South America and South Atlantic Islands

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• During the rainy season of November to April, and especially in February, flooding and landslides can cause disruption to road and rail routes and some tourist attractions may be closed at short notice.  Monitor the local news and seek local advice for the latest information.
  

• Demonstrations are commonplace in Peru and can turn violent quickly. You should avoid  places where disturbances are taking or are likely to take place. Monitor the local news and seek local advice for the latest information. See Safety and Security - Local Travel and Political Situation.
  
  

• Around 54,000 British tourists visit Peru every year. Most visits are trouble free. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics.
  
  

• Drug trafficking is a serious crime in Peru and drug smugglers face long terms of imprisonment. See Local Laws and Customs. 
  
  
• British nationals should take account of the serious risks involved in flying over the Nazca Lines. On 2 October 2010 a light aeroplane crashed at the Lines killing all six people on board, four of them British nationals.  There have been a number of fatal accidents and emergencies at Nazca over many years, including in 2011. Past accident investigations have shown that necessary aircraft safety and maintenance standards were not being implemented. We have no reason to believe that proper safety and maintenance standards are now being reliably adhered to.
  
  
• There is a particular risk of robberies by bogus taxi drivers, especially to and from the airports and bus terminals. Wherever possible you should use reputable radio taxi companies. See Safety and Security - Crime.
  
  
• Driving standards in Peru are poor. Crashes resulting in death and injury occur frequently. See Safety and Security - Road Travel.
  
  
• There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See Safety and Security - Terrorism.
  
  
• Drugs, organised crime and terrorism are inextricably linked.  Visitors should be aware of the heightened risk to their safety in regions where there is intensive coca cultivation.  Follow local advice about areas to avoid.  See Safety and Security – Local Travel – Drug Trafficking.
  
  
• If you decide to visit any area under a State of Emergency you should follow instructions given to you by military, police or other officials and heed local safety advice.
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.
  

Safety and Security - Terrorism

The internal terrorism of the 1980s and 1990s in Peru has largely ended, but not completely disappeared. Remnants of the Shining Path terrorist movement are still active in the some of the main coca growing areas in central Peru (Alto Huallaga, Aguaytia and Apurimac-Ene VRAE river basins). There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime

Street crime, including muggings and thefts, is a significant problem in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa and other major cities. You should remain vigilant at all times and avoid walking alone in quiet areas or at night. Provincial and Inter-city buses are occasionally held up and the passengers robbed.  Passport theft is common on inter-city buses.  Keep your passport with you at all times during your bus journey and take particular care of valuable personal belongings when travelling on buses at night.  You should take care when using web-cafes, restaurants and similar venues as thieves operate in places where people are easily distracted.

You should be particularly careful when arriving at Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport. Unwary passengers are often approached by thieves masquerading as tour operators, people who pretend to know them or by bogus taxi drivers. Rogue taxis have frequently been used to perpetrate robberies. You should use the services of one of three official companies located at desks directly outside the International and Domestic Arrival halls. Visit the Lima Airport Partner website which gives details of airport registered taxi companies. Tourists have been targeted and robbed by bogus taxi drivers, especially at night, and when travelling to and from bus terminals, airports and the main tourist areas of Lima, Cusco and Arequipa. Wherever possible you should use a taxi registered at the bus terminal or from a reputable company, such as those that can be booked by radio. If possible book these in advance from a hotel reception desk or by telephone. If you cannot avoid taking a taxi from the street, be sure to take a conspicuous note of the registration number before getting into the vehicle. Be wary of taxi drivers offering cheaper than normal fares which is often a lure for a robbery (hotels can advise you on the standard fare to airports etc if you must get a street taxi). If you have luggage, you should not take a station wagon cab where your luggage can be seen, as it attracts robbers, who use mobile phones to advise accomplices to hold up the cab and rob you further along the road.  Never leave your luggage in the cab with the driver behind the wheel. There have been incidents where passengers have got out with their luggage still either in the cab or boot and the driver has driven off.  Wait for the driver to stop the engine and get out first. Be aware of the risk of "express kidnappings" - short-term, opportunistic abductions, aimed at extracting cash from the victim. Victims are held while criminals empty their bank accounts with the stolen cash cards: sometimes they are escorted to the ATMs by the robbers. Once the cards have been used the victim is usually quickly released. These have occurred in the main tourist areas in Peru, including Lima, Cusco and Arequipa; they also occur on the routes to and from airports and bus terminals, kidnappers working on the assumption that tourists will have all their cards with them at such times.

