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 police immediately. You'll be examined at a clinic for the investigation. Local authorities may examine you closely if you delay reporting the incident.

Road-based crime

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

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

To protect yourself from road-based crime:

• keep doors locked and windows up, even when moving
• avoid going out alone, especially at night
• don't place things 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.

Hotspots for thieves include:

• public areas
• hotels
• conference centres
• internet cafes
• restaurants

Smash-and-grab attacks are common. Thieves snatch items from cars stopped at traffic lights. This is common on Avenida de la Marina and Avenida Elmer Faucett near Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport.

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.

Drug traffickers operate in:

• the border area between Peru and Colombia
• the valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro rivers

Armed guerrilla forces from Colombia sometimes enter Peru's remote 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

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

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

Local authorities can call a state of emergency in response to unrest or crime.

This gives the armed forces responsibility for law and order. Some civil rights may be suspended.

Protests and roadblocks may disrupt travel around:

• Puno 
• Arequipa
• Juliaca airport
• Cuzco airport

Disruptions may affect rail services to Machu Picchu.

There are occasional advances into Peruvian territory by armed guerrillas from Colombia.

The Peruvian army patrol and monitor this area.

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 do so.

More information:

• Demonstration and civil unrest

Members of a local terrorist group may still be in isolated areas in the 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 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 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

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 might 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 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:

• Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

Volcanoes

Several volcanoes in southern Peru are active. Ubinas and Sabancaya erupted multiple times in 2016.

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 of 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) 

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 1000s 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

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

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.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

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 medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use only

More information:

• Medicine

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.

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

Serious 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.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long 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. The 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. 

If you don't want to carry your passport, a notarised copy of the photo and visa pages is acceptable. Get it 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 who has 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 1 parent will need certain documents.

More information:

• Dual nationals
• Advice for people travelling with children

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can’t help you.

Tourist visas 

Tourists don't need a visa. You can get a permit to stay for up to 6 months when you arrive.

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.

Entry stamp

You must get an entry stamp in your passport when you arrive. This is the case even at land borders where immigration offices are hard to find or not always open.

If you don't get an entry stamp on entry, you'll need to apply for one from the National Superintendent of Immigration in Lima immediately. This process could take several weeks.

If officials decide not give you an entry stamp, you'll have to apply for an expulsion order before being allowed to leave. This could also take several weeks. You may be fined and barred from entering Peru for up to 5 years.

Only cross the border at official checkpoints. Make sure you get an exit stamp from the country you're leaving.

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.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB)

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 you contact 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.

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.

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

To drive in Peru you need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must obtain your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

You're 2.5 times 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.

Travel 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 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 river boats 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 574 8000.

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.

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.

Call the 24-hour consumer protection agency INDECOPI helpline on (+51 1) 224 7777. English-speaking operators are available.

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

Contact the Australian Embassy in Lima for consular assistance.

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
Facebook: Australia en Perú y Bolivia

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

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