As of November 9, 2022, Peruvian citizens do not need a visa to enter the United Kingdom for short stays of up to six months. This change has opened doors for more flexible travel, whether it’s for a holiday, a business trip, or a visit to family and friends. However, it’s important to understand what this visa-free status allows—and what it doesn’t.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the essential details Peruvian travelers need to know before heading to the UK.
Visa Requirements
Visa-Free Travel for Short Visits
Thanks to the UK government’s policy update, Peruvians can now travel to the UK without a visa for up to six months. This means that you no longer need to apply for a visitor visa in advance for short trips.
Types of Visits Covered Under Visa-Free Access
Peruvian citizens can enter the UK visa-free for purposes such as:
Tourism: exploring cities like London, Edinburgh, or Liverpool.
Family visits: seeing relatives or friends living in the UK.
Business: attending meetings, conferences, trade shows, or short-term training.
Short-term study: enrolling in courses that last up to six months.
Medical reasons: receiving private medical treatment.
It’s important to note that you cannot work or get married while visiting under this visa-free policy.
Passport Validity
To enter the UK, Peruvian citizens must hold a valid Peruvian passport. The general recommendation is that your passport should be:
Valid for at least six months from the date you plan to enter the UK.
In good condition, without damage or missing pages.
Machine-readable and not expired.
If your passport is close to expiring, it’s best to renew it before your trip to avoid any issues with immigration.
Extended Stays or Other Purposes
If you’re planning to stay in the UK longer than six months or for reasons not covered by the visa-free access, such as work, study, or permanent settlement, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa in advance.
Common UK Visa Types for Peruvians
Student Visa: for courses longer than six months.
Skilled Worker Visa: if you have a job offer from a UK employer.
Family Visa: to join a partner, child, or parent who is a UK resident.
Start-up or Innovator Visa: for entrepreneurs.
Spouse Visa: if you’re marrying or joining your UK partner.
How to Apply for a UK Visa
Visit the UK government visa portal
Choose your visa type and fill out the application form.
Pay the visa fee online.
Book an appointment at your nearest visa application center.
Submit your documents and attend the biometric appointment (fingerprints, photo).
Wait for approval, which can take a few weeks depending on the visa type.
Make sure you gather all required documents and apply well in advance of your travel date.
Entry Process
Steps for Entering the UK Without a Visa
Even though a visa is not required, Peruvian travelers will still need to go through immigration when arriving in the UK.
Here’s what to expect:
Arrival at the UK border: You will go through customs and immigration.
Present your passport: A border officer will check your documents.
Answer a few questions: You may be asked about:
The purpose of your visit.
Where you’ll be staying.
How long you plan to stay.
Whether you have sufficient funds for the trip.
Entry granted: If everything is in order, you’ll receive permission to enter for up to six months.
Tips for a Smooth Entry
Bring printed documents, such as your flight booking, hotel reservation, or invitation letter from friends/family.
Have proof of financial means, like a bank statement or credit card.
Be honest and answer questions clearly and confidently.
Avoid bringing restricted items or large amounts of cash (over £10,000 must be declared).
Additional Entry Requirements
Health-Related Requirements
As of 2025, there are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for entering the UK from Peru. However:
It’s a good idea to have travel insurance, especially if you’re not eligible for NHS services.
Bring any prescriptions or medical documentation if you need specific treatment during your stay.
Customs Regulations and Prohibited Items
UK customs laws are strict. Here’s what you should know:
Items You Can Bring (within personal limits)
Alcohol and tobacco (within limits for personal use).
Personal use goods and clothing.
Small gifts (not exceeding £390 in value).
Items You Must Declare or Cannot Bring
Weapons, including pepper spray or stun guns.
Controlled drugs (unless with a prescription).
Counterfeit goods, pirated DVDs, or fake designer items.
Plants, seeds, and animal products may require certification.
You can check specific allowances on the UK government website.
Travel Tips
Traveling visa-free doesn’t mean you can be careless. Smart preparation makes your trip smoother and stress-free.
1. Carry Printed Copies of Important Documents
Have physical copies of:
Your passport (and a scanned copy stored online).
Flight itinerary and hotel reservations.
Travel insurance policy.
Emergency contact information.
2. Plan Your Itinerary Within the 6-Month Limit
You are allowed to stay up to 180 days, but that doesn’t mean you should stay exactly 180 days if it’s not necessary. Overstaying—even by one day—can impact future visits.
Keep records of your travel dates.
Be mindful if you’ve traveled to the UK recently, as frequent long visits might raise questions at the border.
3. Use Public Transport and Travel Apps
The London Underground (Tube) is a great way to explore the city.
Railcards can save you money if you plan to travel between cities.
Use apps like Citymapper, Trainline, or Google Maps for real-time updates.
4. Currency and Payment
The currency is British Pound Sterling (GBP).
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases.
Have a little cash on hand for emergencies or small vendors.
5. Stay Connected
Consider getting a UK SIM card or using an international roaming plan.
Wi-Fi is available in most public places, cafes, and hotels.
Conclusion
Peruvian citizens now enjoy the freedom of visa-free travel to the UK for short stays of up to six months, making travel for tourism, business, or family visits much easier. However, this visa waiver comes with specific rules and does not cover long-term stays or work.
Before traveling, ensure that your passport is valid, you have the necessary documents for entry, and you understand customs rules. With a little preparation, your trip to the UK can be a smooth and memorable experience.
For longer stays or other purposes like work or study, apply for the correct visa well in advance. Always refer to the official UK government website for the most up-to-date information.
Safe travels—and enjoy everything the UK has to offer!