There have been a number of cases in the past few years of female tourists being raped. Most have taken place in the Cusco and Arequipa areas, but cases have occurred elsewhere too, in places such as Mancora, Pucallpa and Lima. A recent case occurred in Cusco city in July 2011. Be alert to the availability and possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs. You should purchase your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times to make sure they cannot be spiked.  If you are in a bar and don’t feel well, try to seek help from people you know.  Women should take particular care at bus terminals, when hiring or getting into taxis, and avoid isolated areas particularly after dark.  See our Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad page.

Unlike in the UK and elsewhere, ATM machines in Peru do not always automatically release your credit or debit card at the time you receive your money. You sometimes have to request its return by pushing a button. Many ATMs in main towns have instructions in English.

See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel

Local protests are common and often involve closure of roads and occasionally cause disruption to airports and rail services. Protests in Puno can sometimes result in the closure of the border crossing with Bolivia. You should maintain contact with your airline/ tour operator before travelling. In country, you should monitor local media reports for up-to-date information.

Street demonstrations and protests are commonplace in Peru. You should avoid any area in which large crowds are gathering to protest and take particular care if close to places where protests are taking place. You should monitor the local news and seek local advice for the latest information.

If you get into difficulties when travelling you should seek advice from the local Tourist Information and Assistance Service, whose operators can handle calls and enquiries in English. They can be contacted on +51 1 574 8000 (24 hours a day).

During the rainy season of November to April, and especially in February, flooding and landslides can cause disruption to road and rail routes. You should take particular care when travelling on mountain roads and tracks during the rainy season. Monitor the local news and seek local advice for the latest information.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Huaraz Region of the Cordillera Blanca Mountains

Several hikers have died and others have had to be rescued after serious accidents in the Huaraz region of the Cordillera Blanca Mountains, where Peru's highest peaks are located. Most rescues are carried out on foot because helicopters cannot fly to the high-altitude areas where hikers are stranded. Contact iperu offices in Huaraz Tel no: (+51) (43) 428812 before starting to climb in the region.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Drug Trafficking

Drugs, organised crime and terrorism are inextricably linked in Peru, as they are in other major drug producing countries. Visitors should be aware of the heightened risk to their safety in regions where there is intensive coca cultivation.  You could well be at especially high risk in the vicinity of cocaine processing labs and in areas where terrorists are based, particularly in the Alto Huallaga, Aguaytia, and Apurimac-Ene (VRAE) river basins.  You should follow local advice about areas to avoid.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - States of Emergency

A State of Emergency declared for security reasons gives the armed forces responsibility for law and order with the police. Some civil rights are suspended.

A State of Emergency was declared for security reasons in May 2003 and remains in force in the following areas: Huanta and La Mar provinces in the Department of Ayacucho; Kimbiri, Pichari and Vilcabamba districts in La Convencion province in the Department of Cusco (Cusco city and Machu Picchu are not affected); Tayacaja province in the Department of Huancavelica; Satipo province, Andamarca and Comas districts, (Concepcion province) and Santo Domingo de Acobamba and Pariahuanca districts (Huancayo province) in the Department of Junin.

A State of Emergency was declared for security reasons in December 2005 and remains in force in the following areas: the districts of Cholon in Maranon province, the province of Leoncio Prado, and the district of Monzon in the province of Huamalies, all in the department of Huanuco; the province of Tocache in the department of San Martin; and the province of Padre Abad in the department of Ucayali.

If you do decide to visit any area under a State of Emergency you should follow instructions given to you by military, police or other officials and heed local safety advice.  

