Guide to staying in Peru for 180 days: visa options and advice

Peru is a country filled with rich cultural and natural attractions that attracts tourists and digital nomads from all over the world. Whether it’s a short trip or a long-term stay, it’s important to understand Peru’s visa options. In this article, we will detail how to stay in Peru for up to 180 days, provide different visa options and related advice to help you plan your stay in Peru smoothly.

1. Visa exemption and tourist visa

For citizens from multiple countries, Peru provides convenient visa-free treatment, allowing short-term stays. Understanding the visa exemption policy and the specific details of tourist visas can help you better plan your stay in Peru.

1. Visa-free treatment

Peru offers visa exemption to citizens of many countries, which means you do not need to apply for a visa and can enter Peru with a valid passport.

• Applicable countries：
  The following are some countries and regions that enjoy visa-free treatment:
  • USA
  • Canada
  • EU member states:Including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, etc.
  • Australia
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • New Zealand
• Visa-free stay time：
  • Citizens of these countries are usually allowed to stay the longest when entering Peru183 days, that is, about 6 months.
  • Peruvian immigration officials will determine the specific number of days of stay when entering the country, usually 90 days, and 180 days can be granted under special circumstances.

2. Tourist visa obtained upon entry

Visa-exempt tourists will receivetourist visa, the visa will be stamped in the passport and indicate the number of days allowed to stay. The specific length of stay is determined by the immigration officer, and there are usually the following situations:

• first entry：
  • Under normal circumstances, visa-exempt tourists will be allowed to stay when entering the country for the first time90 days。
  • It is important to note that immigration officials will take into account the visitor’s purpose of travel and the supporting materials provided when deciding the length of stay.
• Extend your stay：
  • If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you can apply for an extension from the Peruvian Immigration Service.
  • When applying for an extension, you need to provide additional materials, such as financial proof, accommodation information, etc., to prove that you have sufficient funds to support your stay.
• special circumstances：
  • If you plan to stay for a longer period, immigration officials may approve up to180 daysperiod of stay.
  • Applying for a 180-day stay usually requires providing additional materials, such as a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds to ensure that your stay is temporary.

3. Assessment factors at the time of entry

Although visa-free treatment generally allows for a stay of up to 183 days, the specific number of days of stay will depend on the judgment of the immigration officer at the time of entry. Here are some factors that may affect the length of stay:

• financial condition：
  • You need to prove that you have enough funds to support yourself in Peru, such as a bank statement or credit card statement.
  • Immigration officials in Peru may ask you to produce financial documents to confirm your ability to pay for accommodation, meals, transportation, etc.
• Travel purpose：
  • If you are entering for tourism, leisure or short-term exploration, immigration officials will determine the length of stay based on the travel plans and accommodation arrangements you provide.
  • If you plan to engage in work, study, or other long-term activities in Peru, you may want to apply for an appropriate visa rather than rely on a tourist visa.
• Return ticket：
  • If you have purchased a return ticket, immigration officials will assume that you plan to leave Peru on time, increasing your chances of being approved for a long-term stay.
  • Return air tickets and other travel arrangements can prove that you will not stay in Peru longer than your scheduled stay.

4. Precautions

• travel insurance：
  Although travel insurance is not required in most cases, it is recommended, especially if you plan to stay longer than 90 days. Insurance can cover things like medical expenses and emergency evacuation.
• Frequent entry：
  If you frequently enter Peru and apply for a 90-day stay, immigration officials may become suspicious of your entry and think you may be circumventing visa regulations. It is recommended to avoid too frequent entry and exit operations.
• extension period：
  If you have been granted a 90-day stay permit and wish to extend your stay, it is recommended to apply to the Immigration Bureau for an extension before your visa expires. Typically, a 90-day extension is feasible, but be sure to prepare the required materials in advance.

2. How to extend your stay

If you plan to stay in Peru for longer than the originally approved period (usually 90 or 180 days), you will need to take appropriate steps to extend your stay. The Peruvian Immigration Service allows extension of stay under certain conditions, including applying for a visa extension, traveling across borders, or changing visa types. These methods are described in detail below.

