Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Border area with Colombia

Criminal activity related to narcotics trafficking and occasional incursions by armed guerrilla forces from Colombia at Cordillera del Cóndor, Peru, pose a threat to personal security.

Risk level(s)

Border area with Ecuador

Cross the Peru–Ecuador border at official crossing points only due to the presence of landmines along the border.

Basic services in the Tumbes district have become increasingly difficult to access due to an increased number of migrants entering Peru from the North land border with Ecuador. The increased population has limited the provision of these services.

Risk level(s)

Valle de los Ríos Apurímac, Ene y Mantaro (VRAEM)

Drug trafficking

Cocaine production and trafficking occurs inVRAEM. Travel is particularly dangerous in areas where there is coca cultivation and processing.

Domestic terrorism

Incidents of domestic terrorism have occurred in VRAEM, particularly the region where the Apurímac, Ayacucho, Cuzco and Junín departments meet.

Risk level(s)

Crime

Crime rates are high throughout the country.

• Maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness, especially at night
• Avoid walking in deserted or under-populated areas
• Travel in groups whenever possible

Petty Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in Lima, in other cities and even in crowded, public areas. Theft occurs frequently in hotels, restaurants, bus stations and airports, on intercity buses and microbuses and while hailing taxis.

• Avoid wearing expensive watches and jewellery, or showing signs of affluence
• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Never leave bags unattended

Pickpockets and bag snatchers may work in pairs or groups and employ a variety of ruses to divert their victim’s attention. A common scam involves spraying a substance on victims and then robbing them while pretending to help clean the stain, or distracting the victim by asking questions while another person perpetrates the theft. In some cases, thieves on motorcycles will snatch purses, backpacks or cellular phones. 

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs. Incidents have included:

• robberies
• kidnappings
• extortion

Armed Robbery

Armed robberies are on the rise. While most victims are not physically injured, criminals will not hesitate to use force when opposed.

• If you are robbed, hand over your cash, electronic devices and valuables without resistance
• Be particularly vigilant after visiting a bank, an ATM or a change bureau, as thieves may follow and rob victims.
• Use ATMs inside banks and during regular hours of service, when guards are on duty

Assault

Assaults have occurred along the Inca Trail and in the Huaraz region of the Cordillera Blanca mountains. Hiking in these regions should be done in groups.

Kidnapping

Express kidnappings involving tourists have occurred. Victims are usually abducted for a few hours and forced to withdraw money from ATMs for their release. Most express kidnappings take place at night, but incidents also occur during daylight hours. Incidents often involve criminals posing as taxi drivers, or taxi drivers working for organized gangs. Virtual kidnappings occur throughout the country. Criminals use stolen cellphones to contact family members claiming to have kidnapped the owner of the phone and then ask for ransom money.

• Be suspicious of strangers approaching you on the street
• Never leave your cellphone unattended
• Be cautious when using cellphones and smart devices in public as they are often targeted by thieves, especially while people are using them
• Ensure your phone is password protected

Domestic terrorism

Incidents of domestic terrorism occur, particularly in remote jungle areas such as:

• parts of the Huancavelica and Ucayali departments
•  the Upper Huallaga river valley in the Huánuco and San Martín departments.

Incidents have included:

• raids
• temporary ambushes of small villages
• bombings or threats of violence against local security forces or community figures

Overland travel in these regions is unsafe.

Fraud

Counterfeit currency

Counterfeit currency in both sol and U.S. dollars is a growing and serious problem. Counterfeit bills are widely distributed, including by banks, casinos and local stores.

• Avoid moneychangers on the street, as they may carry counterfeit currency or work with pickpockets.

Credit card fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Scams

Criminals posing as taxi drivers often rob tourists along the route to and from Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport.

• Use a secure taxi service when arriving at and leaving the airport
• Exercise caution en route to and from your hotel
• Find information on registered taxi companies from the Lima Airport Partners website

Thieves also pose as police officers to gain the confidence and cooperation of their potential victims.

