Unlike Italy, France, or Greece, Peru isn’t part of any shared regional visa zone — its entry rules are its own, and for most Western nationalities, they’re straightforward.
The short answer
US and UK citizens — along with most Western European, Canadian, and Australian passport holders — don’t need a visa to visit Peru for tourism. On arrival, immigration typically grants 90 days, though officers have discretion to grant up to 183 days within a 365-day period if you specifically request more at the border.
The one thing worth doing at immigration
This is the detail most visitors miss: your stay cannot be extended from within Peru once you’ve entered. If there’s any chance your trip might run longer than a standard tourist stay, ask the immigration officer for more days when you arrive, rather than assuming you can sort it out later at an immigration office. It costs nothing to ask and can save a genuinely difficult situation if your plans change once you’re already in the country.
What to bring
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
- Though rarely checked in practice, immigration can ask for proof of onward travel and sufficient funds — worth having a screenshot of a return flight accessible, just in case.
If you’re not from a visa-exempt country
Requirements vary by nationality — check directly with your nearest Peruvian embassy or consulate well before booking, since this process (unlike the visa-free arrival above) takes real advance planning.
Related reading
Once entry is sorted, the next planning questions are usually is Peru safe and when to go — or start from our full Peru Travel Guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Peru?
No — US citizens can enter visa-free for tourism, typically granted 90 days, with up to 183 days possible if requested at arrival.
Can I extend my stay in Peru once I’ve arrived?
No — stays can’t be extended from within the country, which is exactly why it’s worth requesting more days than you think you’ll need at immigration on arrival if your plans are at all flexible.
Do I need a visa to visit Machu Picchu specifically?
No separate visa — it’s covered by the same standard Peru tourist entry as the rest of the country; you just need to book the site’s own entry ticket separately, well in advance.
Planning a trip elsewhere too? See Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Japan? or our Schengen Visa Guide for Europe.
Planning a trip to Peru? See the full Peru travel guide, or get the complete Peru Travel Guide for offline itineraries and insider tips.
Destinations Editor at Travelcho, covering food culture, city guides, and budget travel across Asia and Europe.
