Peru

Violent crime

Violent crime is common in Peru, particularly in the cities of:

• Lima
• Cusco
• Arequipa

Violent crimes include:

• sexual assault
• armed robbery and muggings
• carjackings

You could encounter: 

• armed robbery and assault on Amazon River boats
• theft as you sleep on intercity bus routes between Lima, Ica, Nazca and Cusco
• assault and robbery at gunpoint on intercity buses
• bogus roadblocks or checkpoints on roads outside major cities after dark

If you're sexually assaulted, report it to the police immediately. You can expect to be examined at a clinic as part of the investigation. If you delay reporting, you may experience more scrutiny by local authorities.

Road-based crime

Travellers using unlicensed taxis have been victims of robbery, assault and rape.

Use a phone dispatch service or taxi service app to book a licensed taxi. Ask for help from staff at hotels, hostels, restaurants or entertainment venues. Be careful and pay attention to suspicious behaviour, even when taking transport booked via apps. If possible, avoid taking taxis or ride-shares by yourself. 

To protect yourself from road-based crime:

• keep vehicle doors locked and windows up, even when moving
• avoid going out alone, especially at night
• don't place belongings on overhead racks or under bus seats
• monitor the local media for potential hotspots
• don't leave your luggage unattended

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common. Thieves are often well dressed.

Criminals target people walking alone after dark, especially leaving bars or nightclubs.

Thieves frequently target mobile phones. Be aware of your surroundings before using your mobile phone in public spaces and be discreet while using it. Avoid using your phone curb-side on the street, as you may be targeted by snatch-and-grab thieves on motorcycles.

Hotspots for thieves include:

• public areas
• hotels
• conference centres
• restaurants

Smash-and-grab attacks are common in various locations around Lima and other cities. Thieves snatch items from cars stopped at traffic lights. 

If you plan to go on a cruise, check the company has adequate security before booking.

Personal security

Travellers in Peru can be victims of:

• food or drink spiking, followed by robbery or assault
• 'express kidnappings', where kidnappers force victims to withdraw money from ATMs before releasing them

To protect yourself from crime:

• don't accept drinks, food, gum or cigarettes from strangers or people you have just met
• don't leave food or drink unattended
• exchange money in banks, exchange bureaus or in your hotel
• use ATMs in banks, shopping centres or hotels where possible

Border areas

Travel to the region within 20km of the border with Colombia is dangerous.

Armed guerrilla forces from Colombia sometimes enter Peru's remote areas.

Drug traffickers operate in:

• the border area between Peru and Colombia
• the valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro rivers (VRAEM region)

Take additional precautions in these areas. 

Ayahuasca tourism

Ayahuasca tourism is a growing industry in the jungle regions of Ecuador and Peru. Shamans perform psychedelic rituals of spiritual cleansing.

Ayahuasca is not illegal, but some participants have been assaulted and robbed.

Ceremonies often take place in remote areas with no access to medical or mental health resources and limited communication with local authorities.

Most facilities lack basic first aid or emergency plans for people who suffer physical or mental effects after ceremonies. Participants report symptoms from being more alert but out of control through to amnesia.

If you decide to take part in ayahuasca tourism:

• research potential ayahuasca tour operators before signing up
• avoid participating in ayahuasca rituals without a trusted friend present

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Demonstrations and protests 

Since December 2022, Peru has been experiencing intermittent civil unrest, including some violent incidents, causing some disruption to travel services throughout the country. There is a State of Emergency in place in Puno city and region, and we advise you reconsider your need to travel to Puno. 

States of emergency may be implemented in response to civil unrest, giving the armed forces responsibility for law and order. Some civil rights could be suspended. 

If you plan to travel by road, research your planned route carefully, including regularly checking the official list of road closures (in Spanish), and take precautions to ensure your safety. You may face difficulties if attempting to enter Peru by land from Bolivia and Chile due to disruptions in the Peruvian regions bordering these countries. Immigration services could be closed, and transport disrupted. 

National or regional strikes can be called at short notice, further disrupting domestic air travel, public transport and road networks.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• monitor the media for updates
• avoid areas affected by demonstrations and protests
• follow the advice of local authorities
• contact your airline or tour operator to confirm arrangements before you travel

If you're near a demonstration, leave if it's safe to.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Members of a local terrorist group may still be in isolated areas throughout Peru, especially in the Central and Southern Highlands.

Take care if you travel to:

• San Martin
• Huanuco
• Pasco
• Junin
• Ucayali
• Huancavelica
• Ayacucho
• Apurimac

These places may harbour members of the Shining Path terrorist movement.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in the Southern Highlands
• monitor the media for updates
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities
• report any suspicious activity or items to the police

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid areas affected in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Australians have died from injuries sustained in adventure travel accidents in Peru.

Rafting, diving and sand-dune buggy-riding operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards.

The Inca Trail closes in February each year for maintenance. Some companies will still operate.

