Peru is one of the easiest countries in South America to enter. There is no visa to apply for in advance, no registration form to complete online, and no fee to pay at the border for most Western passport holders. You land, you show your passport, you get your tourist card — the TAM — and you are in. The TAM is a small paper slip that is your legal authorization to stay in Peru. Do not lose it. It is the single most common paperwork error that causes problems for first-time visitors.
This guide explains everything a first-time visitor needs to know to enter Peru in 2026: who needs a visa, what the TAM is and how to keep it safe, what documents to bring to the border, how long you can stay, costs, and practical tips for arriving at Lima’s Jorge Chávez Airport or crossing a land border.
Search flights to Peru: Compare flights to Lima, Cusco and Arequipa on Skyscanner
Peru Entry Requirements at a Glance: 2026
| Nationality | Visa required? | Max stay | TAM card issued? | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | No | Up to 183 days | Yes | Free |
| European Union | No | Up to 183 days | Yes | Free |
| United Kingdom | No | Up to 183 days | Yes | Free |
| Canada | No | Up to 183 days | Yes | Free |
| Australia | No | Up to 183 days | Yes | Free |
| New Zealand | No | Up to 183 days | Yes | Free |
| Japan | No | Up to 183 days | Yes | Free |
| South American neighbors (MERCOSUR) | No | Up to 183 days | Yes | Free |
| China | Yes — visa required | Varies by visa | Yes (after visa granted) | USD 30+ |
| India | Yes — visa required | Varies by visa | Yes (after visa granted) | USD 30+ |
Peru’s visa-free list is extensive. Over 100 nationalities enter without a visa. Always verify your country’s current status at the official Peru Migraciones website before traveling.
The TAM Card: Peru’s Tourist Authorization Form
The Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM) is Peru’s immigration entry and exit card. Every foreign visitor — regardless of nationality — receives a TAM when they enter Peru. For arrivals by air, the TAM is a small paper card that the immigration officer stamps and hands to you with your passport. For arrivals at land borders, you fill it out manually at the border crossing.
Here is why the TAM matters: it is your proof of legal entry into Peru. When you exit Peru, immigration collects the TAM. If you cannot produce it at exit, you may face delays, fines, or be required to pay for a replacement document. The fee for a lost TAM is currently PEN 30 (approximately USD 8) and requires a visit to a Migraciones office, which takes time.
When you receive your TAM, do the following immediately: take a photo of both sides with your phone. Store it separately from your passport. If you are staying in multiple places, keep the TAM in the same compartment as your passport at all times. Do not pack it in your checked luggage on domestic flights within Peru — it must be with you on your person.
What Is Written on Your TAM?
The TAM shows: your name, passport number, nationality, date of entry, the immigration officer’s stamp, and the number of days authorized. Check this last number carefully. Immigration officers stamp the number of days you are authorized to stay. Occasionally the officer writes fewer than the maximum allowed days. If your TAM shows fewer days than you expected, go directly to the immigration desk at the airport before leaving the arrivals area and request the correct duration.
Peru’s Online Pre-Registration System: IPERU / Migraciones Portal
Unlike Bolivia (SIGEMIG) and Colombia (Check-Mig), Peru does not currently require all visitors to complete an online pre-registration form before entering. There is no mandatory digital form that airlines enforce. The TAM process happens on arrival.
However, Peru’s Migraciones authority has an online platform — migraciones.gob.pe — where you can track your authorized days in Peru, apply for extensions, and access immigration services. Bookmark this site if you plan to stay for an extended period or need to manage your stay digitally.
Travel Insurance for Peru: What You Need and Why
Travel insurance is not legally required to enter Peru. However, the practical case for carrying it is overwhelming. Peru combines high altitudes (Cusco at 3,400 meters, Machu Picchu at 2,430 meters, the Altiplano at 4,300 meters), remote trekking routes (Inca Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, Choquequirao), and limited emergency infrastructure outside Lima and Cusco.
Emergency medical evacuation from the Inca Trail to a hospital in Cusco costs USD 3,000 to USD 8,000. From the Colca Canyon, transport to Arequipa with medical attendance can be similar. From the Amazon jungle near Iquitos, evacuation costs USD 15,000 or more. Your home country’s health insurance almost certainly does not cover overseas emergencies at this level.
