In these regions, and in the border area with Colombia, remnants of the Shining Path rebel group continue to conduct occasional ambushes and attacks. In addition, narcotic trafficking still poses threats to security.

You are also advised against all travel to the border area with Ecuador, especially the Cordillera del Cóndor region, as landmines are still a problem.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

BACK TO TOP

3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Terrorism

There are continuing concerns about a possible resurgence of terrorist activity by subversive groups, including remnant members of the Shining Path. Isolated incidents have occurred in remote areas and cities within the departments of Puno, Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Junin, Ayacucho, Cuzco, Ucayali, San Martín, Huanuco, Huancavelica and Apurímac. Incidents include robberies, temporary takeovers of small villages and, although rare, violence (including bombings) or threats of violence against local security forces or community figures. Overland travel in these regions can be dangerous.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations, protests and national strikes are commonplace throughout the country. Canadians should avoid large crowds, political gatherings and active demonstrations. Strikes may cause disruptions to air travel, public transit and on roads.

Crime

Violent crimes such as carjacking, assault, and armed robbery are frequent. Canadians arriving at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport should use a secure taxi service to go into the city, and should exercise particular caution en route to their hotel. You may find further information on registered taxi companies on the Lima Airport Partners Website. Attacks and robberies on vehicles occur regularly along the route from the airport, and even upon a taxi's arrival at the hotel. It is highly recommended to travel in groups at all times, not to accept transportation or guide services offered by individuals seeking clients on the streets and to book a secure taxi from a reputable company.

Criminals have been known to throw objects in front of oncoming traffic in the hopes that cars will stop. If this occurs and drivers need to stop, they should only do so in a safe location, such as gas stations.

Petty crime is prevalent in Lima and other cities. Purse snatching, pickpocketing, theft, and break-ins occur, even during daylight hours, in crowded public areas, on micro-buses, and while hailing taxis. Thefts also occur frequently in hotels and restaurants. Travellers should not show signs of affluence. Resisting a robbery can lead to further violence. While driving, personal belongings should be kept in the trunk of the vehicle as criminals have been known to shatter windows or attempt entry at the sight of merchandise.

Incidents of rape have been reported in the cities of Lima, Cuzco, Puno, Pucallpa and Arequipa, and in many isolated areas elsewhere in the country. Female travellers should exercise caution at all times.

There have been incidents of drugs being used (including scopolamine) to incapacitate travellers in order to rob or attack them. Scopolamine can be administered through aerosols, cigarettes, gum, or in powder form. As scopolamine can cause prolonged unconsciousness and serious medical problems, Canadians should exercise caution when offered food or drinks from strangers or new acquaintances.

Travellers are reminded to remain vigilant about the threat of express kidnappings, in which victims are usually abducted for a few hours and forced to withdraw money from Automated Banking Machines (ABMs). Most express kidnappings take place at night, but cases also occur during daylight hours. Kidnappings sometimes involve taxi drivers. Kidnappers tend to select victims according to outward signs of affluence, such as their clothing, vehicle or place of work.

Fraud

If you are stopped by police or security forces, ask to see official identification. Record the officer's name, badge number and district. Thieves have been known to pose as police officers in order to gain the confidence and cooperation of their potential victims.

Recreational Activities

Treks and hiking excursions should be undertaken in groups, with experienced tour guides only. Each year, several hikers and climbers are victims of serious accidents in the Andes, some of which are fatal. Climbers should be well informed on possible hazards and exercise extreme caution in steep or slippery areas, which are neither fenced nor marked. Assaults have also been reported along the Inca Trail and in the Huaraz region of the Cordillera Blanca mountains. A detailed travel itinerary should be left with a friend and local authorities.

Canadians should carry travel and health insurance. Insurance should include provision for helicopter rescue, medical evacuation, and treatment for accidental injury and medical emergencies. Canadians intending to trek in Peru should also register with the Embassy of Canada in Lima, and read our publication entitled Out on a Limb: Advice for the Adventure Traveller. It is strongly recommended that Canadians wishing to hike in the National Huascaran Park register at the entrance.

Swimmers should be aware of strong currents in the Pacific Ocean and rivers. Swimming in jungle lakes and rivers can be dangerous due to the presence of parasites and wildlife. Seek advice from local residents before swimming.

Police Assistance

The government has opened Tourist Police offices in most tourist destinations. Tourists may register complaints on a 24-hour hotline provided by the National Institute for the Defence of Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property (INDECOPI). INDECOPI operators can speak English (tel.: 224-7777 in Lima; 01-224-7777 outside Lima; or toll-free 08-004-4040 within Peru). In Lima, their office is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (there is an answering machine after business hours). The office at the Jorge Chavez International Airport operates 24 hours a day.

BACK TO TOP

4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Peruvian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Peru or its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Peru. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Canadians do not require a tourist visa to enter Peru. An entry stamp will be provided in the passport upon arrival at the Peruvian port of entry for up to 180 days, the length of which is determined by Immigration Officers. Overstaying a visa or entry stamp is a criminal offence. In most cases, the Peruvian Immigration charges a fee of 1 US$ for each day of overstaying a visa. This fee will be paid upon exiting the country.