Heavy rainfall can make parts of the trail impassable and dangerous.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

To reduce your risks:

• seek advice from local authorities
• adjust your plans if the weather makes conditions unsafe
• monitor weather conditions
• use an experienced guide on the Inca Trail or other treks

Due to the weather conditions, a State of Emergency has been imposed in the northern coastal and some central parts of Peru. This may cause some travel services to be disrupted and inter-provincial road travel to be restricted. Some tourist attractions may be temporarily closed.

Peru can experience natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• flooding
• landslides
• earthquakes
• volcanic eruptions
• tsunamis

To protect yourself if a natural disaster is approaching:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with friends and family
• contact your tour operator or airline

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Severe weather

Peru has a variety of climates. The rainy season is from November to May.

Flooding and landslides are common in the Andes during this period.

Rail and air services may be disrupted.

Heavy rain can cause flooding and landslides in the Andes mountain range, affecting:

• Machu Picchu
• the Inca Trail
• Aguas Calientes

This can result in travel delays.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Peru is in an active earthquake zone. Earthquakes and tsunamis can occur.

A tsunami can arrive very soon after a nearby tremor or earthquake.

Be alert to warnings. 

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

More information:

• U.S Tsunami Warning Centers (United States government)

Volcanoes

Several volcanoes in southern Peru are active. Ubinas and Sabancaya volcanoes have erupted multiple times.

Eruptions can occur at any time and without warning.

Exposure to volcanic ash, dust and toxic fumes can harm your health, especially if you have existing respiratory problems.

To protect yourself if there's an eruption:

• stay inside with windows and doors shut
• put damp towels at door thresholds and other draft sources if ash is falling
• monitor local media for advice on possible risks

If you need to go outside, avoid contact with ash. Wear a disposable face mask and change it frequently. Wear long clothing and goggles.

Seek local advice on recent volcanic activity before hiking or trekking near active volcanoes.

More information:

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

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)
• COVID-19 vaccines (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Peru. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use only

More information:

• Medication

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a risk in Peru. 

For information on Peru's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the Government of Peru website (Spanish). You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.

More information:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Altitude sickness

You're at risk of altitude sickness if you travel above 2500m. The risk is greater if your ascent is rapid.

Altitude sickness can be life-threatening and can affect anyone, even if you're healthy.

You're more at risk of altitude sickness if you:

• have had altitude sickness before
• exercise or drink alcohol before you get used to the altitude
• have health problems that affect breathing

Many areas of Peru are above 2500m, including:

• Cuzco and Machu Picchu
• Puno and the Colca Canyon
• Lake Titicaca

See your doctor for specific advice.

Check your insurance covers emergency evacuation from altitude and related medical costs.

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is widespread in Peru. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

Zika virus is also widespread across Peru. If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends that you:

• discuss any travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

Other common insect-borne diseases include:

• malaria
• dengue

Dengue is particularly common around Iquitos and spreads widely during and after flooding.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Consult your doctor about how to prevent malaria.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• cholera
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• rabies

Severe outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are adequate in major cities but limited elsewhere.

Doctors and hospitals often require payment before they will treat you, including for emergency care.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with suitable facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Travelling with children

Children under 18 years old travelling on an Australian passport must obtain written permission (Autorización de Viaje Notarial) from the non-travelling parent(s) to leave the country. For more information, please see the Peruvian government's website. 

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include lengthy prison sentences. Don't carry or use illegal drugs.

Trained staff use technology to detect illegal drugs at Lima's International Airport and throughout Peru.

Australians have been jailed for long periods for drug offences.

States of emergency

Local authorities sometimes invoke a state of emergency. It gives the government special legal powers in response to civil unrest, crime, health concerns or natural disasters. Peru's armed forces take control of law and order alongside the police. Some civil rights may be suspended and curfews imposed.

If a state of emergency happens in an area you're visiting:

• monitor the media for updates
• follow the advice of local authorities

Proof of identity

You must carry photo ID in Peru. 

A certified copy of the photo and visa pages is acceptable if you don't want to carry your passport. Get certified copies from the Australian Embassy in Lima.

Other laws

It's illegal to photograph:

• military or police sites and personnel
• water and electricity plants
• harbours
• mines
• bridges

Indecent behaviour, such as not showing respect at cultural, historical or sacred sites, is against the law. Australians have been detained for this.

It's illegal to export handicrafts or goods of cultural or historical significance. If you want to buy or export copies of these, you'll need permission from Peru's National Institute for Culture. Call (+51 1) 226 4162.

It's also illegal to export antiques and artefacts from pre-colonial Peru. If you want to buy and export a reproduction, use a reputable dealer with the right documents.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual nationals aged under 18 years must travel with both passports.

A child travelling alone or with one parent may need certain documents.

More information:

• Dual nationals
• Advice for people travelling with children

Visas

Tourist visas 

Australian tourists don't need a visa. You can get a permit to stay for up to 3 months when you arrive. If you overstay your permit, you'll have to pay a fine before leaving the country.

In other situations, you'll need to apply for a visa through an embassy or consulate of Peru.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You can contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Peru for the latest details. They'll tell you about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements.

Border measures

Entry stamp

If you enter Peru from Bolivia either by walking or by bus or taxi, you must make sure your passport is stamped with a Peruvian entry stamp at the immigration office in Desaguadero or Copacabana (Puno region). You'll need to go to the immigration checkpoint, as they won't seek you out.