1. Visa extension

If you holdtourist visa, and want to continue to stay in Peru, you can applyvisa extension. Usually, you can defer90 days, but the specific time of extension and whether it is approved will depend on the review of the Immigration Bureau. Here are the detailed steps and requirements:

• Application process：
  • You must apply for an extension before your visa expires. It is recommended to at least advance30 daysStart applying for an extension to ensure you have enough time to process all necessary documents and approvals.
  • You can travel to PeruMigraciones, or submit an application through the online platform.
  • When applying, you need to provide a series of supporting materials, such as:
    • Bank deposit certificate: Prove that you have sufficient funds to support your stay. Bank deposits are usually required to cover at least three months of living expenses (the specific amount may vary depending on personal circumstances).
    • Proof of accommodation: You need to show proof of residence in Peru, such as a rental contract or hotel reservation.
    • Proof of health insurance: Although not required, presenting valid travel health insurance or medical insurance can enhance your chances of success.
    • Itinerary or travel plans: If you plan to continue traveling, it’s a good idea to provide an updated itinerary explaining your purpose in Peru.
• Delay approval：
  • The Peruvian Immigration Service will review your application materials and decide whether to approve the extension and the number of days for the extension. Generally speaking, the most common extension is 90 days, but the specific length of stay may vary according to the judgment of the Immigration Bureau.
  • Immigration may ask you to provide additional documentation, especially if you have been in Peru for an extended period of time. Typically, Immigration may deny an extension if your entry history shows that you have other plans outside of travel (e.g., work, long-term residence).
• Extension restrictions and considerations：
  • There are limits on the number of extensions you can do: Immigration will generally not allow you to extend your visa multiple times. Therefore, if you plan to stay in Peru for an extended period, a visa extension is not necessarily the best option and you may want to consider other types of visas.
  • Approval of a visa extension does not automatically mean that you will be able to stay in Peru without restrictions. Especially if your stay has exceeded 6 months, the Immigration Bureau may subject your visa extension application to more stringent scrutiny.

2. Cross-border travel

If you can’t get enough time to stay through an extension, another common option is to takeCross-border travel. The basic idea of ​​​​this method is to re-obtain a stay permit by leaving Peru and traveling to a neighboring country (such as Chile, Ecuador or Brazil, etc.) and then returning to Peru again after staying for a period of time. The specific steps are as follows:

• How to operate：
  • Leave Peru and travel to neighboring countries such asChile、Ecuador、Braziletc. You can usually choose a location with convenient transportation for a short stay.
  • The length of stay varies from country to country, but usually, after leaving the country and spending a few days in a neighboring country, you can return to Peru and regain entry permission. Typically, such an operation will again give you the most180 daysThe length of stay, the specific number of days may vary depending on the decision of the immigration officer.
  • When returning to Peru, you will need to provide reasonable itinerary and return tickets, as well as valid proof of funds to ensure that immigration officials do not think you are trying to abuse visa regulations.
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Cross-Border Travel：
  • advantage：
    • Traveling across the border is a quick and flexible way to easily extend your stay in Peru, especially if you haven’t reached the 180-day limit.
    • In addition, this method does not require the provision of complicated materials, as long as you present your travel plan and return ticket.
  • shortcoming：
    • If you frequently use cross-border travel to extend your stay, immigration authorities may become suspicious and think you are circumventing visa requirements.
    • Long-term reliance on cross-border travel may be subject to immigration restrictions, especially if you travel frequently. Immigration officials may sometimes deny your entry application.
• Things to note：
  • Risks of frequent entry: Frequent cross-border travel may make immigration authorities think you are trying to circumvent visa regulations, and you may even be barred from re-entering the country. It is recommended that after each cross-border trip, the length of stay in a neighboring country is no less than3-7 days, to reduce the risk of being denied entry.
  • Entry requirements from neighboring countries: Different neighboring countries have different entry requirements for tourists. Make sure you understand the visa policy of your target country before departure.

