If you are a US citizen traveling to Peru, you’ll want to read up on what requirements you need to fulfil to enter the country. The good news is, if you are visiting from the US for a short stay up to 90 days, you are not required to obtain a visa prior to travel.
Whether you’re hoping to uncover ancient ruins at the famous ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, sample culinary delights in capital city Lima or explore the Amazon rainforest, it’s no surprise that this South American country has become one of the world’s must-visit destinations.
Although you may not need a visa for travel here, there are other entry regulations to bear in mind. From information on passport requirements to answering questions you may have around safety, read on to find out more about traveling to Peru from America!
Contents
- 1 Is There a Peruvian Visa for US Citizens?
- 2 What Are the Peru Visa Requirements for US Citizens?
- 3 What Is the Cost of a Peru Visa for US Citizens?
- 4 Traveling to Peru as an American
- 5 Where Is the US Embassy in Peru?
- 6 FAQs About the Visa for Peru for US Citizens
- 7 More Information on Traveling to Peru
Is There a Peruvian Visa for US Citizens?
If you’re asking yourself “Do US citizens need a visa for Peru?”, then you’ll be pleased to know that US citizens are not required to obtain a travel pass to enter the country. travelers from most countries in Europe and the Americas are exempt from requiring a visa to enter the country.
For US travelers, this destination has a reputation as a relatively easy country to enter. If you are visiting for business or tourist purposes and can meet the entry requirements listed below, then you’re permitted a short stay in the country of up to 90 days without any paperwork.
Provided your passport has enough validity, if you are traveling as a tourist and are exempt from a visa, you will be granted a 3-month stay. Extensions for tourists are usually not approved. You should make sure that you do not overstay without an extension as doing so can result in a fine.
What Are the Peru Visa Requirements for US Citizens?
Although you are not required to obtain a visa for travel, US travelers visiting for tourist or business purposes need to meet the entry requirements to gain access to the country. To ensure your entry into the country runs smoothly and your adventure gets off to a good start, make sure you have checked the following points.
The requirements for entry into the country are as follows:
- A valid US passport with 6 months validity.
- Immigration authorities may also require evidence of return or onward travel.
Other things to bear in mind when planning your visit:
- Double-check your date and place of entry is officially documented, whether you arrive at a port, airport or land border.
- If your passport is expired or damaged, you may not be allowed to enter the country. Therefore, it’s wise to check your passport is in a good condition for travel in advance of your trip.
What Is the Cost of a Peru Visa for US Citizens?
If you are a US traveler who qualifies as visa-exempt, there are no direct costs associated when entering the country. If you are traveling for tourist or business purposes and you can meet the entry requirements listed above, you will be granted a card free of charge from Peru immigration on arrival. This states the length of stay (usually 90 days) that you are permitted to remain in the country. Extensions are not usually granted to tourists, and if you overstay you risk getting a fine.
Traveling to Peru as an American
With a diverse landscape, strong foodie scene and activities ranging from sandboarding in the dunes to hiking in the Andes on offer, this is an attractive destination and a popular choice for Americans.
Many travelers choose to do an overland tour of South America and explore the surrounding countries too. During your trip, you may also choose to visit the likes of Chile, Bolivia, Brazil and Ecuador. Touring in this way is a great option if you’d like to see more of this exciting continent.
If you’re traveling direct from the US, the fastest way is to fly. Nearly all direct flights depart from Miami, Atlanta or Houston, while you can catch a connecting flight from a range of cities throughout the US. The airlines Delta, Continental and American Airlines are the traditional carriers serving the country from the US.
Where Is the US Embassy in Peru?
The Embassy of the United States of America is based in Lima in the Santiago de Surco area of the city. The Embassy in Lima is the centre for all diplomatic and consular activities.
The Embassy’s opening hours are Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, and its address is Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n, Santiago de Surco 33, Peru.
FAQs About the Visa for Peru for US Citizens
Below you will find answers to some common FAQs.
Can All Americans Travel to Peru?
Yes, US citizens traveling for business or tourist purposes can visit the country visa-free, usually for up to 90 days. US travelers are permitted for short stays so long as they have a valid passport with 6 months remaining and proof of their return or onward journey.
Is It Safe for Americans to Travel to Peru?
Generally speaking, this is a safe country for US travelers. This is the third-most frequently visited country in South America by international tourists, receiving around 4 million visitors per year. However, while it is not a dangerous country, Peru requires you to exercise caution and be vigilant and aware while you’re out and about, as you would be elsewhere.
Crime, including petty theft, is a concern. It’s not unheard of for crimes of this nature to take place during daylight hours, despite the presence of many witnesses. You should be particularly vigilant at night and try not to travel alone.
What Else Do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Peru From the US?
If you are traveling between cities, flying is the fastest option for getting around. Almost all Peruvian cities are within a 2-hour flight from Lima. If you’re looking to travel on a budget, the bus is a popular and economical way to travel around. The country is also well-known for its long-distance train routes, which feature spectacular scenery to accompany your journey.
More Information on Traveling to Peru
Now that you know what you need to arrange before your trip, you may want to find out more about this intriguing country. You can learn more about visiting through our Visit Peru and Peru Visa pages. You will find a range of information and interesting facts that will help you to plan your trip.