• If you are stopped by local authorities, ask to see official identification and record the officer’s name, badge number and district.
• For traffic violations, request that the officer issue you a fine in writing, which is payable at a later date.
• You should also note the location of the arrest.

Legitimate police officers have also extorted money in exchange for dismissing minor offences or traffic violations. They have also stolen money and valuables during searches.

• If you are searched, even at the airport, ensure you have all your belongings before leaving

If you are planning to participate in volunteer activities in Peru, ensure that the company organizing your trip is legitimate. Make sure your accommodations and return arrangements are secure before travelling.

• More about overseas fraud
• More about volunteering abroad

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Incidents of sexual assault, including rape, occur throughout the country, particularly in tourist destinations. In some cases, tour guides have been implicated.

• Do not travel alone, especially after dark.
• Remain particularly vigilant at bus terminals and in taxis.
• Be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances, especially regarding the acceptance of rides or other invitations.
• For information about tours and tourist assistance and information, contact iPeru.

Women reporting sexual assault should contact police immediately. Medical examinations at identified clinics are part of the investigation process. Women who have delayed reporting may experience more scrutiny by local authorities.

Safe-travel guide for women

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Demonstrations take place regularly throughout the country. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Police may use tear gas or other methods to disperse crowds.

Demonstrations can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Strikes and roadblocks are frequent and may cause the interruption of services, including public transit, and the closure of businesses and government offices. Impromptu road blocks may also affect travel within southern Peru, especially travel to and from the cities of Arequipa, Cuzco and Puno. Protests around Puno can sometimes result in the closure of the border crossing with Bolivia. Protestors may block rivers essential for transportation in some remote regions, including the Manu region of Madre de Dios, resulting in the temporary detainment of tourists.

Participating in demonstrations may lead to detention or even deportation by Peruvian authorities.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
• Confirm your travel plans with your travel agency or tour operator, and ensure they have made appropriate security arrangements.
• Contact iPeru by phone or email for the latest developments.

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Adventure tourism

Each year, several hikers and climbers are victims of serious, sometimes fatal, accidents in the Andes, including at the Huayna Picchu peak near Machu Picchu, and the Cordillera Blanca region in Huaraz, where Peru’s highest peaks are located. Trails, such as those found in Ollantaytambo, may be poorly marked. Hikers have become lost. Be aware that steep or slippery areas are neither fenced nor marked.

If you intend to hike, trek or climb:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• Exercise extreme caution while climbing, as local authorities have limited rescue capabilities
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes

Remote areas of Peru, where popular jungle excursions operate, may not have cellphone coverage or internet access.

• Always leave the contact information of tour operator with your family and friends

Useful links

• iPerú‎ - Peruvian government’s Tourist Information and Assistance‎
• APOTUR - Asociación Peruana de Operadores de Turismo Receptivo e Interno
• APAVIT - Asociación Peruana de Agencias de Viaje y Turismo
• APTAE- Asociación Peruana de Turismo de Aventura, Ecoturismo y Turismo Espacializado

Water safety

There have been several recent white-water rafting accidents and drownings involving tourists, particularly on the Urubamba River near Cuzco. Companies offering white-water rafting, their guides and their equipment may not be held to the same standards as similar companies in Canada. Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Strong currents exist in the Pacific Ocean and in rivers. Life guards are not always present or properly trained at beaches.

Swimming in jungle lakes and rivers can be dangerous due to the presence of parasites and wildlife.

Seek advice and consult residents and local authorities about conditions before swimming, surfing or participating in other aquatic activities.

Water safety abroad

Ayahuasca ceremonies

Spiritual cleansing and ayahuasca ceremonies, offered by shamans and other individuals, involve consuming substances that can cause medical complications and severely impair cognitive and physical abilities. Exposure to these substances has led to serious illness, injury, assault and even the death of several tourists.

Ceremonies often take place in remote areas with no access to medical or mental health facilities or resources and limited communication with local authorities. Most of the time, the facilities lack basic first aid or emergency plans for those suffering from physical or psychological illness from these ceremonies. Ayahuasca ceremonies are not regulated and there is no way to assess the safety of any of the services, the operators or the shamans.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Drivers are extremely aggressive, and they do not respect traffic laws. Mountainous roads can be particularly dangerous, especially at night. Poor signage also poses a hazard. Accidents causing fatalities are common.

