Peru visa and travel health insurance guide
January 04, 2019
It's still a mystery about exactly how the water is heated at the Boiling River of the Amazon since its over 400 miles away from the nearest volcano, but it's fun to watch steam rise from the waters. You can also enjoy the monument that was created naturally from stone formations that look a lot like a forest of trees, and marvel at the candy-colored mountain known as the Rainbow Mountain of the Peruvian Andes.
As you see, there’s a lot to get excited about when organising your visit to Peru. To fully enjoy your adventure, make sure you give yourself peace of mind and organize your travel insurance policy as soon as possible, so you can kick back, relax and enjoy your vacation knowing that you have got all your bases covered.
Aside from finding the right cover for you, here are some other important travel tips to be aware of before you set off on your adventure:
Visa Information for Peru
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Peru?
Yes
You will need to apply for a tourist visa before your visit to Peru. Peruvian Immigration will give you a card displaying your approved length of stay (usually at least 90 days). Visitors to Peru can stay up to a total 183 days per year on a tourist visa.
You will also need the following:
• A passport valid for your intended length of stay and at least 6 months beyond your date of departure from Peru
• Two blank passport pages for entry visa
• Valid onward ticket
Health and Medical Advice
Before jetting off on your travels, you should check for any health risks, required vaccinations and any epidemic breakouts occurring in Peru. It’s also a good idea to learn the emergency numbers and find out where the nearest hospital is in case of an emergency.
Do I Need to be Vaccinated When Travelling to Peru?
There are no obligatory vaccines required for entry into Peru. However, make sure to also update your routine vaccinations. The standard vaccines are:
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis
Influenza
Polio
Chickenpox
Keep in mind that medical care may not be as adequate in remote areas.
Altitude Adjustments:
It may take time to adjust to the high altitudes in most Andean locations (Arequipa/Colca Canyon, Cusco/Machu Picchu, Kuelap/Chachapoyas, Puno/Lake Titicaca, and other mountainous locations).
Travel Health Updates in Peru
The following epidemics are present in Peru:
• Dengue
• Diarrheal disease
• Hepatitis A and B
• Leishmaniasis
• Malaria
• Rabies
• Tuberculosis
• Yellow fever
• Zika
Emergency Contact Information in Peru
No one ever wants to have to call the emergency services whilst they’re on vacation, but unfortunately accidents happen and it’s important to be prepared for when they do.
Ambulance Emergency number is: 106
Fire Emergency number is: 116
Police Emergency number is: 105 or 911
Peru Local Laws and Customs
• It is against the law to sell and buy products made from wild plants and animals.
• Keep in mind that remote areas won’t have adequate access to emergency help like the more reachable locations of Peru.
Safety and Security
Terrorism
The Valley of the Rivers of Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro (VRAEM) has a lot of coca production going on because of the remoteness of these locations. Take caution when visiting these areas because they are secluded and hard to reach by law enforcement. Because of the seclusion of these locations—especially in the Andes and Amazon basin, you may see a lot of illegal logging and mining taking place. The VRAEM is also a haven for the Shining Path terrorist group’s narcotic trafficking.
Petty Theft and Crime
Like any popular tourist areas, pickpocketing and petty theft are common—especially in the higher income areas. Be alert and keep your belongings with you at all times, especially in crowded areas like train stations and popular tourist spots.
Armed Robbery
Tourists have been targeted for wallets, purses and smartphones. If you are approached to be robbed, it is recommended you comply to decrease the odds of getting hurt.
Drugged Drinks
Always keep up with your drinks in restaurants, clubs and bars to prevent your drinks from being spiked.
ATM Fraud
There is some ATM fraud in Peru. Choose ATMs inside banks instead of local ATMs out in the public. Don’t use vendors who want to swipe your cards outside your presence.
Car Theft
Do not keep valuables inside a car—even if it’s locked—to deter car theft.
U.S. Embassy Lima
Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n
Surco, Lima 33
Peru
Telephone: +(51)(1) 618-2000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(51)(1) 618-2000
Fax: +(51)(1) 618-2724
Email: [email protected]
Useful Tips for Peru
Official Language(s): Spanish, Quechua and Aymara
The most popular languages spoken in Peru is Spanish, Quechua and Aymara. English is the most common foreign spoken language.
Currency: Sol
Before your trip make sure to exchange enough Sol for your spending requirements and to get the best exchange rates.
Plug Sockets: Type A, Type C
Peru uses two types of plug sockets: A and C. The standard voltage and frequency are 220V and 60 Hz. We would recommend that you buy a plug adapter if you don’t have one already.
You can determine if you need a converter or a transformer by looking at the appliance rating plate. A dual voltage rated appliance will display for example ‘INPUT: 110-240 V’ on the appliance body. In this case you wouldn’t need a converter or transformer.
© 2018 UnitedHealth Group Incorporated. For informational purposes, UHG does not guarantee the correctness or completeness of the information.