3. Change visa type

If you wish to live in Peru for a long time and engage in other activities, in addition to applying for an extension or cross-border travel, you may also consider converting your existing tourist visa to another type of visa. Common types of visa conversions include work visas, student visas, and retirement visas. The specific steps for switching visas are as follows:

• work visa：
  • If you have found a job in Peru and are supported by your employer, you can applywork visa, which will allow you to work and reside legally in Peru. When applying, you will need to provide your employer’s employment contract and other necessary documents, such as tax documents and pay stubs.
  • Work visas are usually valid for one year and can be renewed, but require you to maintain working status in Peru.
• student visa：
  • If you plan to study in Peru and can provide a letter of admission and proof of registration, you can applystudent visa. This visa will usually allow you to stay in Peru for a period of time matching the duration of your study program.
  • Student visas will usually require you to show proof of sufficient funds to ensure you can pay your tuition fees and living expenses.
• retirement visa：
  • If you are over 50 years old and plan to live and retire in Peru for a long time, you can applyretirement visa. This visa requires you to prove that you have sufficient funds to support life in Peru and can provide proof of corresponding income.
• investment visa：
  • If you invest and open a business in Peru, you may be eligibleinvestment visaconditions. This type of visa usually requires proof that your investment amount in Peru reaches a certain level.

3. Other visa options

In addition to tourist visas, Peru offers several visa types suitable for different purposes and situations. Below are common visa options, each with its own specific requirements and application conditions.

1. Work visa

If you plan to have a formal job in Peru,work visais required. This visa allows you to legally work and live in Peru. The basic steps and requirements for obtaining a work visa include:

• employer support：
  • Before applying for a work visa, you must find a formal job in Peru and obtain support from your employer. The employer needs to submit an employment contract or job offer letter to the Immigration Bureau.
  • The application for a work visa requires that the employer is a legally registered company and the company can prove that recruiting foreign labor is in line with its business needs.
• Application materials：
  • You will need to provide a valid work contract proving that you will be working in Peru. Work contracts are usually valid for one year.
  • It is also necessary to provide the employer’s business registration certificate, tax documents, etc. to ensure the employer’s legitimacy.
  • Personal materials include copies of passports, academic certificates, work experience certificates, health examination reports, etc.
• Visa validity period：
  • A work visa is usually valid for one year, but it can be renewed based on your contract. After the contract period ends, if you continue to work for the same company and the employer is willing to renew, you can apply for renewal.
  • If changes occur during your employment (such as changing jobs or positions), you may need to reapply or renew your visa.
• Things to note：
  • People on a work visa in Peru cannot engage in activities other than work, such as traveling or working for other companies. If you need to change jobs, you may need to reapply for a visa.
  • This visa usually allows spouses and minor children to travel as dependents.

2. Student visa

If you plan to study in Peru,student visaIt is a necessary document for legal residence and study. Student visas in Peru are available for a variety of educational institutions, including language schools, higher education colleges, and universities.

• Application conditions：
  • You must have been admitted to an educational institution in Peru and provide relevantAdmission notice。
  • Student visas usually require you to demonstrate sufficient financial ability to support your study and living expenses in Peru, usually through bank statements or scholarships.
  • A valid passport, photo and health examination report are required.
• Visa validity period：
  • The validity period of a student visa is usually determined by the length of the study course, which is usually one year.
  • If your course of study takes longer, you can apply for renewal before your visa expires. Current proof of study and transcripts will be required at the time of renewal.
  • Student visas generally do not allow full-time employment, but some visa types allow students to work part-time outside of class.
• Things to note：
  • It is very important to maintain your student status while holding a student visa in Peru. If you withdraw from a course or suspend your studies, your visa may become invalid.
  • There are many language schools and higher education institutions in Peru, and you can choose the school that suits you according to the course of study you plan to study.

3. Investor visa

If you are planning to start a business or invest in Peru,Investor visais the right choice for you. This visa is available to foreign citizens who intend to invest and participate in economic activities, usually including opening a company or making real estate investments in Peru.

