Language 
No results found
Requirements to travel to Peru from the U.S. in 2026
Make the perfect trip to the Inca lands and find out all the requirements for travelling to Peru from the U.S. in 2026.
A well-planned trip to Peru from the USA can be straightforward, making it a rewarding experience, whether for studies, work, or visiting iconic sites like Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca in Puno or flying over the Nazca Lines. To avoid any issues at immigration, you need to know the requirements to travel to Peru from the U.S. in 2026.
In this article, we’ve prepared an updated guide for this year with mandatory requirements, such as plane tickets, passports, visas, insurance, and other tips to ensure a safe and comfortable stay. Keep reading and start your adventure in Inca lands with all documents in order.
1. Round-trip plane ticket to Peru from the U.S.
The first essential requirement for travelling to Peru from the U.S. is having a round-trip ticket. At the US airport, you’ll need the departure ticket to board. Meanwhile, at the Peruvian airport, officers will request your return ticket as proof that you don’t plan to overstay.
Also, if you plan to visit other Latin American countries, showing a ticket or travel plan to that destination is valid as proof that you’ll leave Peru on a specific date.
2. Tourist, residence, or work visas for Peru
If you travel as a tourist, you don’t need a visa to enter Peru as a US citizen for up to 90 days. However, if your trip is for business, studies, volunteering, or as a digital nomad, you must apply for the corresponding visa at the nearest Peruvian consulate in the United States. These are the visas you can obtain:
- Business visa: Allows stays in Peru for up to 183 days with multiple entries, costing 30 soles (approx. $8.92, €7.74).
- Student visa: For studying at an official Peruvian institution during the academic year. You’ll need the school’s acceptance letter.
- Work visa: If you have a contract with a Peruvian company, you can apply for this visa.
- Volunteer visa: For charity programs longer than 90 days, a specific visa is required.
- Digital nomad visa: Peru doesn’t have a dedicated visa, but you can work remotely with a tourist entry or request a business visa.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
3. US Passport
An essential document for travelling to Peru from the United States is a valid passport in good condition with enough blank pages for immigration stamps. While Peru doesn’t specify a mandatory validity, we recommend it lasts at least six months from your entry date.
4. Address of your accommodation in Peru
Immigration officers will also ask for the address where you’ll stay, such as a hotel, Airbnb, coliving, apartment, or an invitation letter from a family member or friend. Authorities use this information to verify your travel plan and that you can be located in case of an emergency. Carry this documentation both in print and digitally.
5. Health insurance in Peru
Although tourists aren’t required to purchase a health insurance in Peru, it’s recommended to avoid costs from hospitalisation or medical consultations. However, if your stay is under a visa, like those mentioned earlier, you must present a medical policy to obtain the visa. health insurance in Peru
Your insurance should cover your entire medical stay in the country. You can purchase it from local agencies like Pacífico Seguros, Rimac Seguros, La Positiva, or international providers like Allianz Care, Bupa Global, Cigna Global, and AXA PPP.
6. Passing immigration control in Peru
After having all requirements ready, upon landing in Peru, you must go to immigration control to validate your entry. Officers will ask about the purpose of your trip, its duration, which places you plan to visit, and other relevant details.
Simply answer clearly, coherently, and provide all documents proving your legal stay. If you’ve followed all previous steps, you’ll enter Peru without issues and start your Inca cultural immersion.
Tips for traveling to Peru
Now that you know the requirements for traveling to Peru from the USA, here are some tips that, although not mandatory, will make your trip smoother and more comfortable. Learn how to stay connected with excellent coverage, the benefits of travel insurance, and driving in Peru.
Internet connection when travelling to Peru
Forget searching for airport or hotel Wi-Fi and start your trip relaxed. Simply open the Holafly app and activate your eSIM in minutes upon landing, allowing you to check GPS, book transport to your accommodation, or contact family.
If your stay is short, we recommend the Peru eSIM from Holafly, offering unlimited data only for the days you need from $7.90 (€6.90). For longer trips, you can choose Holafly monthly Plans starting from 25 GB or unlimited data from $50.50 (€46.50) per month with no commitment. This plan is ideal if you want to visit other countries, as the same eSIM covers over 170 destinations!
Travel insurance for Peru
In a country as diverse as Peru, with many adventure activities and places to explore, such as trekking the Inca Trail, paragliding in Miraflores, visiting remote areas like the Peruvian Amazon, climbing Machu Picchu, or the rural zones of Puno and Cusco, it’s highly recommended to have travel insurance. This ensures coverage for:
- Medical emergencies
- Hospitalisation
- Cancellations
- Baggage loss
- Travel assistance
Driving licence in Peru
Finally, if you plan to rent a vehicle in Peru, you can drive with your US license for up to 90 days. We recommend also carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) as some rental agencies require it or if your stay exceeds three months.
This international permit must be obtained before your trip from the AAA (American Automobile Association) in the USA, either in person or by mail, valid for one year.
Driving in Peru is very different from the US, where traffic is heavier and chaotic, lanes aren’t always respected, and local drivers make unpredictable manoeuvres. If you’re inexperienced in this environment, it’s safer to use public transport or taxis.
Recommendations for altitude sickness
If you visit Cusco, Puno, or the Colca Valley, you’ve probably heard of altitude sickness, which occurs when your body doesn’t adapt quickly to low oxygen levels above 2,500 metres above sea level.
Symptoms usually appear within six hours of arrival and include: Headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, or extreme tiredness. How can you prevent it?
- Spend a day resting and acclimatising
- Drink enough water
- Eat easily digestible foods
- Coca tea or candies help reduce symptoms
Frequently asked questions about how to travel to Peru from the U.S.
No, US tourists can stay in Peru for up to 90 days without a visa.
No mandatory vaccines are required for travel from the USA to Peru, unless you’re coming from a yellow fever risk area.
You can drive with a valid US driving licence. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for easier vehicle rental.
Yes, especially in cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa, which have sufficient police control. Avoid showing valuables and walking alone at night.
It’s best to visit certain areas with a certified local guide familiar with potential dangers. Travel insurance is also recommended for any adventure activity.