Regular police spot checks can cause traffic delays.

When renting a vehicle, always purchase insurance. Most drivers in Peru have only the minimum required car insurance, which may not adequately cover accidents.

Vehicles are a target for robbery. Criminals have thrown objects in front of oncoming traffic in the hope that cars will stop. If this occurs and you need to stop, do so only in a safe location, such as a gas station.

• While travelling by car, keep your doors locked and windows shut at all times
• Keep your personal belongings in the trunk of the vehicle, as criminals have been known to shatter windows to “smash and grab” and to attempt entry when they see travel bags or merchandise
• Avoid travelling by road outside of major cities after dark, when there is a higher risk of robbery

Marine Transportation

Thefts on boats by river pirates occur along rivers in the Amazon jungle.

Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre

Public transportation

Buses

Many of the buses and combis in Lima are old, poorly maintained and overcrowded. Drivers of these vehicles tend to dominate the roads and disregard other drivers or pedestrians.

Intercity bus travel can be dangerous due to the risk of bus accidents, which are usually caused by excessive speed, poor vehicle maintenance and driver fatigue. Armed gangs have been known to stop buses to rob travellers, especially at night. Incidents of assaults on buses have also been reported.

• Only use reputable transportation companies
• Contact your travel agency for a list of recommended intercity bus companies

The Peruvian Ministry of Transportation publishes, in Spanish only, a list of those bus companies with the highest rates of involvement in fatal or serious injury traffic accidents.

Taxis

Licensed taxis are not metered. Taxi drivers sometimes do not provide change or will continue to drive until they can obtain change.

• Do not hail taxis on the street
• Reserve a taxi by calling a reputable taxi company or use taxi services associated with major hotels
• Agree to a fare prior to departure and do not pay until you have reached your destination
• Try to carry the exact fare

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry/exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Peruvian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Peru.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: Not required
Business visa: Required 
Student visa: Required

If you entered Peru with a business visa, you must obtain a certificate from the Peruvian Ministry of the Economy to prove that all Peruvian taxes on income earned during the trip have been paid prior to leaving the country. The certification is required even if no money was paid or earned and must be presented to the central Peruvian immigration office in Lima before departure.

Entry stamp

You must obtain an entry stamp in your passport from Peru’s immigration office at the port of entry. If you enter Peru without an entry stamp, you must apply for a new entry stamp at the nearest immigration office. You need to provide:

• your passport
• evidence of your entry to Peru (air/bus ticket in your name)
• exit stamp from the last country you visited

If you’re unable to provide such evidence, you must apply for an exit or expulsion order at the Immigration Office in Lima. You won’t be allowed to leave Peru without this, and you may be prevented from re-entering Peru for the next five to ten years.

• Only cross the border at official checkpoints
• Ensure the immigration office at your port of entry is open at the time you intend to cross the border
• Obtain the required exit stamp from the country you are leaving

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must obtain a new entry stamp on the replacement passport from the National Superintendent of Immigration (Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones) or at Lima’s Jorge Chávez airport.

Length of stay

The length of stay is determined by immigration officers. They may grant you up to a 90-day stay in the country. If needed, you can request an on-line extension to the National Superintendent of Immigration. You cannot stay in Peru for more than 183 days within a 365-day period.

Overstaying is a criminal offence. Peruvian offenders will be fined 4.05 Peruvian soles for each day of overstay. This fee must be paid upon exiting the country.

Requesting a stay extension - National Superintendent of Immigration (in Spanish)

Dual citizenship

Peruvian–Canadians entering Peru using their Canadian passport are subject to visit restrictions, including length of stay and associated fines.

See Laws and culture for additional information. 

Children and travel

Travellers under 18 exiting Peru after a stay of 183 days are automatically protected by Peru’s law on minors and will require the authorization of both parents/guardians to exit the country.

