Contents
Summary
Entry and exit requirements
Safety and security
Local travel
Laws that apply to you
Health issues
Where to get help
Additional information
Summary
- We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Peru because of the significant levels of serious crime.
- Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
- You should avoid demonstrations and protests throughout Peru as they may turn violent.
- You should be aware of the risk of flying over the Nazca Lines (a collection of lines and figures etched in the plains in Southern Peru). On 2 October 2010, a light aeroplane crashed at the Lines killing all six people on board, four of them tourists. This accident is the most recent of several fatal accidents and emergencies at Nazca since 2007.
- Drug trafficking is a serious crime in Peru and drug smugglers face long terms of imprisonment.
- Isolated areas in the Southern Highlands including San Martin, Huanuco, Pasco, Junin, Ucayali, Huancavelica, Ayacucho and Apurimac, may still harbour members of the Shining Path terrorist movement. Australians should maintain a high degree of caution in these areas.
- We strongly advise you not to travel to the areas bordering Colombia and Ecuador in the regions of Loreto, Amazonas and Cajamarca because of the risk of kidnapping and the presence of unexploded ordnance and landmines.
- If you have visited Peru in the last six days prior to your date of return to Australia, Australian Customs officials will ask you to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on entry into Australia.
- Travellers who ascend to altitudes greater than 2500m are at risk of developing altitude sickness. Altitude sickness can be life threatening and can affect anyone, including the physically fit. Many areas of Peru, including Cuzco and Machu Picchu, Puno and the Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca, are above 2500m. For more information, see the Health Issues section.
- Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
- organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
- register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
- subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.
Entry and exit
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) can change. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Peru for the most up to date information.
You should only cross or approach Peru's border with Ecuador, Bolivia or Chile at an official checkpoint. If you do not have an entry stamp for Peru from an official entry point in your passport, you may not be permitted to leave on your planned date of departure and instead could be fined.
Peru is listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. Some airlines may require passengers to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate before being allowed to board flights out of the country. If in doubt, check with your airline.
If you have visited Peru in the last six days prior to your date of return to Australia, Australian Customs officials will ask you to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on entry into Australia.
If you are travelling to Peru through the United States of America (USA), or if you are transiting in Honolulu or other USA points of entry, you are required to meet USA entry/transit requirements. Make sure you check with your nearest US Embassy or Consulate your visa requirements well in advance of your travel. You should also read our travel advice for the United States of America. For information about some recent changes to United States border entry procedures, including the use of Emergency Passports and Documents of Identity, please see our travel bulletin on entry into the United States.
Children (under 18 years of age) who are Australian/Peruvian dual nationals, Peruvian nationals or resident in Peru and are travelling alone or with one parent, in addition to the child's passport, may require a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent(s) and a copy of the child's birth certificate. Both documents should be translated into Spanish and notarised and certified by the Peruvian Embassy or Consulate in Australia.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Safety and security
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
Isolated areas in the Southern Highlands including San Martin, Huanuco, Pasco, Junin, Ucayali, Huancavelica, Ayacucho and Apurimac, may still harbour members of the Shining Path terrorist movement. Australians should maintain a high level of vigilance in these areas.
Civil unrest/political tension
Demonstrations and protests, often in response to local labour or social issues, occur regularly throughout Peru. You should avoid demonstrations, protests and political gatherings as they may turn violent.
National or regional strikes can be called in Peru at short notice and can cause disruption to domestic air travel, public transport and road networks.
The cities of Puno and Arequipa are prone to civil unrest. Travel in and around these areas can be disrupted without notice as roads are occasionally blocked by protestors.
In the past, protestors have caused disruption to Juliaca airport, Cuzco airport and the rail services to Machu Picchu. Further disruptions could occur. You should maintain contact with your airline or tour operator before travelling and monitor local media reports for up to date information.
Crime
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Peru because of the significant levels of serious crime.
Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
Violent crime, including sexual assault, armed robbery, muggings and car-jacking, occurs frequently in Peru, particularly in the cities of Lima, Cusco and Arequipa.
Travellers walking alone after dark, especially when leaving bars or nightclubs, have been targeted by criminals.
