Welcome
to Peru!
- Travel insurance is not a requirement for entry to Peru, but can cover trip delays, interruptions, baggage loss, medical situations and more.
- Travel medical insurance for Peru is recommended for travelers outside the US, and can cover emergency evacuation, repatriation, prescriptions, and more.
- Citizens traveling from countries that are not visa-exempt, including India, China, and some African and Asians countries will need a visa for Peru for tourism and business.
- Travelers from the US, Canada, the EU, Australia, and most South American countries are not required to get a visa to visit Peru for tourism or business for short stays of up to 90 days.
- Travelers entering Peru will be issued an Andean Migration Card (Tarjeta Andina de Migración, or TAM) that digitally stores your entry and length of stay in the country.
Is Travel Insurance Required for Peru?
While travel insurance may not be mandatory for Peru, it is highly recommended for all travelers. Travel insurance can cover situations like trip delays or interruptions, as well as medical emergencies or situations during your time abroad, making it a key part of your trip.
What Can Travel Insurance Cover for Peru?
Whether you are exploring national landmarks like Machu Picchu, trying new foods like ceviche, or exploring its stunning landscapes, travel insurance can provide a crucial safety net for your trip to Peru.
There are two types of travel insurance: travel insurance and travel medical insurance.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for Peru can cover your trip-related expenses, like flights, accommodations, and activities. Travel insurance includes medical coverage as well, and is specifically recommended for U.S. citizens traveling to Peru. Travel insurance can cover:
Trip Delay: Travel insurance can cover you if your trip to Peru is delayed, and can reimburse your prepaid, non-refundable costs. Travel insurance can also offer coverage for meals or accommodations that you may need while you wait.
Trip Interruption: If you must end your trip to Peru early due to an emergency, travel insurance can provide reimbursement for your unused trip expenses, and your flight back home.
Trip Cancellation: Travel insurance can reimburse your prepaid costs in Peru if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason.
Emergency Medical Evacuation: If you require emergency medical evacuation while in Peru, travel insurance can cover the cost of transportation to the nearest medical facility, or back home.
Lost Baggage: Peru is generally safe, but pickpocketing or bag snatching can occur in areas like Lima, Cusco, and in transport hubs. If your bags are lost or stolen while in Peru, travel insurance can reimburse the cost of your items.
Best Travel Insurance for U.S. Travelers to Peru
- Best Travel Insurance with Strong Medical Limits: iTravelInsured Travel LX
- Best Affordable Travel Insurance with CFAR Add-On: Trip Protection Basic
- Best Travel Insurance with Pre-Existing Condition Waiver: Pathway Premium
Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical insurance for Peru has a primary purpose of covering medical issues or emergencies that may take place during your trip. Travel medical insurance plans are recommended for travelers outside the U.S., and should offer a minimum of $100,000 in medical expense coverage and $250,000 for medical evacuation. Travel medical insurance may cover:
Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation: Travel medical insurance offers an emergency medical evacuation and repatriation benefit, and can cover the cost of transportation to the closest medical facility that you may need, or back home if needed.
Prescribed Medication: If you require prescription medication while in Peru due to an illness or injury, travel medical insurance can cover this expense.
Repatriation of Remains: In the most serious case, travel medical insurance can cover the cost of either your return home from Peru for continued medical treatment, or the return of remains.
Hospitalization: If you require hospitalization due to a serious illness or injury while in Peru, travel medical insurance can cover the cost of medications, emergency room stays, surgeries, and more.
How Much Does Travel Insurance for Peru Cost?
Travel Insurance
Quoted for a 14-day trip, $3,000 in trip costs insured per person. Averages calculated across 13 plans on VisitorsCoverage.
| Traveler Profile | Average Cost | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveler, 30s | ~$107 | $35-196 |
| Solo traveler, 50s | ~$148 | $66-$271 |
| Senior solo (65+) | ~$263 | $173-416 |
Travel Medical Insurance
Quoted for a 14-day trip, with a $250 deductible, with the minimum of $50,000 in coverage. Averages calculated across 6 plans on VisitorsCoverage.
| Traveler Profile | Average Cost | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveler, 30s | ~$15 | $10-$30 |
| Solo traveler, 50s | ~$39 | $23-$82 |
| Senior solo (65+) | ~$76 | $38-$195 |
Travel medical insurance is generally less expensive than comprehensive travel insurance, but its primary purpose is to cover medical emergencies and health-related situations. In contrast, travel insurance covers trip-related issues such as delays, cancellations, baggage loss, and more.
While many travelers opt for the standard $50,000 in medical coverage, it is highly recommended to choose a plan with at least $100,000 in medical coverage for better protection.
Why Should Travelers Buy Travel Insurance for Peru?
Here are a few examples to keep in mind when it comes to purchasing travel insurance for a trip to Peru:
Adventure Risks
Peru is known for its outdoor adventure activities, like white-water rafting, trekking to Machu Picchu, sandboarding, paragliding, and so on. While most travel insurance policies will exclude such high-risk activities, policies with an Adventure Sports add-on can cover you if you become injured while participating.
Upfront Medical Costs
Since domestic health insurance plans will not cover you abroad, medical expenses can cost tens of thousands of dollars overseas. While cities like Lima and Arequipa have excellent private medical facilities, most Peruvian hospitals will require payment upfront before you are treated or discharged. Travel insurance can help advance such payments or provide reimbursement for medical bills overseas.
