When applying for residency in Peru, one of the first mandatory steps is an appointment at Interpol. Interpol, short for International Criminal Police Organization, is a global agency that facilitates cooperation between police authorities in different countries. In the context of Peruvian immigration, the visit to Interpol is required to ensure that foreign applicants do not have an international criminal record or outstanding alerts in their home country or abroad. This background check is a key prerequisite before Migraciones can continue processing your residency application.
Interpol offices
While the main office is located in Lima, applicants can also complete the process in Arequipa, Chiclayo, Cusco, Piura, and Trujillo, which makes it easier for those living outside the capital. In urgent cases (only a few days left on the tourist visa), we have already sent clients from Lima to Trujillo, since appointments there are easier to get on short notice.
Your benefits as a client
As a client of NVC Abogados, we take care of your Interpol appointment in Lima. We schedule the appointment for you, pay the fee, and accompany you to the Interpol office in Lima. Usually, it’s not possible for us to enter with you, but we stay nearby, and you can reach us at any time if needed.
Registration
First, you will register with the responsible officer in the waiting room. They will tell you that the following information is required:
- Address in Peru
- Peruvian phone number
- Father’s name
- Mother’s name
So make sure, you have this information at hand. In addition, you must bring your passport. We will provide you with a copy of your passport and the receipt confirming that the fees have been paid.
Dental Check
After registering, you are sent directly to a quick dental check. It only takes a moment – they look briefly into your mouth – and then you return to the waiting area until it’s your turn for the actual appointment.
Actual appointment
The officer in charge will enter your data into the system and ask you a few questions. The Interpol officers usually speak some English. For example, you may be asked if you have tattoos. Your fingerprints will also be taken digitally (no black ink on your fingers).
Finally, they will take a photo of you. If you are a woman with long hair, you need to tie it back so that your ears and forehead are visible. Bring a hair tie with you if possible. If you forget, an officer will lend you one. The same applies to men with long hair. This photo is only for internal Interpol use – it will not appear on your future Carné de Extranjería.
And that’s it! You’re done and one step closer to your residency in Peru.
How long does it take?
It depends on how many people are waiting, but normally, everything is done within one or a maximum of two hours. The Interpol office in Lima is situated between the Jockey Plaza Mall and the US Embassy, about 10 km from Parque Kennedy in Miraflores. Depending on traffic, it takes at least half an hour from Miraflores by Uber or taxi. To avoid stress, we recommend setting aside a total of three hours for the appointment.
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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