• Application conditions：
  • You must prove to the Peruvian Immigration Service that you will carry out legal economic activities in Peru. This often includes things like registering a company in Peru, investing in a business project, or buying real estate.
  • you need to providebusiness plan, detail your investment project, andProof of source of funds, prove that you have enough capital to invest.
• Funding requirements：
  • Peru has certain requirements for investment amounts, and investors are usually required to invest in Peru at leastUSD 30,000 to USD 50,000, the specific amount depends on the industry and project type you invest in.
  • Funds can be used to open a company, purchase real estate or other business investments, but must comply with local laws.
• Visa validity period：
  • Investor visas are usually valid for one year and can be renewed based on the progress of the business.
  • If your investment is successful and stable, the visa can be converted to a long-term residence visa and you can even apply to become a permanent resident.
• Things to note：
  • An investment visa requires you to have ongoing investment activities in Peru and not to stagnate. If your business activities do not proceed as planned, the Immigration Department may ask you to provide an explanation or even revoke your visa.

4. Family visa

You can apply if you are married to, or are an immediate relative of, a Peruvian citizen or legal residentfamily visa, this visa enables foreign citizens to live in Peru permanently with relatives in Peru.

• Application conditions：
  • You will need to provide proof of marriage or kinship to a Peruvian citizen or legal resident.
  • If you are the spouse or minor child of a Peruvian citizen, you can apply for this visa directly.
  • When applying, spouses or relatives will need to provide proof of their legal residence in Peru and official proof of family ties.
• Visa validity period：
  • Family visas are usually valid for one year and can be renewed based on individual circumstances.
  • If you have been married to a Peruvian citizen for a certain number of years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent resident status.
• Things to note：
  • The spouse or relative must continue to reside in Peru and maintain legal residency. If your status as a Peruvian citizen or legal resident changes (such as moving overseas or leaving Peru permanently), your visa may be affected.
  • If you qualify for long-term residence through this visa, you may need to meet certain residency requirements, usually 2 consecutive years of residence in Peru.

4. Visa application process and required materials

Application materials

When applying for a Peruvian visa, the required documents vary according to different visa types. The following are general document requirements as well as additional documents required for some specific visa types:

1. Valid passport
   • Require: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months when submitting the application, and must have at least two blank pages for visa application.
   • Notice: If the passport is valid for less than 6 months, the application may be rejected.
2. Completed visa application form
   • You will need to fill out and sign a visa application form. The form can usually be downloaded from the official website of the Peruvian embassy or consulate abroad or the Immigration Bureau. Some embassies and consulates allow online filling.
   • Notice: Make sure all information is accurate. Any errors or omissions may cause application delays.
3. Recent passport photo
   • Provide two passport photos that meet the requirements. The photo must be a recent color photo with a white background, usually 35mm x 45mm in size, and meet the standards of the embassy, ​​consulate or immigration bureau.
4. Travel insurance (long-term visa applications only)
   • If you are applying for a long-term visa (such as a work visa or a student visa), you are usually required to provide valid travel insurance that covers medical and emergency expenses while in Peru.
   • Notice: Travel insurance must be valid after visa approval and comply with the requirements of the Peruvian Immigration Bureau. It is recommended to confirm the policy content with the insurance company in advance.
5. Proof of finances
   • Applicants need to provide financial proof that they have sufficient funds to support their life in Peru.
   • Require: Usually you need to provide bank deposit certificates, tax returns, or income certificates, etc. to show that you are able to pay for living expenses in Peru.
   • Notice: Proof of funds is usually required to cover at least 3 months of living expenses, and the specific amount will depend on the visa type and personal circumstances.
6. Additional materials for specific visa types
   • work visa: You need to provide a formal work contract or invitation letter from the employer, and the employer needs to prove that it is legally qualified to recruit foreign labor.
   • student visa: Provide the school’s admission notice, proof of tuition payment and study plan.
   • Investor visa: You need to submit a business plan, proof of funding sources, and specific project materials for investment in Peru.
   • family visa: Provide marriage certificate, kinship certificate or birth certificate with a Peruvian citizen or legal resident, etc.

