We’ve received many questions over the years – often based on confusion or misinformation circulating in expat groups and on social media. That’s why we’re sharing this article to help clarify what a tourist visa in Peru allows and what it does not.
Entry Requirements and Legal Stay Limits
If you’re entering Peru as a tourist, you’ll need a valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration. You should also be prepared to show proof of onward or return travel, a hotel or Airbnb reservation, and enough funds to support your stay. Immigration authorities may not always ask for these documents, but they have the legal right to do so. Most importantly, you must not have already spent more than 183 days in Peru within the past 365 days — exceeding this limit could lead to delayed or denied entry.
Tourist visas are usually granted for 90 days. Contrary to popular belief, Peru no longer gives 180 days upon entry. In fact, it has been several years since we’ve seen anyone receive more than 90 days at the airport or land border. If it’s your first time in Peru, the number of days granted could even be less. The final decision rests with the immigration officer, who may ask about your travel plans before stamping (or rather digitally logging) your entry.
What you cannot do on a tourist visa
Tourist status does not allow you to work in Peru — not even on a volunteer basis. All paid activity and any income generated from Peruvian sources are strictly prohibited. Even humanitarian or NGO work typically requires a specific visa issued by the Peruvian consulate in your country of residence. Many international volunteers come for six-month projects but only receive 90 days upon entry — meaning they fall into irregular status if they don’t leave or change their visa type.
No more stamps: Peru's Digital Entry Record
Another important change: Peru no longer stamps your passport. Since 2023, the country issues digital visas only. Your entry and duration of stay are recorded electronically and can be verified on the Migraciones website. Many travelers mistakenly believe they received 180 days, when in reality they were granted 90 — or less, if they had previously visited Peru within the same calendar year. That’s why we strongly recommend checking your visa status after arrival:
👉 https://cel.migraciones.gob.pe/ConsultaTAMVirtual/VerificarTAM
What to do when the immigration officer gives you fewer days than expected
If you’re entering Peru for the first time and only receive 30 days instead of the expected 90, unfortunately, you cannot extend your tourist visa from within the country. You have two main options:
Overstay and pay the fine, which is currently S/. 5.35 per day. This may be acceptable if you’re only visiting once and don’t plan to return to Peru anytime soon.
Leave the country and re-enter after a short trip. With some luck, a different immigration officer might grant you the remaining 60 days. At the moment, we recommend a short trip to Bolivia — for example, visiting the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca.
We currently do not recommend a visa run to Ecuador, as Ecuador has introduced a requirement for a police clearance certificate for travelers arriving from Peru or Colombia — even tourists. While this rule may not always be enforced, it adds a layer of uncertainty.
Another option is booking a low-cost flight to nearby countries such as Santiago de Chile, Quito, or Bogotá, which often offer affordable connections from Lima.
What you can do with a tourist visa
If you’re planning to stay longer or take steps toward residency, there are a few things you can still do while on a tourist visa. For example, you can open a Peruvian bank account, sign legal documents such as a power of attorney, rent or purchase property, or even establish a company or nonprofit organization. For any of these actions, you’ll need to request a special permit called the “Permiso para firmar contratos”, which is available online through the Migraciones Virtual Agency:
👉 https://agenciavirtual.migraciones.gob.pe/agencia-virtual/identidad
From tourist to resident: Important considerations
If you decide to apply for a residency permit (known as a “Cambio de calidad migratoria”), you must start the process before your tourist visa expires. Once your tourist status lapses, you’ll be required to leave the country and re-enter before initiating any residency application. Overstaying your visa also results in a daily fine, currently set at S/. 5.35 soles per day in 2025. More importantly, it may complicate future entries or immigration applications.
🇺🇸 Special Note for U.S. Citizens
If you think you might apply for residency in Peru later, we strongly recommend bringing your FBI background check, legalized with the federal apostille from Washington, D.C., when you first travel. This document is valid for six months from the date of issue and is much easier and cheaper to obtain while you’re still in the U.S.
Your criminal record must be clean — without any criminal, police, or judicial history. If there are any issues, your application will be rejected. In that case, you must apply for “expungement” or “sealing” of your record in the U.S. court that issued the original judgment.
📍 U.S. Embassy in Lima:
• Avenida La Encalada, Block 17 – Monterrico, Surco, Lima
• Tel: +51 1 6182000
• Email: limaacs@state.gov
• Website: https://pe.usembassy.gov/services
Final Tip: Don't wait until it is too late
If you’re unsure about your visa status, planning a longer stay, or thinking about applying for residency, don’t wait until the last moment. It’s always easier to prepare while your status is still valid.
Feel free to contact us if you have further questions or would like support with your immigration process in Peru.
Need help choosing the right visa for Peru?
Immigration rules in Peru can be confusing – especially when it comes to the required documents, timelines, and legal steps. Choosing the right visa from the start can save you time, money, and stress.
Book your private consultation with Sergio Vargas to get expert guidance on the best visa option for your situation – and a clear plan to move forward.
The session takes place via Zoom and can be conducted in English or Spanish.
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