Children who have resident status in Peru must have written permission from the non-accompanying parents to leave the country.

Children born of Canadian parents in Peru require a Peruvian passport to leave the country for the first time. Contact Peruvian immigration officials for more information.

Learn about travel with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Medical services and facilities

Quality of care varies throughout the country.

Private hospitals and clinics in urban centres are well-staffed and -equipped to handle any emergency or medical issue. Public hospitals and rural facilities, even in some tourist destinations and major cities, may not meet Canadian standards or may be inadequate to treat serious conditions.

Cases of serious injury or illness in remote areas may require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility in the country. Clinic, hospital and evacuation expenses can be costly and the service provider often expects immediate cash payment or confirmation of payment from an insurance company.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences, regardless of the amount of narcotics seized at arrest.

Pack your luggage yourself and keep it with you at all times, as there have been cases of airport smuggling. Do not carry anything through customs for anybody else.

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

Identification

You must carry photo identification at all times. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it’s lost or confiscated. Failure to show identification could result in detention.

Behaviour

Peruvian authorities may impose fines and other penalties for any action considered to be disrespectful at historical and archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo and Saqsayhuaman. Visitors to Machu Picchu must adhere to strict regulations regarding entry restrictions and behaviour within the site. Check with your travel guide or agent for the latest information.

Exports

Peruvian law strictly prohibits the export of antiques and artefacts (huacos) from pre-colonial civilizations. Purchase reproductions of colonial or pre-colonial art from reputable dealers only and insist on obtaining documentation from Peru’s National Institute of Culture to prove that the object is a reproduction and may be exported.

The export of coca tea bags and products is prohibited.

It is illegal to remove certain fauna and flora items from Peru. Items made from or displaying animals, insects or plants may be seized. If you are convicted of possession of such items, you could face heavy fines or jail sentences.

• National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR) - Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation of Peru (in Spanish)

Photographs

It is forbidden to photograph military installations.

LGBTQ2 travellers

Peruvian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely accepted in Peruvian society.

General safety information and advice for LGBTQ2 travellers abroad

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Peru.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Peru, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

Driving

You must carry an international driving permit. A foreign driver’s licence can be used only in Lima and only for 30 days after arrival.

Carry identification and vehicle registration at all times.

More about the International Driving Permit

Money

The currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN). The U.S. dollar is widely accepted.

Credit cards are not commonly accepted outside major cities. Many establishments will request to see a passport to confirm the identity of the person using the credit card. 

ATMs are not easily accessible in small towns. They often have limits to the amount and number of daily withdrawals.

Natural disasters & climate

Seismic activity

Earthquakes

Peru is in an active seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes.

Dangerous landslides can also occur, even after minor earthquakes.

Instituto Nacional de Defensa Civil (INDECI) (in Spanish)

Tsunamis

Tsunamis can occur following seismic activity. Tsunami evacuation routes are posted along the Costa Verde in Lima and several locations on the coast.

Dirección de Hidrografía y Navegación (in Spanish)

Volcanoes

There are active and potentially active volcanoes in southern Peru. Debris from erupting volcanoes may clog rivers and cause them to overflow, resulting in potential flash floods and mudslides. Transportation and services may be affected. Ash clouds may cause disruptions to domestic and international flights. If you live or are travelling near active volcanoes:

• monitor levels of volcanic activity through the local media
• pay careful attention to all warnings issued and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Be prepared to modify your travel arrangements or even evacuate the area on short notice.

Useful links

• Geophysical Institute of Peru - Instituto Geofisico del Peru (IGP) (in Spanish)
• Geology, Mineralogy and Metallurgy Institute -  Instituto Geologico Minero y Metalurigico (INGEMMET) (in Spanish)

High tides

Higher tides are experienced several times throughout the year and may cause flooding and damage along the coast.

Rainy season and El Niño

The rainy season extends from November to May in the Peruvian Andes.

Seasonal flooding, mudslides and landslides can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services such as utilities, emergency and medical care, food, fuel and water supplies. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

More about hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the embassy of Canada in Lima and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.