Application process

1. Prepare materials
   • Prepare all required materials based on the type of visa you are applying for. Ensure the authenticity and completeness of all documents, especially financial certificates and additional materials.
   • Notice: Some documents may need to be notarized or translated, especially if the document is in non-Spanish or non-English, make sure to do this in advance.
2. Submit application
   • You can choose to passPeruvian embassies and consulates abroadorImmigration offices in PeruSubmit your visa application.
     • Embassies and consulates abroad: Submit your application at the Peruvian embassy or consulate in your place of residence or home country. The embassy or consulate usually accepts applications during specified office hours.
     • Immigration offices in Peru: If you are already in Peru and wish to apply for an extension or change of visa type, you can apply directly to the Peruvian Immigration Bureau (National Immigration Superintendence) submit an application.
   • Notice: Some visas (such as work visas) may only be applied for within the country, while some visas (such as short-term tourist visas) can be applied for through the embassy or consulate.
3. Waiting for approval
   • Approval time varies depending on visa type, usually requiresdays to weekstime.
     • short term visa(such as tourist visas) are usually approved faster.
     • long term visa(e.g. work visa, student visa) may take longer due to further background checks.
   • Notice: While waiting, make sure your passport and all documents do not expire. Some embassies and consulates may require applicants to provide interviews, especially for high-risk visa types.
4. Get a visa
   • Once the visa is approved, you will be notified to collect your visa. The visa will usually be affixed to your passport, or an electronic copy of the visa will be provided (if the embassy or consulate offers this service).

Things to note

1. Passport validity
   • Always check that your passport has sufficient validity before submitting your visa application. Most visas require that the passport be valid for at least six months, ensuring your passport does not expire during the visa approval process.
2. Travel insurance requirements
   • If you are applying for a long-term visa (such as a student or work visa), you will usually need to provide travel insurance that covers your stay in Peru. Make sure the coverage meets the requirements of the Peruvian Immigration Service, especially with regard to medical and emergencies.
3. Proof of residence and financial status
   • For visa extension applications within Peru, you will usually need to submit proof of residence (such as an apartment rental contract) and an update on your financial status (such as a bank statement) to prove your ability to continue living in Peru.
4. Immigration policy changes
   • Peru’s visa policy sometimes changes based on external circumstances (such as international relations, epidemics, etc.). Always pay attention to the latest notices from the Peruvian Immigration Bureau or announcements from the embassy and consulates to ensure that your visa application complies with the latest regulations.
   • suggestion: Before submitting an application, it is best to consult a professional lawyer or immigration consultant to ensure that your application materials are complete and meet the requirements.

5. Advice on living and working in Peru

stay

There is a wide variety of accommodation options in Peru to suit every budget and need. Whether you’re here for a short or long term stay, you’ll find the right accommodation.

1. Youth hostels and budget accommodation
   • Location: There are many youth hostels for backpackers and digital nomads in major cities such as Lima, Cusco, Arequipa and other places. The prices are relatively low and they usually provide shared accommodation, kitchens, Wi-Fi and other infrastructure.
   • recommend: These places often have a social atmosphere and are great for making friends and networking. Especially in Cusco and Arequipa, many hotels also provide services such as city tours to help you better integrate into the local area.
2. High-end accommodation and short-term rental apartments
   • Location: If you need a more comfortable and independent living environment, you can choose a short-term rental apartment or a high-end hotel. Lima’s Miraflores and Barranco districts are popular residential areas with elegant surroundings and numerous cafes, restaurants and co-working spaces.
   • recommend: Renting an apartment is a good option for digital nomads who are staying for a long time. Short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb provide a wide selection of apartments, equipped with complete kitchens and facilities, so that you can live like home.
3. Coworking Spaces
   • Location: Peru’s major cities, especially Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa, offer a variety of coworking spaces. Lima’sWeWork、CommunalandSelinaand other well-known brands, providing a high-quality working environment and online community.
   • recommend: These coworking spaces often feature high-speed internet, conference rooms, printing services, and coffee areas for digital nomads who need a productive work environment. In these places, you can not only find a comfortable office environment, but also meet peers or partners.

