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Before you go to Peru: what to know

Must know

  • Check the stay actually authorised in your electronic Tarjeta Andina de Migración.

Entry and visas

Check whether your nationality needs a consular tourist visa. Immigration determines the authorised stay at entry; consult the virtual TAM rather than assuming the maximum is granted.

Passport validity: Passport ordinarily needs at least six months validity; regional identity-document exceptions apply.

Customs

  • Declare dutiable/restricted goods and cash or negotiable instruments over USD 10,000 equivalent.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gob.pe ↗, gob.pe ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, Amex

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • Some businesses accept US dollars. Use authorised exchange houses or banks; avoid street exchange.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: peru.travel ↗

Rules and bans

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Comply with customs declarations and your authorised immigration stay.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gob.pe ↗, peru.travel ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Ask your hosts about local religious customs before visiting sacred places.

Clothing: Pack layers and suitable walking shoes for your itinerary; ask local hosts about dress for community or sacred visits.

Etiquette

  • Ask permission before entering community or religious spaces.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: peru.travel ↗

Climate

Climate varies sharply between coast, Andes and Amazon. The Andes and Amazon generally have more rain November–March and less April–October.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Andes/Amazon: wetter period; coast differs.
  • February: Feb: Andes/Amazon: wetter period; coast differs.
  • March: Mar: Andes/Amazon: wetter period; coast differs.
  • April: Apr: Andes/Amazon: relatively drier; coast differs.
  • May: May: Andes/Amazon: relatively drier; coast differs.
  • June: Jun: Andes/Amazon: relatively drier; coast differs.
  • July: Jul: Andes/Amazon: relatively drier; coast differs.
  • August: Aug: Andes/Amazon: relatively drier; coast differs.
  • September: Sep: Andes/Amazon: relatively drier; coast differs.
  • October: Oct: Andes/Amazon: relatively drier; coast differs.
  • November: Nov: Andes/Amazon: wetter period; coast differs.
  • December: Dec: Andes/Amazon: wetter period; coast differs.

Best season: April–October for generally drier Andean and Amazon itineraries.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: peru.travel ↗

What to pack

  • Clothing suited to the local climate
  • Personal medication and copies of travel documents
  • A cash reserve kept separately from cards

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Depending on a single payment method

Practical

Plugs: Check socket type and voltage for each accommodation.

Water: Use bottled or previously treated water.

Traffic: drives on the right

Insurance: Arrange travel medical cover and allow time to acclimatise at altitude.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: peru.travel ↗, busquedas.elperuano.pe ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.