Serious crimes, including robbery, assault and rape have been committed against travellers using unlicensed taxi operators, particularly in Lima, Arequipa and Cusco. You should arrange transport at taxi counters within the international terminal when arriving at Lima's international airport and seek assistance from staff at hotels, hostels, restaurants or places of entertainment to book a licensed taxi. The name and contact details of the taxi company should be recorded.
There have been incidents from late afternoon until dawn of coordinated theft from vehicles stopped at traffic lights in the area surrounding Lima’s airport. Thieves have smashed vehicle windows and snatched items including those located on occupants’ laps or near their feet. Travellers in vehicles should ensure their belongings are secured and out of sight and that car windows are closed.
'Express kidnappings', where victims are forced to withdraw funds from ATMs to secure their release, have occurred.
River pirates continue to operate on tributaries of the Amazon. You should ask your tour company about the security arrangements they have in place.
Theft on inter-city buses, including buses on the Lima, Ica, Nasca and Cusco routes is common and often occurs when passengers are asleep or distracted. You should avoid placing luggage or other personal belongings on overhead racks or under your seats.
Travel by road outside major cities after dark is dangerous due to the risk of criminal activity which has often involved the use of bogus road blocks or check points.
Petty theft, including pick-pocketing and bag snatching, also occurs frequently in Peru, particularly in public areas by well-dressed people, including in hotels, conference centres, internet cafes and restaurants. You should remain vigilant in crowded public places. We advise you to exchange money in banks, exchange bureaus or in your hotel. You should avoid changing money in the street because of the risk of robbery and receiving counterfeit notes. We advise you not to display expensive watches, jewellery and other valuables. A minimal amount of cash and credit cards should be carried.
Money and valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work in Peru.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home. Use a waterproof satchel to protect your travel documents and passport, particularly when hiking in the Andes or rafting on the Amazon.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority. If possible, carry your luggage on your lap when travelling on intercity buses and particularly when you are asleep.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
Australians are required to pay an additional fee to have their passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
If your passport is lost or stolen while you are in Peru, you should contact the Australian Embassy in Lima. Provided you complete the relevant application forms and pay the required fees, the Embassy may issue a limited validity emergency passport within 48 hours, sufficient to return to Australia or allow time to access documentation to apply for a full validity passport. For further information, please refer to the Australian Passports Office Lost and Stolen Passport information.
In the case of a lost or stolen passport, you will need to have the Peruvian entry stamp replaced for a fee to enable departure from the country. This can be done at Peruvian Immigration Offices located in Lima’s airport and suburb of Breņa, other Peruvian cities that have international airports and some major border crossings. The border crossings from Puno in Peru to Bolivia do not offer this service and replacement stamps can be obtained from the Immigration Office in the city of Puno.
Local travel
Driving in Peru can be hazardous due to poorly maintained roads and vehicles, aggressive driving practices and inadequate road lighting. Fatal traffic accidents, particularly those involving intercity buses, are common. The use of reputable transport and bus companies may reduce risks when travelling by road in Peru. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.
The Peruvian government has opened Tourist Police offices in many tourist destinations. Tourists may register complaints or seek other assistance via the following 24-hour hotline (Indecopi): (511) 224 7777. English speaking operators are available. In addition, the Peruvian Government has “I-Peru” information offices in major airports and cities which provide assistance to tourists.
The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including adventure activities such as rafting and diving, are not always met. Sufficient life jackets and adequate safety equipment may not be provided. Recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed. Check operators' credentials and safety equipment beforehand, seek the advice from local authorities on weather conditions and ensure your travel insurance policy covers your planned activities. Australians have died as a result of accidents in adventure activities in Peru.
We recommend hikers on the Inca trail use an experienced guide.
Areas bordering Colombia and Ecuador in the regions of Loreto, Amazonas and Cajamarca: We strongly advise you not to travel to the areas bordering Colombia and Ecuador in the regions of Loreto, Amazonas and Cajamarca because of the risk of kidnapping and the presence of unexploded ordnance and landmines. Narcotics traffickers reportedly operate in the border area between Peru and Colombia. This area is heavily patrolled and monitored by the Peruvian army to prevent the entry of armed guerillas from Colombia. Unexploded ordnance and landmines are present in the border area between Peru and Ecuador. You should only cross at official checkpoints.
