Peru is a country full of history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. From the famous Machu Picchu to the bustling streets of Lima, it’s no wonder that many UK citizens dream of visiting. But before planning your Peruvian adventure, it’s important to understand the visa and entry requirements. This guide covers everything UK travelers need to know.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Peru?
The good news for UK travelers is that you do not need a visa to visit Peru for short-term trips related to tourism, family visits, or similar purposes. This visa-free entry applies to stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Visa-Free Entry Conditions
To enter Peru without a visa, you must:
- Be a British citizen with a valid UK passport.
- Enter the country for tourism, transit, or family visits (non-commercial purposes).
- Not exceed the allowed duration of stay.
- Comply with local immigration laws during your visit.
This visa exemption makes Peru a convenient travel destination for UK tourists, but you must still meet other entry requirements, especially related to your passport and arrival process.
Passport & Entry Requirements
Even though a visa is not required, UK travelers must follow Peru’s passport rules.
Passport Validity
Your UK passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Peru. This is strictly enforced, so double-check your passport’s expiry date well in advance.
Entry Procedures Upon Arrival
Upon entering Peru:
You will be asked to show your passport at immigration.
You must state the purpose of your visit.
Immigration officers will decide how many days you are allowed to stay (typically up to 90 days).
A digital entry will be recorded in Peru’s immigration system. If you arrive by air, this is automatic.
Make sure to keep a copy of your return flight itinerary and hotel reservations, in case immigration asks for proof of your travel plans.
Duration of Stay Without a Visa
Peru allows UK citizens to stay up to 90 days without a visa within a 180-day period. This doesn’t mean you can re-enter immediately after 90 days. Immigration authorities may deny re-entry if they believe you are trying to live in Peru without the proper visa.
Maximum Stay Allowed Per Year
The maximum time a foreign visitor, including UK citizens, can stay in Peru without a visa is 183 days within a 365-day period. This is calculated from your first day of entry.
Travelers looking to spend longer periods in Peru should apply for the appropriate long-stay visa based on their reason for travel.
Visa Requirements for Other Purposes
While UK citizens don’t need a visa for tourism, other travel purposes do require one.
Business, Work, or Study
If you are planning to:
- Attend business meetings or conferences.
- Work or take up employment in Peru.
- Study at a Peruvian institution.
You must apply for a specific visa before traveling. These visas include:
- Business visa
- Work visa
- Student visa
- Family visa (for those joining relatives in Peru)
Each visa type has specific requirements and conditions.
How to Apply for a Visa
To apply for a visa, contact the Consulate General of Peru in London. Here’s how the process usually works:
Visit the official website of the Peruvian consulate
- Download the visa application form.
- Prepare supporting documents (such as passport copy, invitation letter, proof of financial means, etc.).
- Book an appointment with the consulate.
- Submit your application in person.
- Wait for visa approval and receive your visa.
- Visa processing times can vary, so apply well in advance of your travel date.
Entry Process at Airports & Land Borders
Airports: Digital Registration
When flying into Peru (e.g., through Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima), your passport will be digitally registered by immigration. You won’t get a physical entry stamp, but your visit will be logged in the immigration system.
It’s recommended to:
Print a copy of your immigration registration from the Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones website after arrival.
Keep digital proof of your stay in case it is required when checking into hotels or departing the country.
Land Borders: Importance of Entry Stamp
If you are entering Peru by land (e.g., from Ecuador, Bolivia, or Chile), make sure:
- You get an entry stamp in your passport at the immigration office.
- The stamp clearly shows your entry date.
Failure to get stamped can result in problems when leaving Peru, including fines or being labeled as an undocumented foreigner.
Overstaying & Penalties
Staying beyond your allowed duration in Peru can lead to serious consequences.
Fines for Overstaying
If you overstay your permitted time, you will be required to pay a daily fine upon departure. As of 2025, the fine is approximately US $4 per day overstayed. This amount must be paid in Peruvian soles at the airport before boarding your flight.
Additional Penalties
Beyond fines, overstaying may result in:
Detention at the immigration holding facility.
Deportation and being banned from re-entering Peru for a certain period.
Trouble applying for future visas or residency.
To avoid these problems, always keep track of your entry and exit dates. Set calendar reminders or register with the immigration website to monitor your stay.
Conclusion
Traveling to Peru from the UK is easy and visa-free for short-term tourism, but it comes with clear rules you must follow. Here are the key takeaways:
UK citizens don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days.
Your passport must be valid for 6 months upon arrival.
You can stay a maximum of 183 days in a 12-month period.
Always get an entry stamp, especially at land borders.
Don’t overstay your allowed time to avoid fines or penalties.
Apply for a visa through the Peruvian Consulate in London if traveling for work, study, or long-term purposes.
With the right preparation, your Peruvian journey can be smooth and unforgettable. Whether you’re trekking to ancient ruins or enjoying the local cuisine, understanding the entry requirements is the first step to a successful trip.