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel

You can drive for up to sixth months in Peru on a UK driving licence and up to one year on an international driving licence.  In either case, you should carry your passport with you to prove how long you have been in the country.  

You should seek local advice before trying to pass blockades and take particular care if close to places where protests are taking place.

Travel by private vehicle outside major cities is not recommended after dark. Driving standards in Peru are poor, with stop signs and traffic lights often ignored. Crashes resulting in death and injury occur frequently. Drivers do not always show concern for pedestrians.

Bus crashes are commonplace, especially at night. Inter-city bus crashes have resulted in loss of life and serious injury. You should use only reputable transport companies, and where possible avoid overnight travel, especially in mountainous and remote regions. Cruz del Sur, Ormeno and Oltursa bus companies operate with two crews, but accidents still occur. You should always wear a seat belt when travelling by inter-city bus.  For more general information see Driving Abroad. The Peruvian Ministry of Transportation publishes a list in Spanish of the intercity bus companies with the highest rate of traffic accidents resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. This can be found at the following link http://www.mtc.gob.pe/portal/ranking

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Inca Trail

Hikers walking the Inca Trail should go with a guided group. To protect natural resources along the Inca Trail, the Peruvian government charges fees for hiking the trail and there are restrictions on the numbers of hikers permitted on it. Hikers during the high season (June–August) are advised to make reservations for the Inca Trail well in advance via a travel agency. Visitors should always register when entering national parks and should be particularly careful in steep or slippery areas which are neither fenced nor marked. Several climbers have died or suffered serious injuries after falling while climbing Huayna Picchu, a peak near Machu Picchu. Only very basic medical assistance is available at Machu Picchu.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Sand Buggies 

There have been cases of deaths and injury from recreational sand buggies, particularly in the sand dunes around Ica and Lake Huacachina. These buggies are unregulated and the drivers and agencies take no responsibility for the welfare of their passengers.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - River Rafting and Tours on Lake Titicaca

If you intend to participate in extreme sports you should check that the company is well established in the industry and your insurance covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. Those considering white-water rafting should consult local authorities about recent weather and the impact on white-water rafting conditions. Two Australian tourists were killed white water rafting in 2010.

British nationals are advised to travel in groups when walking along the banks of Lake Titicaca. A British National was held at gun point and robbed in early 2011. You should exercise caution at all times and contact the local tourist information centre for advice about known safe zones on the banks of the lake.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel - Nazca Lines

You should take account of the serious risk involved in flying over the Nazca Lines. On 2 October 2010 a light aeroplane crashed at the Lines killing all six people on board, four of them British nationals. There have been a number of fatal accidents and emergencies at Nazca over the years, including in 2011. In February 2010 a plane carrying Chilean and Peruvian tourists over the Nazca Lines crashed, killing all seven people on board. In April 2008 five French nationals were killed when the aeroplane they were flying in to view the Lines crashed. Past accident investigations have shown that necessary aircraft safety and maintenance standards were not being implemented. We have no reason to believe that proper safety and maintenance standards are now being reliably adhered to.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Spiritual Cleansing
‘Spiritual cleansing’ is a service regularly offered to tourists by shamans and others in Peru, especially in the Amazon area and in Cusco. This service is not regulated and there have been instances of serious illness and deaths following such ceremonies.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel - General

There are restrictions on the carriage of liquids, sprays and gels (especially in hand luggage) for passengers travelling on l flights from Peruvian airports.

For more general information see Airline Security.

Safety and Security - Political Situation

Peru Country Profile

Street protests, which occasionally become violent, are commonplace in Peru, and can frequently cause disruption to road services. It is difficult to predict where and when protests will take place.

Try to avoid protests and demonstrations and take special care in any area in which large crowds are gathering. Local media reports are a good source of up to date information.

An increasing number of visitors are being caught by the Peruvian authorities while trafficking drugs. More than 30 British nationals are currently in prison in Peru for drugs offences. Drug trafficking is a serious crime in Peru and drug smugglers face long terms of imprisonment. Conditions in Peruvian prisons are unpleasant. Pack your luggage yourself and keep it with you at all times. Do not carry anything through customs for anybody else. You are advised not to take coca leaves/coca tea out of the country.  It is illegal to import these items into the UK.

