Entry Requirements and Visa for Peru

People

For French Citizens

For tourist travel, French citizens do not need a visa for stays of less than 3 months. A passport valid for 6 months beyond the planned entry date is sufficient. A return or onward ticket, including by bus, is technically required, though it is rarely checked unless arriving overland.

Note that upon arrival in Peru, it is theoretically possible to request up to 6 months (183 days exactly), though authorities are not obligated to grant this duration without a visa.

Other Nationalities

The same rules apply to Canadians, Swiss citizens, nationals of the European Union, and a few other countries.

Long Stays

Unlike some countries, Peru does not allow extensions of stay once you have entered. Therefore, if you plan to stay long-term, you must arrange this in advance, keeping in mind that tourists are limited to 183 days per 365-day period. Alternatively, for those eligible, there are Working Holiday visas (PVT) for those under 30, Digital Nomad visas, Resident Worker visas if you have an employer in Peru, and even a Rentier visa, each with its own specifics.

Another option used by some is what is known as a "visa run," which involves leaving the country every 90 days and then re-entering to obtain an additional 3 months, within the 183-day annual limit. However, while this practice is tolerated, it is not a guaranteed right. This means that each time, you risk refusal by authorities with no recourse.

In Case of Violation

If you overstay your permitted duration, you may face a fine upon departure, equivalent to a few euros per day of overstay. This can also result in deportation, a ban from the country for several years, or even administrative detention before such measures are taken.

It is also important to note that while passport stamps are no longer issued for arrivals by air in Peru (everything is digital), they are still used for overland arrivals. The date on this stamp determines the authorized stay period. Since stamps may sometimes be forgotten at secondary border posts, it is best to ensure you receive one to avoid being considered in an irregular situation with the associated consequences.

Vehicles

Few travelers choose to bring their own vehicle to Peru. In addition to the usual paperwork and documents required for entry formalities, you will need to arrange local vehicle insurance, which can typically be obtained at the border. For this reason, it is best to use major entry points. The vehicle is then permitted to stay for the same duration as its owner.

Consulates

In France

Consulate General: 25 rue de l'Arcade, 75008 Paris. Tel.: 01 42 65 25 10.

Honorary Consulates in Provinces and Overseas Territories

• Bordeaux: 20-22 rue Saint-Rémi, 33000 Bordeaux. Tel.: 05 56 52 13 10.

• Cayenne: 99 rue du Lieutenant Becker, BP 541, 97300 Cayenne. Tel.: 0 594 31 05 67.

• Le Havre: 4 quai Guillaume le Testu, 76600 Le Havre. Tel.: 02 35 19 21 00.

• Lyon: 203, rue Duguesclin, 69003 Lyon. Tel.: 04 72.60 85 75.

• Marseille: 1 place Félix Baret, 13006 Marseille. Tel.: 04 91 04 03 86.

• Nice: 23 chemin de la Baronne, 06110 Le Cannet. Tel.: 06 07 77 25 00.

• Strasbourg: 10 place du Temple neuf, 67000 Strasbourg. Tel.: 03 88 21 10 20.

• Toulouse: 8 av. Frizac, 31400 Toulouse. Tel.: 05 61 14 66 77.

Other Countries

• Belgium: Consulate General, 179 av. de Tervueren, 1150 Woluwe - Saint-Pierre. Tel.: +32 2 733 33 19.

• Canada:

-- Consulate General, 130 Albert Street, Ottawa, K1P 5G4. Tel.: (613) 233 27 21.

-- Montreal Consulate: 550 Sherbrooke Ouest, Bureau 970, Montréal, Québec H3A-1B9. Tel.: (514) 844 51 23.

• Switzerland: Geneva Consulate, 17 rue des Pierres-du-Niton, 1207 Geneva. Tel.: (022) 707 49 17.