, the 5th time I was in Peru,(from October 26-November 4th), the immigration officer asked me how long I will be in Peru for and I said 10 days and he gave me 52 days, which was a weird number. We are in Chile right now waiting until December 12th to enter Peru again because we think I will be given more time when I enter Peru and because I am only allowed to stay in Peru up to 183 days in a 365-day time period for a US citizen. I am looking to try to purchase a plane ticket out of Peru in March on my 89th day in Peru (if they give me another 90 days). Do you think they will give me another 90 days since my 365-day time period is up? Again I have never paid an overstaying fine because I never overstayed, and I stay at my girlfriend's house and give them the exact same address every time. Thank you so much for your time!
Also, one last thing, every time Peruvians officially have stamped my passport, it has always been vertically. However, this last time the official stamped it horizontally, and I don't know if this means anything. Thanks again!
Adding all your stays from December 11, 2021, when you first entered until November 4, 2022, when you left for the last time, you’ve been in Peru for 174 days; so, you are well in the max allowed time of 183 days per year. On December 12, 2022, a new 365-day period should begin, and you should be able to get up to 90 days when you re-enter Peru.
But, be aware that you do not have a right to get the full 90 days when you enter the country; it’s always at the discretion of the immigration officer you have to face, how many days he/she allows you to stay. At any time, for whatever reason, the immigration officer could give you only 10 days or 30 or whatever number he thinks appropriate. There is no guarantee.
Additionally, even though you never overstayed, many entries and exits may raise suspicions and you might be questioned about it.
And no, I never heard that the placement of the entry stamp is some sort of secret message, but it could, of course, be. Nevertheless, you haven’t overstayed your max time per year in Peru and as a new 365-day period starts for you on December 12, you can re-enter; the question is how many days the immigration officer will give you. Something I can’t predict.
I am a US Citizen and I traveled the first time to Peru for myself on June 23rd and returned to the US om July 2nd, I am planning on doing a trip to visit my girlfriends parents in just a couple days, I was given 90 days upon entry. I seem to of calculated the difference of 143 days. Will I have any issue coming back into Peru? I just found this article and wasn't aware of this.
Not sure what you weren’t aware of. Anyway, US passport holder can stay in Peru as a tourist for up to 90 days in a 180-day period (so three months in half a year) and a max of 183 days in a year.
You entered on June 23 and left on July 2; that’s only 9 days. Your 180 day-period ends on December 20, but you have up to 81 days (90-9) left that you are allowed until December 20 (not sure how you ended up with a difference of 143 days).
So, yes, you shouldn’t have a problem returning to Peru in a couple of days, but be aware that the number of days you are given when you (re-)enter is always at the discretion of the immigration officer. He can give you any number of days he feels comfortable with, so just 30 days, for example, or the remaining 81 days or the full 90 days. You surely won’t get more than that.
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· 17/08/2023@RobHello Rob,not really sure what you are expecting and what additional information you are looking for.As described above, foreigners can enter Peru as a tourist for touristic, recreational or health purposes. Attending business meetings or conference usually requires a business visa.GreetingsEva