Transportation Disruptions
Weather disruptions, political protests, or labor strikes can affect transportation, causing delays for buses, trains, and airports. Travel insurance can cover additional accommodation costs, flights, and missed activities during such events.
What Are the Requirements for Traveling to Peru in 2026?
Passport Requirements:
Travelers must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from your arrival date in Peru, with one to two pages blank for entry and exit stamps.
Proof of sufficient funds and your return ticket may also be requested upon arrival.
Visa Requirements:
Visitors to Peru for tourism will typically not require a visa for entry, including travelers from the US, UK, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and all European Union countries. Travelers from countries like India, China, Egypt, Iran will require a visa for Peru.
If you are traveling from a country that requires a visa, you must apply in advance through a Peruvian embassy or consulate. To find more visa requirements for your nationality, see the Peru Travel Official Site.
Andean Migration Card (TAM)
Upon arrival in Peru, you will be issued an Andean Migration Card (Tarjeta Andina de Migración, or TAM) after passing through immigration at the airport. The immigration official or kiosk will scan your passport and take your photo. Once this is complete, your entry and length of stay is recorded digitally. Be sure to download your TAM once issued, as it will likely be requested for hotels, permits, tours, etc. You can find your TAM on the official Peruvian Migraciones website.
What To Know Before Your Trip to Peru
Here are some things to keep in mind prior to your trip to Peru:
- Money: The official currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but it’s best to have some local currency on hand for small purchases. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants.
- Culture: Spanish is the official language, but many people in tourist areas speak English.
- Crime: Peru is generally safe for travelers, but as with all international destinations, it is important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag snatching, and scams, is common in tourist areas, public transportation, and crowded markets, especially in cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa.
- Public transportation: Peru has many public transportation options, including buses, trains, boats, ferries, uber and taxis.
- Electricity: Peru uses three types of plugs: A, B, and C. Types A and B are used in the US and Canada, while type C is used in Europe.
- Nature: Peru’s amazing nature is waiting for you, but it’s important to be safe. Watch animals from a distance so you don’t bother them, use bugspray, and respect your environment.
Final Pre-Check Before Your Trip to Peru
Before your depart on your adventure to Peru, look through the checklist below to double check that you have everything you need:
- Passport valid for 6 months from your date of arrival in Peru
- Visa for entry if you require a visa
- Andean Migration Card (TAM)
- Proof of accommodations, flight bookings, return tickets, and sufficient funds
- Travel insurance with adventure sports add-on for high-risk activities
- Credit card and some cash on hand
- All required medications
Travel Resources for Peru
For travel advisories, tips, support, or further information, visit US Embassy Lima.
US Embassy Lima
Address:
Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n
Surco, Lima 33, Peru
Phone:
(51-1) 618-2000
Official Government Resources for Peru
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Peru
Is travel insurance required for Peru?
While travel insurance is not a requirement for Peru, it is strongly encouraged. Travel insurance can be a crucial safety net, offering coverage for flight delays, cancellations, baggage loss, and medical emergencies during your trip.
Is Peru expensive to visit?
Peru is relatively affordable for travelers. There are a collection of accommodations for all budget ranges, with hostel dorm beds ranging from $8-$20 per night and private rooms in budget hotels costing $25-$50. Mid-range hotels or boutique guesthouses cost $50–$150 per night, offering more comfort and better locations. Eating locally is very cheap, with simple meals costing $2-$5, and set menus (soup, main course, drink) running $3-$7. Machu Picchu entrance fees are $50-$80, depending on the ticket type.
Do you need a visa to travel to Peru?
Whether or not you will need a visa to travel to Peru will depend on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay. Citizens from many countries are not required to get a visa to visit Peru for tourism or business for short stays of up to 90 days, including the United States, Canada, the EU, Australia, and most South American nations. Citizens traveling from countries that are not visa-exempt, including nationals from India, China, and some African and Asians countries will need a visa for Peru for tourism and business.
What do US citizens need to travel to Peru?
US citizens need a passport that is valid for six months to enter Peru along with proof of sufficient funds and their onward ticket to depart Peru. Once you arrive in Peru, you will receive a digital card from Peruvian Immigration with your approved length of stay (TAM), which is usually up to 90 days.
Does travel insurance cover adventure activities in Peru?
While standard travel insurance policies do not cover adventure activities in Peru, travel insurance plans that offer an Adventure Sports add-on can offer coverage. If you become severely injured while participating in an outdoor activity in Peru (ex: sandboarding, white-water rafting, Inca trail hiking), be sure your policy covers such activities.
What can travel medical insurance cover for Peru?
Travel medical insurance can cover any health-related situations or emergencies that you run into during your time in Peru. If you require emergency medical evacuation, hospitalization, repatriation, surgery, doctor consultations, or other medical needs, travel medical insurance can cover such. Travel medical insurance is recommended for travelers outside of the US.
Can travel insurance cover a lost or stolen passport in Peru?
If your passport is lost or stolen in one of the busier regions of Peru, travel insurance can help. Travel insurance can help set up an appointment for a replacement passport, connect you with the local US embassy, and reimburse you for any required costs (hotels, meals) while you wait.
When is the best time to visit Peru?
The best time to visit Peru will depend on what your itinerary is for your trip. Generally, May through September is the best weather for exploring Machu Picchu, the Andes, and the Amazon as there is minimal rain during these months. However, traveling during April, October, and November can give you better pricing options for accommodations and fewer crowds.