If you enter Peru overland from Ecuador, you must make sure your passport is stamped with a Peruvian entry stamp at the local immigration office. You may need to ask for directions to the immigration office. Most people crossing the border with Ecuador enter Peru through Aguas Verdes (Tumbes region). If your passport is not stamped at the border with Ecuador, you can have it stamped at the Immigration Office in the city of Tumbes.

If you haven't arranged an entry stamp to evidence your entry, you'll need to apply for an exit or expulsion order at the Immigration Office in Lima. You won't be allowed to leave Peru by air without this, and these orders may prevent you from re-entering Peru for up to 10 years.

Only cross the border at official checkpoints. Ensure you also get an exit stamp from the country you're departing.

Travel via the United States

If you're travelling through the US, you must meet US entry and transit requirements.

Check your visa requirements with a US embassy or consulate well in advance of your travel.

More information:

• Travel advice for the US

Other requirements

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Peru. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

If you've visited Peru in the previous 6 days, you'll need a valid certificate to enter Australia.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

Emergency travel documents can be used to enter, transit or depart Peru, as long as they have at least 6 months validity.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
• After contacting the Australian Embassy in Lima, visit a Peruvian Immigration Office to get an entry stamp in your new passport. Check Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones (Spanish) to find the nearest office.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

• LGBTI travellers

The local currency is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN).

Declare all amounts more than of $US10,000 in any currency on arrival. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash. The maximum amount permitted is $US 30,000 or equivalent.

ATM facilities are widely available.

Credit cards are usually accepted.

Beware of counterfeit currency scams from unofficial money changers.

Landmines

Landmines are being removed but remain a threat in some regions, including:

• Loreto
• Amazonas (Cordillera del Condor)
• Cajamarca

Cross the Peru-Ecuador border at official checkpoints.

Driving permit

You can use your Australian driver's license to drive in Peru for the duration of a tourist visa (maximum 183 days). If you're staying in Peru longer, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP). 

Road travel

You're more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Peru than in Australia.

Driving hazards include:

• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• aggressive local driving practices
• poor road lighting

Fatal traffic accidents are common and often involve intercity buses.

Travelling by road outside major cities after dark is dangerous due to the risk of criminal activity. This includes bogus roadblocks or checkpoints.

If you plan to drive:

• check you have adequate insurance cover
• learn local traffic laws and practices

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Your travel insurance policy may not cover you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Travellers using unlicensed taxis have been victims of robbery, assault and rape.

To stay safe when you arrive in Peru, either:

• arrange a taxi at the counter in Lima's international airport
• use your hotel transfer service
• book a reputable transfer service

To protect yourself if you're travelling by taxi:

• don't hail taxis from the street
• book through an app-based service
• ask the staff at hotels, hostels, restaurants or places of entertainment to book a licensed taxi

More information:

• Lima Airport Partner website

Public transport

Intercity buses are often involved in road accidents. They're also targeted by criminals.

Use a reputable transport or bus company to reduce risks.

Check the safest intercity bus companies with the Peruvian Ministry of Transportation (Spanish).

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely 

Sea and boat travel

Armed criminals target riverboats in the Amazon region.

Foreigners, including Australians, are assaulted and robbed every year on boats.

Check your cruise company has adequate security arrangements before booking.

A number of international cruise liners visit Peru.

More information:

• Going on a cruise
• Travelling by boats

Air travel

Light aircraft and helicopter flights may be hazardous due to a variety of conditions. These include changeable weather and harsh geography.

Before you book a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines, check the airline company:

• is licensed
• has a good safety record

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Peru's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

The Peruvian government has 24-hour i-Peru offices in major airports and cities. Call (+51 1) 574 8000.

Ambulance services in Lima

(+51 1) 225 4040 (Alerta Medica); (+51 1) 467 4861 (Clave 5) and (+51 1) 241 1911 (Plan Vital).

Fire and rescue services

Call 116.

Medical emergencies

Call 117 or go direct to the hospital.

Police

Call 0800 22221 for police who speak English.

Local police: 105 (National Police)

Visit the nearest police station or tourist police office. There are tourist police at the International Airport and popular tourist spots.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

iPeru: (+51 1) 574-8000 (tourist assistance service with English-speaking personnel)

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australian Embassy, Lima

Avenida La Paz 1049, 10th Floor

Miraflores, Lima, 18, Peru

Phone: (+51 1) 630 0500

Fax: (+51 1) 630 0520

Email: consular.lima@dfat.gov.au

Website: peru.embassy.gov.au/lima

Facebook: Australia en Perú y Bolivia 

Instagram: @embauslima

Twitter: @embauslima

Australia has a Consulate headed by an Honorary Consul in Cusco. The Consulate provides limited consular assistance. It does not provide visa and immigration services, notarial services or issue passports. For full consular services, contact the Australian Embassy in Lima.

Australian Consulate, Cusco

Ms Tammy Gordon
Calle Ruinas 477, Cusco, Peru
Phone: (+51 0) 84 259230
Email: tammy@australiacusco.com

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia