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The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution due to crime, civil unrest, and the possibility of kidnapping in Peru. Some areas have increased risk and are not recommended for travel, such as the Colombian-Peruvian border and the VRAEM.
May 2, 2023 · Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists. Avoid crowds and demonstrations. Comply with instructions from the Peruvian National Police and local authorities. Enroll in STEP to receive alerts and messaging from the U.S. Embassy in Lima.
Jun 30, 2022 · The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Peru due to crime, especially in some areas. See the travel restrictions, safety tips, and COVID-19 information for Peru.
Jun 6, 2023 · U.S. Embassy Lima enforces a Restricted Travel Policy for Embassy personnel, which is based on its assessment of conditions and developments throughout the country. See the Overseas Security and Advisory Council’s Country Security Report for Peru. See the latest Travel Advisory for Peru.
- Demonstrations and Strikes
- State of Emergency
- Border Area with Colombia
- Border Area with Ecuador
- Valle de Los Ríos Apurímac, Ene Y Mantaro
- Crime
- Domestic Terrorism
- Fraud
- Spiked Food and Drinks
- Women’s Safety
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
Demonstrations and strikes take place regularly throughout the country. Strikes can complicate travel and disrupt public transport and services, including your ability to travel to or leave isolated tourist destinations such as Machu Picchu. They could also lead to border closures with Bolivia. Protestors may also block rivers essential for transpo...
The Peruvian government periodically declares a state of emergency in certain areas to allow the military to assist police forces to respond to security incidents and natural disasters. When a state of emergency is in effect, security forces have increased rights to: 1. restrict freedom of movement 2. monitor correspondence 3. conduct search and se...
Criminal activity related to narcotics trafficking and occasional incursions by armed guerrilla forces from Colombia at Cordillera del Cóndor, Peru, pose a threat to personal security.
Cross the Peru–Ecuador border at official crossing points only due to the presence of landmines along the border. Basic services in the Tumbes district have become increasingly difficult to access due to an increased number of migrants entering Peru from the North land border with Ecuador. The increased population has limited the provision of these...
Drug trafficking
Cocaine production and trafficking occurs inVRAEM. Travel is particularly dangerous in areas where there is coca cultivation and processing.
Domestic terrorism
Incidents of domestic terrorism have occurred in VRAEM, particularly the region where the Apurímac, Ayacucho, Cuzco and Junín departments meet.
Crime rates are high throughout the country. 1. Maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness, especially at night 2. Avoid walking in deserted or under-populated areas 3. Travel in groups whenever possible
Incidents of domestic terrorism occur, particularly in remote jungle areas such as: 1. parts of the Huancavelica and Ucayali departments 2. the Upper Huallaga river valley in the Huánuco and San Martín departments. Incidents have included: 1. raids 2. temporary ambushes of small villages 3. bombings or threats of violence against local security for...
Counterfeit currency
Counterfeit currency in both sol and U.S. dollars is a growing and serious problem. Counterfeit bills are widely distributed, including by banks, casinos and local stores. Avoid moneychangers on the street, as they may carry counterfeit currency or work with pickpockets.
Credit card fraud
Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards: 1. pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others 2. use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business 3. avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature 4. cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN 5. check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements
Scams
Criminals posing as taxi drivers often rob tourists along the route to and from Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport. 1. Use a secure taxi service when arriving at and leaving the airport 2. Exercise caution en route to and from your hotel Thieves also pose as police officers to gain the confidence and cooperation of their potential victims. 1. If you are stopped by local authorities, ask to see official identification and record the officer’s name, badge number and district. 2. For traf...
Snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. 1. Be wary of accepting these items from new acquaintances 2. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers
Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Incidents of sexual assault, including rape, occur throughout the country, particularly in tourist destinations. In some cases, tour guides have been implicated. 1. Do not travel alone, especially after dark. 2. Remain particularly vigilant at bus terminals and in t...
Exercise a high degree of caution in Peru due to high levels of crime, social conflicts and strikes. Avoid non-essential travel to some regions due to terrorism, drug trafficking and landmines.
Explore Peru with Travel.State.Gov CSI, a map-based tool that provides travel advisories, country information, and safety tips.
May 17, 2024 · Find out the latest information on travel risks, insurance and entry requirements for Peru from the UK government. Check for any states of emergency in different regions and follow FCDO travel on social media.
