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Do American citizens need a visa for Peru?
United States 
Peru United States passport holders can enter Peru without a visa for up to 180 days.
No visa needed
- Entry requirement
- Visa-free
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Apply before travel
- No
- Last updated
- February 2026
Before you travel
Checked November 2026At the border
- Tourists may stay up to 183 days within a 12-month period counted from first entry; the officer sets the days at entry and tourist stays cannot be extended (Andean Community citizens have a separate extension route).
- A valid passport is required; Andean Community and Mercosur citizens may use their national ID card.
- Visa applicants must show a return ticket, a hotel or tour booking (or a legalized invitation) and recent bank statements; exempt visitors may also be asked for proof of onward travel.
- Entry is recorded with a virtual Andean Migration Card (TAM), which can be checked on the Migraciones portal; print it only if needed for hotel tax exemption.
- Overstaying results in a fine per extra day, paid before departure.
- Tourists may not carry out paid activities.
Recent changes
- Jul 2026: Supreme Decree 033-2026-RE exempts Moroccan nationals holding a Schengen or US visa from the tourist visa, for up to 183 days per year.
- Jul 2026: the Foreign Ministry updated its official table of visa requirements and exemptions for ordinary passports (dated 16 July 2026).
- Aug 2026: the Foreign Ministry presented an electronic visa and the e-SAMI consular system (24 Aug 2026); eligible nationalities and rollout dates were not published in what was reviewed.
Official source: Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones (Migraciones Perú) · Not yet confirmed officially: gob.pe blocks automated reading; Peru figures come from official gob.pe page excerpts returned by search, Scope and launch date of Peru's new electronic visa (announced Aug 2026), Minimum passport validity at entry (official pages only say 'valid passport'), Current overstay fine amount, Exact date of Supreme Decree 033-2026-RE
What United States passport holders need to do
- Check your passport validity. Many countries ask for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
- Be ready to show a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and proof of funds at the border.
- Leave before the permitted stay ends. Working or studying usually needs a different visa.
United States is one of 103 passports in the “visa-free” group for Peru. See the full Peru visa requirements for every passport.
Other easy destinations in South America for United States passport holders
Peru is one of 115 destinations in the “visa-free” group for the United States passport, which ranks #10 worldwide with a mobility score of 158. Of 12 destinations in South America, 9 need no visa arranged in advance; the easiest are listed below.
Frequently asked questions
Do American citizens need a visa for Peru?
United States passport holders can enter Peru without a visa for up to 180 days.
How long can United States passport holders stay in Peru?
Up to 180 days without a visa.
Do Peru citizens need a visa for the United States?
Peru passport holders need to obtain a visa from an embassy, consulate or visa centre before travelling to the United States.
Peru visa requirements for other passports
Data last updated February 2026. This page covers short visits such as tourism. Rules can change at short notice and differ for work, study or long stays. Confirm with the embassy or official immigration website of Peru before you book.