Sex with minors (anyone under 18 is considered a minor in Peru) is illegal and a serious crime. Offenders will face long term jail sentences.

You are not allowed to take any archaeological artefacts from the country without the proper authority.

You should carry identification with you at all times. It is permissible to carry photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport to avoid losing the original, which should be kept in a safe place.

Homosexuality is legal in Peru but social attitudes are generally conservative.  Any outward display of homosexual behaviour is likely to be frowned upon. Same-sex partnerships are not formally recognised.

You should avoid taking photographs of anything of a military nature anywhere in Peru.

See our Your Trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas

British visitors to Peru do not require a visa to travel if the purpose of the visit is tourism. Upon arrival, you are normally given permission to stay for up to a maximum of 183 days. Those who require a visa to enter Peru (business visitors, press, artists, and others) should apply for their visa before arriving in the country using the appropriate forms. Since January 2009 the Peruvian Consulate-General in London has required all visa applicants to give fingerprints.

You are advised to check entry clearance requirements with the Peruvian Consulate-General in London at 52 Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9SP, before travelling (Tel: 020 7838 9223; fax: 020 7823 2789; website http://www.conperlondres.com).

Overstaying without the proper authority is a serious matter and fines are imposed.  It is therefore recommended that you double check the period of time you have been granted, as you will be refused permission to leave if you have overstayed and can be held in detention until a fine for overstaying is paid. You should also keep the immigration paper given to you on arrival in a safe place, as you will need to show this on departure.

If you are entering Peru from Colombia (Leticia) by boat, you should ensure that your passport is stamped with a Peruvian entry stamp, which can be obtained at the Immigration Office in Santa Rosa (Peru). The Peruvian Immigration authorities recommend that all foreign nationals have their passports stamped in Santa Rosa the day before travel. Boats to Iquitos from Leticia pass by Santa Rosa, but often very early in the morning, and immigration officers are not always able to reach the boats. Immigration authorities in Iquitos will instruct you to return to Santa Rosa if your passport does not contain a valid entry stamp. This trip (Iquitos-Santa Rosa) may take from 8 hours up to a maximum of 3 days by boat.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity

You must hold a valid passport to enter Peru. Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. However, it is always sensible to have a short period of extra validity on your passport in case of any unforeseen delays to your departure. You do not have to wait until your old passport expires to apply to renew it. Any time left on your old passport when you apply will be added to your new passport, up to a maximum of nine months. For passport applications in the UK, you should apply to the Identity and Passport Service.

Entry Requirements - Dealing with Peruvian Immigration and Customs

Some British nationals have experienced difficulties when dealing with Peruvian immigration and customs.  You should familiarise yourself with Peruvian immigration or customs procedures before you enter the country as we cannot intervene if you are refused entry or have problems with importing or exporting personal items. For further details please contact the Peruvian Consulate in London.  

Business visitors entering Peru on a business visa are required to complete on departure a form from SUNAT, the Peruvian tax authority.  The form can be acquired from the Peruvian Consulate in London before travelling or at Lima airport on arrival.  

Entry Requirements – Exit Requirements

Since early 2011 the departure tax of US$30.25 (per person) for international flights from Peru is included in most ticket prices. There is also an airport tax for internal flights.  Normally these are included in your ticket. If not departure taxes must be paid in cash on departure at the airport. The fees vary according to the airport but internal departures from Lima cost US$6.05 per person. The equivalent sum in Peruvian soles is accepted.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with children

Children under the age of 18 years who have resident status in Peru and who are travelling on a British passport require written permission whenever they travel within Peru or leave the country without one or both parents. The non-accompanying parent(s) must obtain written permission (Permiso Notarial) for the child to travel. This permission is obtained by a notary public in Peru. The letter must mention the proposed destination, the purpose of the trip, the date of departure and the return date. More information about Peruvian emigration requirements can be obtained from the Peruvian Consulate in London.

