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Review the Country Security Report for Peru. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. Colombian-Peruvian border area in the Loreto Region – Level 4: Do Not Travel
- Country Information Page
Currently, U.S. government personnel cannot travel freely...
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Explore Peru with Travel.State.Gov CSI, a map-based tool...
- Country Information Page
Nov 7, 2023 · Overall, Peru is somewhat safe to visit, though it has many dangers and is ridden with crime. You should be aware that tourist hotspots and public transportation are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, and that violent crime exists on the streets, too.
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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. By U.S. Mission Lima.
Currently, U.S. government personnel cannot travel freely throughout Peru for security reasons. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Peru. If you decide to travel to Peru: Be aware of your surroundings. Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans as needed.
- 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
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...
May 31, 2024 · Stay Healthy and Safe. Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Peru, so your behaviors are important. Eat and drink safely. Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination.
3 days ago · Peru is currently experiencing a major dengue outbreak. Consult your doctor before travel for advice on prevention and get medical advice if you become ill (see 'Health'). Exercise a high degree of caution in Peru overall due to the threat of violent crime.