Best Travel Insurance Options for Peru
| Insurer | Price (4 weeks) | Medical coverage | Trekking/altitude | Buy while travelling? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SafetyWing | From USD 56 | USD 250,000 | Up to 6,000m | Yes | Inca Trail, Salkantay, most visitors |
| IATI Seguros | From EUR 65 | EUR 150,000 | Yes with adventure add-on | No | European travelers, adventure sports |
| AseguraTuViaje | Varies | Varies | Varies | No | Latin American travelers |
Our full comparison: Best Travel Insurance for South America 2026
Complete Document Checklist for Entering Peru
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Yes — mandatory | Valid for at least 6 months from arrival date. At least 1 blank page for TAM and entry stamp. |
| TAM (Tarjeta Andina de Migración) | Issued on arrival | Keep this card safe throughout your entire stay. You must surrender it when leaving Peru. |
| Onward travel proof | Frequently requested | A flight out of Peru or to another country. Airlines commonly ask at check-in. Strongly recommended to carry. |
| Accommodation confirmation | Frequently requested | Your first night’s hotel booking. Free-cancellation bookings accepted. |
| Travel insurance | Recommended | Not legally required at most borders, but essential for medical coverage at altitude. |
| Sufficient funds | Sometimes checked | General guideline: USD 50 per day. Bank card or visible cash in your wallet is sufficient. |
| Yellow Fever certificate | Required from certain countries | Required if arriving from countries with active Yellow Fever transmission. Also recommended if visiting Amazon regions. |
Peru’s Main Entry Points
Jorge Chávez International Airport (Lima) — LIM
Peru’s primary international gateway. Virtually all long-haul international flights arrive here. Lima Airport is large and modern but can experience queues at immigration during peak hours. The airport has extended its Terminal 2 in recent years, which has improved processing times. Arrive with onward travel documentation ready — Lima immigration frequently asks for proof you will leave Peru.
From Lima Airport to Miraflores (the main tourist district) takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Use the official taxi counters inside the arrivals hall — do not accept taxi offers from people who approach you outside. Rideshare apps (InDriver, Uber) also work from the airport and are typically cheaper than the official counters.
Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (Cusco) — CUZ
Peru’s second most important tourist airport. Most visitors fly Lima–Cusco as the first leg of their Machu Picchu trip. This is a domestic flight — the Lima–Cusco route is one of the busiest in South America. Airlines include LATAM, Sky Airline, and Avianca. The flight takes 1 hour 15 minutes. Book in advance during June–September peak season.
Desaguadero and Yunguyo — Bolivia/Peru Land Border
Two land crossings connect Peru and Bolivia at Lake Titicaca. Desaguadero is on the Pan-American Highway and handles the most traffic. Yunguyo, closer to Copacabana on the Bolivian side, is a smaller but scenic crossing popular with travelers doing the Puno–Copacabana–La Paz route. Both crossings are open during daylight hours. The TAM is filled out at the border on arrival.
See our guide on Copacabana and Lake Titicaca for the full border crossing details.
Aguas Verdes — Ecuador/Peru Land Border
This border near Tumbes connects Peru with Machala in Ecuador. It is commonly used by travelers on the coastal route between Guayaquil and Lima. Processing is quick at this crossing. Take care when crossing: the Tumbes area requires standard safety precautions — use official buses and do not walk the border zone alone at night.
Santa Rosa — Colombia/Peru Land Border (Iquitos)
A remote border crossing accessible only by river on the Amazon. This is an unusual entry for most tourists but relevant for travelers doing an Amazon River journey. Entry procedures are the same — TAM issued on arrival.
How Long Can You Stay in Peru?
Peru’s official maximum tourist stay is 183 days (approximately 6 months) in any 12-month period. However, the actual number of days stamped on your TAM is at the immigration officer’s discretion. Many officers routinely stamp 90 days for most visitors. If you want 183 days, you can politely request it at the immigration desk when you arrive — show your accommodation bookings, return flights, or travel itinerary as supporting documentation.
If you run short of time, you can apply for an extension at a Migraciones office in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, or other major cities. Extensions are granted up to the 183-day maximum. The extension process requires: your passport, your TAM, a completed application form, and payment of PEN 40 (approximately USD 11). Apply before your authorized stay expires.
What Happens If You Overstay in Peru?
Overstaying your authorized stay in Peru results in an exit fine payable at the border when you leave. The fine is USD 1 per day of overstay, up to a maximum of USD 30. While this sounds manageable, repeated overstays are flagged in Peru’s immigration system and can result in shorter authorized stays on future entries or being required to visit a Migraciones office before departure.
If you have overstayed accidentally, visit a Migraciones office before your departure to regularize your situation. This avoids complications at the exit border.
Peru Entry Costs: Complete Breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa (US, EU, UK, CA, AU) | Free | No visa required for these nationalities |
| TAM card | Free | Issued at the border on arrival |
| Lost TAM replacement | PEN 30 (~USD 8) | Apply at Migraciones office before exit |
| TAM extension | PEN 40 (~USD 11) | Apply before your authorized days expire |
| Airport departure tax | USD 31 (international) | Usually included in flight ticket purchase price |
| Travel insurance (4 weeks) | From USD 56 | SafetyWing — includes altitude trekking coverage |
| Yellow Fever vaccination | USD 15–40 if needed | One-time cost, lifetime protection |
| Overstay fine | USD 1/day (max USD 30) | Payable at exit border |
Machu Picchu Entry Tickets: Book in Advance
Machu Picchu has a daily visitor cap and entry tickets regularly sell out weeks or months in advance. This is not a visa issue — it is a site management policy — but it is the single most common planning mistake made by first-time visitors to Peru. Many travelers arrive in Aguas Calientes only to discover tickets are sold out for the dates they planned to visit.
