A Guide to Peruvian Visas

Find the right visa for Peru and how to get it

Whether you want to visit, work, study, join your partner, retire, or settle in Peru, at some point you will have to deal with the Peruvian visa system.

This visa guide explains the most common visa types, their requirements, and - if applicable - the application process.

The good news: Peru is a very welcoming country, and many nationalities can enter visa-free for tourism or short business visits. Citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, the EU, Australia, and many other countries do not need a tourist visa for short stays and receive a stay permit upon arrival.

However, as soon as you plan to stay longer, do anything beyond tourism, or cannot enter Peru visa-free, things can quickly become confusing. Different visa types, changing requirements, and procedures that aren’t always easy to understand can make the whole process feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with it for the first time.

Peru visa types

Peru offers different visa types depending on the purpose and length of your stay. The most commonly used visas include:

• Tourist visa
  A temporary visa for short visits, travel, and leisure
• Business visa
  A temporary visa for short business trips, meetings, and commercial activities
• Family visa
  A residence visa for spouses, children and parents of Peruvians or residents
• Work visa
  A temporary or residence visa for short- or long-term employment or independent work in Peru
• Student visa
  A temporary or residence visa for studying, exchanges, or internships
• Retirement visa
  An indefinite residence visa for foreigners with a life-long pension
• Religious visa
  A residence visa for missionaries and members of religious organizations
• Digital nomad visa
  A residence visa for remote workers earning income abroad
• Volunteer visa
  A temporary visa for short-term unpaid work with registered organizations

Where do I apply for a visa for Peru?

For many travelers, the answer is simple: you don’t have to apply at all. 

Citizens of numerous countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, EU members and Australia can enter Peru visa-free as tourists or business travelers and receive a permit to stay in Peru for up to 90 days upon arrival.

If you need a tourist or business visa

• Apply for a tourist or business visa at the nearest Peruvian consulate

If you plan to stay longer 

• If you can enter Peru visa-free
  You usually travel to Peru as a tourist and apply for your temporary or residence visa there, a process called Cambio de calidad migratoria.
• If you need a visa to enter Peru
  You must apply for your temporary or residence visa while being abroad (Solicitud de calidad migratoria), often with the help of a representative in Peru.
  If this applies to you, we explain the entire process step by step in our article Peruvian residence visa application from abroad.

Your Peruvian visa options in detail

In the visa articles below, you’ll find detailed guides for each visa type, including:

• requirements and documents
• step-by-step application instructions
• practical tips and real-life advice
• FAQs based on actual experiences

Whether you want to work, study, join your family, retire, or stay longer in Peru, our guides will help you understand the process and successfully apply for your visa.

Please note: LimaEasy is not a Peruvian government agency, public authority, or law firm. The information provided is based on our best knowledge and is intended as general guidance to help you understand Peruvian immigration regulations and procedures. Regulations, requirements, and administrative practices may change at any time and without prior notice, so we recommend verifying current details with the relevant authorities before acting on this information.