🇵🇪 Peru visa requirements

Most passports get you 90 days visa-free in Peru. US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia citizens are in this group. Others get less, and some need to apply ahead.

Who Gets In Visa-Free (and for How Long)?

If you're from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or most EU countries, you're walking into Peru with 90 days on arrival. That's the standard. It's straightforward. You just get your passport stamped.

However, not everyone is so lucky. Citizens of some South American countries can stay longer, up to 183 days. But if you're from places like China or many African nations, you'll likely need to apply for a visa before you even think about booking a flight. Don't assume you're in the 90-day club. Always double-check your specific nationality.

The Gotchas: Overstaying and Exit Stamps

That 90-day stamp? It's not a suggestion. You can extend it, but it requires a trip to Migraciones (immigration office) in Peru. Applying for an extension usually costs around $15 USD and needs to be done well before your initial 90 days are up. Honestly, it's a bit of a hassle.

Here's the real kicker: Peru is notoriously strict about exit stamps. If you overstay, even by a day, you can face fines. These aren't trivial. While the exact amount can fluctuate, expect to pay a daily penalty. Some reports mention fines around $1-2 USD per day of overstay, but the real penalty is often being barred from re-entry for a period. Also, watch out for double-entry rules. If you leave Peru and come back within a short period, immigration officers might question your intentions, especially if you're on a tourist stamp. They want to see you're not living there permanently.

Working Remotely on a Tourist Stamp

Can you work remotely in Peru on a tourist visa? This is where things get murky. Officially, a tourist stamp is for tourism, not employment. However, enforcement is… inconsistent. Most digital nomads I've met just work away on their tourist stamp. You're not technically employed by a Peruvian company, and you're not a tax resident.

The risk? If you draw attention to yourself, maybe by trying to set up a long-term rental without proper paperwork or if you have a particularly grumpy immigration officer on exit, they could flag it. But for most people just hopping between cafes and coworking spaces in Lima or Cusco, it’s a non-issue. Just don't try to get a Peruvian SIM card with a tourist stamp and set up an office. Keep a low profile.

What's New for Travellers to Peru?

Peru has been tinkering with its entry processes. For a while, there was talk of an eVisa, but it hasn't fully materialized for most nationalities needing a visa. The primary route remains the visa-on-arrival or pre-application for those who need it.

What has changed is a bit more about border control tightening up. They're more aware of people overstaying. While the core 90-day visa-free rule for major Western countries hasn't changed, the enforcement of exit rules and the potential for overstay penalties feels more present. Fees for extensions and other immigration processes can also see minor adjustments annually. Always check the official Migraciones Peru website or consult with a local immigration lawyer if you're planning a long stay or need certainty on your visa status.