The official ticketing system is at machupicchu.gob.pe. Tickets are organized by time slots: morning (6:00–12:00), afternoon (12:00–17:30), and sunset (15:00–17:30). The Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain add-on circuits have a much lower daily cap and sell out even faster. Book both your entry ticket and the Inca Trail permit (if hiking) as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
See our complete guide: Machu Picchu Travel Guide 2026 — Tickets, Circuit Map, Transport and Tips
Peru Tours and Activities to Book Before You Arrive
| Experience | Location | Price range | Book via |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu full day from Cusco | Aguas Calientes | USD 80–180 | Viator |
| Inca Trail 4-day trek | Cusco to Machu Picchu | USD 500–900 | Viator |
| Sacred Valley full day | Cusco / Urubamba | USD 40–90 | Civitatis |
| Colca Canyon trek (2 days) | Arequipa | USD 50–100 | Viator |
| Lake Titicaca Islands (Uros + Taquile) | Puno | USD 30–70 | Civitatis |
| Amazon jungle lodge (3 days) | Iquitos / Puerto Maldonado | USD 250–600 | Viator |
Browse all Peru tours on Viator — Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, Sacred Valley, Colca Canyon and more.
Book Peru tours in Spanish with Civitatis — local expert guides, instant confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Peru Entry Requirements 2026
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Peru in 2026?
No. US citizens do not need a visa to enter Peru. On arrival, immigration issues a TAM card and an entry stamp authorizing a stay of up to 183 days. The actual number of days stamped is at the officer’s discretion — request 183 days explicitly if you want the maximum.
What is the TAM card in Peru?
The TAM (Tarjeta Andina de Migración) is Peru’s entry and exit immigration card. It is issued to every foreign visitor on arrival. Keep it safe throughout your entire stay — you must surrender it when you leave Peru. Losing it results in a PEN 30 (approximately USD 8) replacement fee and a trip to a Migraciones office.
How long can I stay in Peru as a tourist?
The maximum tourist stay is 183 days within a 12-month period. The number of days on your TAM reflects the officer’s decision. If you receive fewer than 183 days and want more, request an extension at a Migraciones office (fee: PEN 40, approximately USD 11).
Do I need to complete any online form before entering Peru?
Unlike Bolivia (SIGEMIG) and Colombia (Check-Mig), Peru does not currently require a mandatory pre-arrival online registration form. Entry documentation is handled entirely at the border. There is no online form that airlines enforce at check-in.
Is travel insurance required to enter Peru?
Travel insurance is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from remote trekking areas (Inca Trail, Salkantay, Colca Canyon, Amazon basin) costs USD 3,000 to USD 15,000. Peru’s public hospitals are not equipped for foreign visitors without coverage.
What are the main airports for entering Peru?
Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima (LIM) is the main international gateway. Most visitors then connect to Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco (CUZ) by domestic flight to access Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Can I enter Peru by land from Bolivia?
Yes. The main land crossings are at Desaguadero and Yunguyo on Lake Titicaca. Both connect Peru’s Puno region with Bolivia’s La Paz region. Desaguadero handles the highest traffic and is on the main Pan-American Highway. Yunguyo is used by travelers on the Puno–Copacabana–La Paz scenic route.
Do I need to book Machu Picchu tickets in advance?
Yes, absolutely. Machu Picchu has a daily visitor cap and tickets sell out weeks or months in advance during peak season (June–September and December–January). Book at the official site machupicchu.gob.pe as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Also book the Inca Trail permit separately if trekking.
What happens if I lose my TAM card while in Peru?
Go to the nearest Migraciones office (Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, Puno, and other cities) and apply for a replacement. Bring your passport and any documentation of your entry date. The fee is PEN 30 (approximately USD 8). Do this before you try to exit Peru — border officers will ask for your TAM on departure.
What should I do if my flight to Peru is delayed?
For delays over 3 hours or cancellations on international flights to Peru, you may be entitled to compensation. AirHelp manages the compensation claim on your behalf and only charges a fee if you win. Long-haul routes to Lima frequently route through Miami, Bogota, or Sao Paulo — check eligibility for connecting segments too.
Related Guides
- Visa Requirements for All Six Andean Countries 2026
- Best Travel Insurance for South America 2026
- Machu Picchu Travel Guide 2026
- Best Time to Visit Peru 2026
- Copacabana and Lake Titicaca Border Guide
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