language

1. spanish
   • official language: Spanish is the official language of Peru and is used in almost all daily communications and business activities. In big cities like Lima, Spanish is widely spoken, so knowing some basic Spanish is very helpful in daily life.
   • Practical vocabulary: Learning some basic Spanish expressions, especially common vocabulary such as asking for directions, ordering food, shopping, etc., can help you communicate more smoothly with local residents. For example: “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much is it?) and “¿Dónde está…?” (Where is…?) are very useful for everyday conversations.
2. Popularization of English
   • English is more common in tourist areas: In tourist hotspots such as Lima, Cusco and Arequipa, many hotel, restaurant and tourist service agency staff speak English. Therefore, short-term visitors can usually communicate relatively smoothly.
   • challenge: In remote areas, the popularity of English is low. Therefore, if you plan to travel to a rural area or a small city, learning some basic Spanish in advance will greatly improve your communication efficiency.

safety and health

1. Security Question
   • Public security issues in big cities: Some areas in Peru, especially some areas in Lima, have serious security problems. Violent crimes, thefts and robberies occur. It is recommended to choose accommodation in an area with good security and try to avoid going out alone at night.
   • Recommended area: Lima’s Mir Garden, Barranco, San Isidro and downtown Lima are relatively safe. The security situation in tourist cities such as Cusco and Arequipa is relatively good, but vigilance is still needed.
2. health protection
   • Medical resources in big cities: Peru’s medical system is relatively modern in big cities such as Lima, with some international-level medical facilities, and many hospitals provide English services. If you are in these areas, medical resources are relatively abundant.
   • Medical conditions in remote areas: But in remote areas or smaller cities, medical resources may be scarce, hospital facilities are rudimentary, and treatment options are limited.
   • travel health insurance: Given the differences in medical costs, it is highly recommended to purchase appropriate travel health insurance to ensure coverage for medical emergencies, medical evacuations, and other emergencies. This is especially important for longer stays.

transportation

1. public transport
   • Public transportation in major cities: Peru’s major cities, especially Lima, have relatively convenient public transportation systems. Lima has a variety of transportation modes such as buses and subways, but traffic congestion is serious during peak hours.
   • subway system: Lima’s subway system is relatively modern, connecting the main commercial and residential areas of the city, and is suitable for quick commuting.
   • Buses and minibuses: Other modes of public transport include traditional buses and minibuses, which are cheap but can be crowded and not always on time.
2. Taxi and ride-sharing services
   • taxi: In big cities, taxis are a convenient mode of transportation, but when taking them, you need to pay attention to choosing regular taxis and avoid using taxis hailed on the street.
   • Shared travel services: Uber and Cabify are very popular in cities such as Lima and Cusco. These services are relatively safe and convenient, especially suitable for digital nomads who travel at night or have higher security requirements.
3. Inconvenient transportation in remote areas
   • In some remote areas, such as the Amazon or deep in the Andes, transportation can be relatively difficult. The roads here are in poor condition and transportation options are limited. It is recommended to plan your route in advance and consult local traffic conditions.

in conclusion

Staying in Peru for up to 180 days is a relatively flexible option, but requires understanding of relevant visa policies and procedures. Peru offers visa-free access to citizens of most countries, making it easy to enter and enjoy a stay of up to 90 or 180 days. With a tourist visa, you are granted a temporary stay permit upon entry and can apply to extend your stay in certain circumstances. In addition, long-term residence is also possible by traveling across borders or switching visa types (such as work, student or retirement visas).

During your planned stay, make sure you have the necessary documents ready, such as proof of finances, accommodation information, and return tickets to increase your chances of a successful visa extension and entry. At the same time, pay close attention to the requirements of the Immigration Bureau and avoid frequent entry and abuse of visa-free benefits to avoid unnecessary trouble. Overall, Peru is a very tourist- and digital nomad-friendly destination, with its rich natural and cultural resources offering a variety of options and conveniences for a long-term stay.