Canadians entering Peru by land need to obtain an entrance stamp in their passport. If they fail to do so, Peruvian Immigration Officials could oblige them to go back to the border to obtain the stamp before leaving Peru.

Although Canadians do not need a tourist visa to visit Peru, all travellers are given an Andean Immigration Card upon arrival. This card must be presented prior to departure from Peru. Failure to produce this document may result in delays until a replacement card is obtained. If your passport is lost or stolen, a new card and a new entry stamp on the replacement passport must be processed at the Peruvian Immigration Office in Lima:

Direccion General de Migraciones y Naturalizacion (DIGEMIN)
Address: Prolongación Av. España 734, Breña - LIMA
Telephone: 417-6900
Business hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

To find locations of other Immigration offices you may visit www.digemin.gob.pe or contact the Embassy of the Republic of Peru in Ottawa or the Embassy of Canada in Lima.

Travellers who have lost or had their passports stolen on the weekend and whose flights also depart that same weekend may be required to remain in Peru until the following week in order to obtain replacement entry stamps and immigration cards.

Canadians who have entered Peru on a business visa must show certification (Declaración Jurada) from the Peruvian Ministry of the Economy that all Peruvian taxes on income earned during the trip have been paid. The certification is required even if no money was paid or earned. The certification must then be taken to the central Peruvian immigration office in Lima.

Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination if travelling to jungle regions. Travellers to Lima or Cuzco do not require this document.

At the airport, a departure tax of US$30.25 (or equivalent in soles) is charged for travellers departing to any international destination. There is also a national tax of US$6.05 (or equivalent in soles) for travellers departing to any domestic destination.

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

BACK TO TOP

5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Peru - LIMA, Embassy of Canada
Address: Calle Bolognesi 228, Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru
Postal Address: P.O. Box 18-1126, Miraflores Post Office, Lima 18, Peru,
Tel.: 51 (1) 319-3200
Fax: 51 (1) 446-4912
E-Mail: lima@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.peru.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Lima and follow the instructions. You may also call the Consular Operations Centre in Ottawa toll-free at 011-800-387-3124 or call collect to 613-996-8885.

BACK TO TOP

6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

BACK TO TOP

7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Travel to Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Huaraz and other areas in the Peruvian Andes may result in altitude sickness. Those who have high blood pressure or heart conditions should be particularly cautious. All travellers should consult with a travel medicine specialist prior to departure.

Private hospitals and clinics in urban centres are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities. Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for medical care.

Canadians are advised to use bottled water and to avoid raw and undercooked food.

It is recommended to take measures against mosquito-borne diseases when travelling to the jungle regions.

BACK TO TOP

8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Foreigners are required to carry identification at all times. Great care should be taken if you carry your passport, especially in entertainment venues. You may wish to carry a photocopy of your passport; however, police may require that you produce the original. Failure to show identification could result in detention and police questioning at the nearest police station where fingerprints would be taken.

Drug trafficking is a serious offence and long prison sentences are the norm.

Peruvian law strictly prohibits the export of antiques and artefacts (huacos) from pre-colonial civilizations. Travellers who purchase reproductions of colonial or pre-colonial art should buy only from reputable dealers and should insist upon documentation from Peru's National Institute of Culture (INC) showing that the object is a reproduction and may be exported. The export of coca tea bags is prohibited. It is illegal to remove certain fauna and flora items from Peru.

BACK TO TOP

9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Poor road conditions and lack of traffic signs are common. Mountainous roads can be particularly dangerous. When renting a vehicle, always purchase insurance. When travelling by car, Canadians should keep their doors locked and their windows shut at all times. Travelling in groups is recommended.

Only use reputable transportation companies. Avoid travelling by road outside major cities after dark. Intercity bus travel can be dangerous. Bus accidents are frequently caused by excessive speed and poor vehicle maintenance.

Do not hail taxis on the street. Taxis should be reserved through hotels or by calling reputable taxi companies. Agree to a fare prior to departure, and do not pay until you have reached your destination.

Police spot checks are common and can cause delays. Carry identification and vehicle registration at all times.

There have been a number of recent incidents involving small aircraft in the area of the Nazca Lines. On April 9, 2008, five French nationals were killed when an Aero Ica plane crashed. Canadians should ensure that their airline company has a good record and appropriate safety measures are in place.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

The currency is the Peruvian nuevo sol (SOL). The US dollar is widely accepted. Credit cards are widely accepted in Lima, but less so outside major cities. In small towns, Automated Banking Machines (ABMs) may not be readily available. ABMs accept international credit cards only.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

BACK TO TOP

10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Peru is located in an active seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Lima in the event of an emergency.

The rainy season extends from November to May in the Peruvian Andes. Heavy rains, flooding, landslides, and corresponding transportation delays are likely to occur. During flooding, transportation, utilities, emergency and medical care, as well as food, fuel, and water supplies, may be disrupted. Water-borne and insect-borne diseases may also become a threat. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

BACK TO TOP

11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

BACK TO TOP

12. ANNEX

N/A

BACK TO TOP

Common menu bar links

Institutional links

Department

Planning a trip

Country Information

Resources

Quick Links

Accountability

CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT Peru

Table of contents

TRAVEL REPORT
Peru