Medical treatment can be expensive  and not always be available in some parts of the country. Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever and Malaria occur in certain areas of Peru.

Malaria is mainly found in the following regions in the north and jungle areas of Peru: Loreto, Madre de Dios, Ucayali, San Martin, Junin, Tumbes and Piura.

Dengue Fever occurs in Latin America and the Caribbean throughout the year. There has been a marked increase in the number of reported cases in the last two years. According to the Peruvian health authorities, the departments of Loreto, Ucayali, Cajamarca, and Piura have reported the highest number of patients. Dengue Fever is passed by mosquitoes, and travellers should take extra precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes.

There is a risk of Yellow Fever in areas east of the Andes Mountains. This does not include the cities of Cusco and Machu Picchu. If you plan to travel from Peru to other countries in South America (such as Venezuela), you may need to show evidence of a valid Yellow Fever vaccination at the airline desk prior to departure.

Movement at altitudes over 9,000 feet (3,000 metres) can be debilitating, particularly upon arrival.  If you intend to visit Cusco, Puno, the Colca Canyon or other high altitude areas you are advised to take things easy, eat only light meals, drink plenty of water and drink no alcohol for the first day or two after arrival.  If you plan to travel to altitudes over 3,000 metres it is advisable to contact your GP if you suffer from high blood pressure, a heart condition, or respiratory problems. 

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 73,000 of those aged 15 or over in Peru were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 0.4% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  Exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. There have been cases of people having contracted HIV from blood transfusions in Peru. See our HIV and AIDS page.

Seek medical advice before travelling to Peru and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) or NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

See our Travel Health page and the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk. You should monitor local media reports of any developments and advice. 

Natural Disasters - Earthquake

Peru is in an active earthquake zone and tremors are frequent. If you are caught in an earthquake in a building keep away from the windows and make your way, if possible, to the safe zones marked in most buildings with an ‘S’ sign. If outside keep away from buildings and other areas where objects, like trees or power lines, could fall.

Natural Disasters - Flooding and Landslides

The rainy season in the mountains and to the east of the Andes runs from November to April.  It rarely rains on the coast.  During the rainy season land, rock and mudslides can cause disruption to road and rail travel in mountain and jungle areas and the north of Peru. Take care when travelling in these areas during the rainy season and check the latest conditions with your tour operator. Monitor local media for updates on travel information before starting your journey.

General - Insurance

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling and consult with your medical insurance company prior to confirm whether your policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. GAP students travelling to Peru on voluntary work should ensure either that the organisation they are travelling with provides them with medical insurance or arrange their own insurance. See our Travel Insurance and gap year  pages.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas, see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Registration

You are free to register on LOCATE to tell us when and where you are travelling or where you live abroad, so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

General - Money

ATM machines can be found in the main cities. When using an ATM, try to do so during business hours at a location inside a bank, supermarket or large commercial building. Be particularly vigilant before and after using an ATM on the street, especially at night.

Not all shops, restaurants, bars and hotels accept credit cards and it is worth checking whether they do before ordering anything. You are advised to keep credit and debit card receipts.  Western Union is represented in Peru, with bureaux in all main cities. Should you need more money this is a quick, reliable way of receiving money from abroad.  Be alert to the possibility of being passed counterfeit US dollars or local currency, especially from street money changers.

General – Consular Assistance Statistics

Around 54,000 British tourists visit Peru every year. Most visits are trouble free. 49 British nationals required consular assistance in Peru in the period April 2010 – March 2011 for the following types of incident: ten deaths; nine hospitalisations; and 17 arrests.

General - Sources of Information

The Peruvian Government has a website providing useful information for tourists and visitors to Peru, iperú: http://www.peru.info/en. The website includes details of registered tourist services in Peru, although you should be aware that neither the Peruvian Government nor the FCO can recommend a particular company or organisation. If you have a complaint about visitor services in Peru, you should approach iperú in the first instance.

General - British Honorary Consuls in Peru

There are Honorary British Consuls in Cusco, Arequipa, Trujillo and Iquitos. If you wish to contact them, please call or write to the Embassy in Lima.