Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Peru? Peru Entry Requirements Explained

What Documents Do US Citizens Need to Enter Peru?

US citizens entering Peru as tourists need a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry and proof of return or onward travel, such as a flight booking. No visa, online form or entry fee is needed for tourism. Airlines can refuse boarding if your passport is too close to expiring.

Wondering about security once you land? Read our is Peru safe for Americans guide.

• US passport valid at least 6 months from arrival
• Return or onward ticket, printed or on your phone
• Hotel address for your first night
• Travel insurance details (recommended, not required)

How Long Can Americans Stay in Peru Without a Visa?

Americans can stay in Peru as tourists for the number of days the immigration officer grants at entry, up to a maximum of 183 days in a 12-month period. Officers often give 90 days by default. Tell the officer how long you plan to stay, and check the number recorded before leaving the desk.

Overstaying leads to a daily fine paid before you can leave the country. Extensions within the 183-day limit are handled by Peru's National Superintendence of Migration (Migraciones).

Most visitors need only one to two weeks; our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide helps you pick dates.

What Happens at Immigration When You Land in Lima?

At Lima's Jorge Chavez airport you queue at immigration, show your passport and may be asked about your trip length and onward plans. Peru no longer uses a paper tourist card for most arrivals; your entry is recorded electronically. Then you collect bags and pass customs, where a scanner checks selected luggage.

1. Follow signs to Migraciones and the foreign passport queue
2. Hand over your passport and answer questions about your stay
3. Confirm the number of days granted
4. Collect your bags at the carousel
5. Pass customs and declare items over the duty-free limit
6. Head to domestic departures if connecting to Cusco

Connecting the same day? Our Lima to Cusco guide explains transfer times between flights.

Do You Need Vaccines to Enter Peru?

No vaccines are required to enter Peru from the US. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended by health agencies for parts of the Amazon, but not for Lima, Cusco or Machu Picchu. Routine shots should be up to date, and the CDC lists hepatitis A and typhoid as recommended for most travelers.

Ask your doctor about altitude medication at the same visit, since Cusco sits at about 11,150 feet. See our Cusco altitude guide for what to expect.

Pack your documents with the rest of your gear using our Machu Picchu packing list.

If you are also weighing this, see our Peru currency guide.

Which Rules Apply to Minors Traveling to Peru?

Minors who are US citizens follow the same visa-free rules as adults, with their own valid passport. Peru may ask for a notarized travel permission letter when a child travels alone or with only one parent, especially if the child also holds Peruvian nationality. Carry a birth certificate copy to prove the relationship.

Traveling with children? Read our Machu Picchu with kids guide for age rules and pacing at the site.

What Can You Bring Through Peruvian Customs?

Peruvian customs lets visitors bring personal items, used electronics such as one laptop and one phone, and gifts up to a duty-free value without paying tax. Fresh fruit, meat and plants must be declared, and cash above a set limit must be declared too. Never carry coca leaves out of Peru into the US.

Coca tea bags sold in Cusco are legal in Peru but are not allowed into the US. Your passport is also needed later for the Machu Picchu tickets and the train, so keep it with you.

Flying straight on toward the ruins? Our Lima to Machu Picchu route guide explains each leg.

Prefer to have it all arranged? Our Machu Picchu tours from Lima covers transport, tickets and a licensed guide.

If you want this organized for you, our Machu Picchu and Galapagos tour is built for it.