Peru Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

The Peruvian tourist permit is an endorsement that lets individuals enter the country for the purpose of taking part in tourism. This includes sight-seeing, leisure activities, taking part in adventure sports, and so on. Citizens from a number of countries can actually enter Peru without a visa. However, as India is not among them, a Peru tourist visa for Indian citizens is a mandatory requirement. 

If you possess a valid multiple-entry permit from Australia, Canada, Schengen/EU, UK, or the US, you will be able to enter Peru without a Peruvian tourist visa, for a stay of up to 180 days in a 1-year period. Although, the above-mentioned permit must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and it must have been previously used to enter the respective country before.

The application for the tourist visa to Peru is an entirely offline process. You can either do it by yourself, or you can use the services of a visa agency for it. Since doing on your own would require you to travel to the Embassy, it is suggested that you apply through an agency. 

However, before starting your application, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel to Peru on the tourist category. You may then proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Visit the website of the Peruvian embassy and download the Peru tourist visa application form.
2. Fill in the application form with all the required details. 
3. Affix your photograph, fingerprint, and sign the application form. 
4.  Along with the completed application form, documents, and the fees, visit the Embassy of Peru in New Delhi in person. Alternately, you can send it through a travel agent.

Ensure that you fill in the application form with all the correct details, and provide only genuine documents. Providing false information or fake documents can lead to visa rejection.

As per the Peru tourist visa requirements, you must meet the following conditions to be able to apply for the permit. 

• You must be living in India while lodging the application. If you are living on a residence permit in another nation, you will have to apply to the respective authority there.
• You must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry in the country. 
• Your sole purpose of the visit must be to take part in tourism alone. 
• You must possess sufficient funds to support your stay.

The set of documents requirements for Peru tourist visa application are as follows - 

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel.
• 2 filled application forms.
• 3 photos as per the specifications.
• Personal covering letter mentioning the details of the visit.
• Confirmed flight tickets. 
• Detail travel itinerary.
• Proof of accommodation such as hotel bookings, an invitation letter from the host, etc. 
• Bank statements for the past 3 months.

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time taken to process the Peruvian tourist visa is around 7-10 working days. However, this can vary significantly based on several factors such as the volume of applications at the embassy, the number of entries, the duration and validity, and so on. As a result, ensure that you apply well in advance.

The cost of Peru tourist visa varies slightly depending on the foreign exchange rates. The Embassy also has the right to update the fees without any prior notice. As a result, ensure that you check the exact amount before starting your application.

Once you have made the application at the embassy, it will then begin processing. If the embassy requires it, they may ask you to attend an interview in person or even to submit additional documents. Note that, once you have made the application, you will not be able to modify it. 

Once a decision has been made regarding the application, you may collect the passport from the embassy during the allotted hours on working days. If you have applied to a travel agency, they can collect it for you.

Since the entire process is offline, there is no online tracking service provided by the embassy. However, if you have applied through a travel agent, you can contact them to check if they can check the status by contacting the embassy directly. 

On successfully obtaining your tourist permit, you must keep in mind the following few points to ensure that you have a hassle-free journey -

Before you travel - 

• Note the validity, stay duration, and the number of entries mentioned on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period. 
• Carry all your travel documents before you travel to the country. 

At the border

• You must show your passport with the visa to the immigration officer at the port of entry. Your entry stamp will be placed on the passport.
• You may be asked to show the copy of the other documents submitted as part of your application. 
• You may be asked about the basic details of your visit. Ensure that you answer honestly and without any hesitance. 

When you enter Peru

• While you are on a tourist permit, you cannot work on the payroll of a Peruvian company or take part in business activities.
• You may be able to extend this type of visa. 
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa while you are travelling within the country.
• You must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the immigration laws during your stay.