Airline safety
Light aircraft and helicopter flights may be hazardous due to a variety of conditions found in Peru, including changeable weather and harsh geography.
Since December 2007, several air crashes have occurred involving light aeroplanes over the Nazca Lines (a collection of lines and figures etched in the plains in Southern Peru). In the most recent incident, on 2 October 2010, a light aeroplane crashed at the Lines killing all six people on board, four of them foreign tourists. Travellers making reservations for this service should ensure their airline company is licensed and has a good safety record.
For further information, please refer to our Aviation Safety and Security travel bulletin.
Laws
When you are in Peru, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Peruvian law requires the possession of photo identification at all times. If you prefer not to carry your passport a notarised copy of the photo and visa page is acceptable. This service is available from the Australian Embassy in Lima, see Where to Get Help below for details.
Penalties for possession of illegal drugs are severe and include lengthy imprisonment in local jails.
Peruvian law prohibits the export of antiques and artefacts from pre-colonial civilizations. Reputable dealers sell reproductions and should provide documentation permitting export.
The Peruvian Government implements controls at departure points to prevent the exportation of handicrafts/goods of cultural or historical significance. Travellers interested in buying and exporting copies of these goods will need to obtain authorisation from the National Institute for Culture (INC) of Peru (Telephone: +51-1-226 4162).
Photography of military establishments, equipment and personnel, public water and electricity plants, police stations, harbours, mines and bridges is prohibited.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australian overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties for up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.
Information for dual nationals
Minors under the age of 18 years who have dual nationality must travel with both passports. Please see below in the Entry and Exit requirements the section on minors travelling alone or with only one parent.
Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Health
On 10 August 2010, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced it had moved to a post-pandemic period in response to pandemic (H1N1) 2009. The virus is expected to remain as a seasonal influenza virus and local outbreaks may occur. For more information see the WHO website.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
Medical facilities are usually adequate in major cities but can be very limited elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals generally require up-front cash payment before commencing treatment, including for emergency care. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities would be necessary. Medical evacuation costs could be considerable.
Travellers who ascend to altitudes greater than 2500m, particularly if the ascent is rapid, or who at higher altitudes make further rapid ascents, are at risk of developing altitude sickness. Altitude sickness can be life threatening and can affect anyone, including the physically fit. Those more at risk include people who have had altitude sickness before, who exercise or drink alcohol before adjusting (acclimatising) to the altitude, or who have health problems that affect breathing. If you plan to travel to altitude, you should see your doctor prior to travel and get advice specific to you and your situation. Many areas of Peru, including Cuzco and Macchu Picchu, Puno and the Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca, are above 2500m.
The mosquito-borne illnesses malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever, as well as other insect-borne diseases, occur in parts of the country. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria where necessary and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times, wearing long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof.
You should take extra precautions against dengue fever when travelling to, or in the area surrounding, Iquitos. Eight people died in February 2011 owing to an outbreak of the disease.
Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, tuberculosis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We recommend you have vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. You may need to seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
Where to get help
In Peru, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian Embassy, Lima
Avenida Victor Andres Belaunde 147
Via Principal 155
Torre Real 3, Office 1301
San Isidro, Lima 27, Peru
Telephone (51 1) 205 4000
Facsimile (51 1) 205 4012
E-mail: consular.lima@dfat.gov.au
If you are travelling to Peru, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency-whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
Additional information
Natural disasters, severe weather and climate
Peru has a variety of climates. In general, the rainy season is from November to May. Flooding and landslides are common in the Andes during this period and may disrupt transport services including rail and air services. Heavy rain can cause flooding and landslides in the Machu Picchu/Inca Trail/Aguas Calientes area. These can result in travel delays. You should follow the instructions of local authorities.
Peru is located in an active seismic region. In August 2007, an earthquake off the coast of Chincha, 161km south of Lima, killed more than 500 people.
Peru, as with all oceanic regions of the world, can experience tsunamis. In the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.
Information on natural disasters, including earthquakes and flooding, can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Wildlife
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
For parents
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the Smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.