Guide to entering Peru as a tourist, covering visa-free nationalities, the TAM migration card, visa application at consulates, and rules for Machu Picchu permits.
Verify if your nationality has visa-free access to Peru
Citizens of about 100 countries (including the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and all of South America) can enter Peru visa-free for tourism. No pre-arrival application is needed — your passport is stamped at the border.
Understand the maximum stay: up to 183 days per 365-day period
Immigration officers typically stamp 90 days on arrival, but you can request up to 183 days. The maximum cumulative stay is 183 days within any 365-day rolling period. Once you exceed 183 days, you must wait until enough time has passed to re-enter.
If a visa is required, contact the nearest Peruvian consulate
Citizens of about 40 countries need a tourist visa. Apply at a Peruvian consulate 3-4 weeks before travel. The visa fee is approximately $30 USD. Processing takes 5-10 business days.
Required Documents
Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date
Peru officially requires only that your passport be valid for the duration of your stay, but most airlines enforce a 6-month rule. Have at least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
Return or onward ticket
Immigration regularly checks for proof of departure. If traveling overland to Bolivia, Chile, or Ecuador, provide bus tickets. If you do not have a fixed return date, book a refundable flight as proof.
Proof of accommodation for the first few nights
A hotel or hostel booking confirmation is sufficient. If staying with friends or family, provide their address and phone number. Airbnb confirmations are accepted.
Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
While not always checked, immigration can ask for financial proof. A credit card, bank statement, or cash equivalent to $30-50 USD per day of your planned stay is recommended.
Visa Application at Consulate (If Required)
Download and complete the visa application form
Forms are available on the consulate website in Spanish. Fill out in Spanish or English depending on the consulate location. Print and sign by hand — electronic signatures are not accepted.
Gather supporting documents (photos, flight, hotel, bank statements)
You need 2 passport photos (3.5x4.5 cm, white background), confirmed round-trip flights, hotel bookings, and bank statements from the last 3 months showing at least $1,000 USD or equivalent. Employment letters are also helpful.
Two passport-sized photographs
Flight reservations (round-trip)
Accommodation bookings
Bank statements (last 3 months)
Submit application and pay the fee at the consulate
The tourist visa fee is approximately $30 USD, payable by money order or bank draft at most consulates. Some consulates in major cities accept credit cards. The fee is non-refundable.
Wait for processing (5-10 business days)
Processing times vary by consulate. Lima-area consulates process faster (3-5 days). Call after 7 business days if you have not received a notification. Collect your passport in person or by prepaid courier.
Arriving in Peru
Complete the TAM (Tarjeta Andina de Migración) digitally or on paper
Peru has shifted to a digital TAM system at major airports (Lima Jorge Chávez, Cusco). The digital TAM is processed automatically — no paper form needed. At smaller airports and land borders, a paper card may still be issued.
Present passport and visa at immigration — request your desired stay length
Officers may stamp 30, 60, 90, or up to 183 days at their discretion. If you need more than 90 days, politely request it at the counter — saying 'ciento ochenta y tres días, por favor' (183 days please) usually works. It is much harder to extend afterward.
Verify the number of days stamped in your passport
Check the stamp immediately. The number is often handwritten and hard to read. If it says fewer days than you need, ask the officer to correct it on the spot. Corrections after leaving the counter require a visit to the Migraciones office.
Save your digital TAM record (or keep the paper card safe)
If issued a paper TAM card, do NOT lose it — replacement costs 30 PEN (about $8 USD) and requires a trip to Migraciones in Lima or Cusco. Airlines and border agents request it when you leave Peru.
Customs: declare items worth over $300 USD
Duty-free allowance is $300 USD per person. Prohibited imports include fresh food, plants without phytosanitary certificates, and more than 10,000 USD in undeclared cash. Declare cash exceeding this limit on the customs form.
During Your Stay
Book Machu Picchu permits early (sells out weeks in advance)
Machu Picchu limits visitors to 4,044 per day across multiple circuits. Permits cost 152 PEN (about $40 USD) for adults. Book at least 2-4 weeks ahead for peak season (June-August). Purchase only through the official site: tuboleto.cultura.pe.
Carry your passport (or a notarized copy) at all times
Police can request identification at any time. Hotels and domestic airlines require your passport for check-in. A notarized copy is accepted for everyday use — notarize at any notaría pública for about 10-20 PEN.
Apply for a stay extension at Migraciones if needed
Extensions cost 70 PEN (about $19 USD) and grant up to 60 additional days, not exceeding 183 total. Apply at Migraciones offices in Lima, Cusco, or Arequipa. Bring your passport and proof of accommodation. Apply at least 7 days before your stay expires.
Overstay penalties: $4.50 USD per day
The fine is approximately 16.75 PEN (about $4.50 USD) per day of overstay, payable at the airport Migraciones counter or a bank before departure. Extended overstays (beyond 30 days) may result in a temporary entry ban.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Peru?
US citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to Peru of up to 183 days. You receive a free entry stamp at the immigration counter. The immigration officer determines your authorized stay length (anywhere from 30 to 183 days), so clearly state your intended duration if asked. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date. Citizens of most Western countries, South American nations, and many Asian countries also enter visa-free.
How do I get to Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu requires a timed entry ticket purchased in advance through the official government website (machupicchu.gob.pe) -- tickets sell out days to weeks ahead in peak season (June-August). You must hike or take a train to Aguas Calientes (the base town), then a bus or 90-minute hike up to the ruins. Train tickets from Cusco or Ollantaytambo cost $60-400+ depending on class. A licensed guide is now mandatory for all visitors. Book everything at least 2-3 months ahead for peak season.
Is altitude sickness a concern in Peru?
Yes, altitude sickness (soroche) is a significant concern in Cusco (3,400m/11,200ft), Puno/Lake Titicaca (3,800m/12,500ft), and other highland areas. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath, typically appearing 6-12 hours after arrival at altitude. Locals recommend coca tea (mate de coca) for mild relief. Doctors may prescribe acetazolamide (Diamox) for prevention. Spend 1-2 days acclimatizing in Cusco before attempting any strenuous activity or visiting higher elevations. Lima, at sea level, is not affected.
What currency is used in Peru and should I bring US dollars?
Peru uses the Sol (PEN). US dollars are widely accepted at hotels, tour agencies, and some restaurants in tourist areas, but you will receive change in Soles. ATMs are widely available in Lima, Cusco, and major towns, dispensing both Soles and sometimes US dollars. Exchange rates at banks and official exchange houses (casas de cambio) are generally better than airports. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants but rarely at markets, street vendors, or small towns. Carry small bills, as vendors often cannot break large denominations.