Coronavirus travel health
Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Peru on the TravelHealthPro website.
See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
International travel
Passengers at the airport will need to follow strict regulations, including the mandatory use of two masks and social distancing.
Commercial airlines are operating to and from Peru. If travelling via another country, it is essential you check the travel advice for that country.
Entry and borders
See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Peru.
Returning to the UK
The Peruvian authorities provide guidance on public health centres in Lima and laboratories that process tests in the country (only available in Spanish). COVID-19 PCR tests are widely available in both public clinics and private labs in Peru. Some regions in Peru, outside Lima, do not have private lab facilities and rely entirely on public facilities.
Be prepared for your plans to change
No travel is risk-free during COVID. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.
Plan ahead and make sure you:
- can access money
- understand what your insurance will cover
- can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned
Travel in Peru
A state of emergency continues to be in force in Peru due to COVID-19.
The Peruvian government operates a four-tier system of restrictions (Extreme, Very High, High and Moderate). There is a requirement to wear two masks (one cloth, one surgical) or a KN95 mask in shops and other indoor public spaces. The use of masks outdoors is optional in some regions, according to its vaccination rates, but still required in others. Please follow local authorities’ instructions.
Adults must show evidence of having received a booster dose to enter most indoor venues, if they reside in Peru. This can be provided on paper or digitally, and foreign vaccination certificates (including those issued by the NHS) are accepted. Masks must also be worn as specified above. Children aged 5 and over will be allowed to enter sports stadiums and other venues if they show evidence of having been fully vaccinated either in Peru or abroad. All domestic air passengers aged 12 and over will be allowed to board only if they show evidence of having been fully vaccinated either in Peru or abroad. Adults must show evidence of having received a booster dose if they reside in Peru. Alternatively, they can show proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR (molecular) test, issued a maximum of 48 hours before boarding. Under 12s old must be without COVID-19 symptoms but do not require a test or proof of vaccination. All interprovincial land transport passengers aged 12 and over must show evidence of full vaccination. Adults must also show evidence of having received a booster dose if they reside in Peru. Alternatively, they can show proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR (molecular) test, issued a maximum of 48 hours before boarding. When you show your proof of vaccination, you will be required to show an ID document as well.
For information on the tiers and restrictions in each area, you should visit the El Peruano website. Restrictions may change at short notice – you should follow official guidance and the local media for updates. Fines may be imposed for those breaking the rules.
Public places and services
Public places and services may be closed, depending on the tier level of the region.
Healthcare in Peru
More information (in Spanish) is available on the Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud) website or by calling the 24/7 call free number 113, sending a WhatsApp message to +51 95284263 or emailing infosalud@minsa.gob.pe. Some private labs are also offering the COVID-19 test.
Availability of medical care and hospital beds may be limited in some areas.
For contact details for English speaking doctors, visit our list of healthcare providers. Whilst many medications are available over the counter in Peru, local prescriptions will be required for some. Our medical panel list includes details of English-speaking doctors who can assist.
Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health
View Health for further details on healthcare in Peru.
See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK.
COVID-19 vaccines if you live in Peru
We will update this page when the Government of Peru announces new information on the national vaccination programme. You can sign up to get email notifications when this page is updated.
The Government of Peru has stated that British nationals resident in Peru are eligible for vaccination, following the same prioritisation scheme as Peruvian nationals, if they choose to join the programme. The Peruvian Immigration Office is requesting all foreign nationals with non-residential status in Peru to register or update their details in their database.
Find out more, including about vaccines that are authorised in the UK or approved by the World Health Organisation, on the COVID-19 vaccines if you live abroad.
If you’re a British national living in Peru, you should seek medical advice from your local healthcare provider. Information about COVID-19 vaccines used in the national programme where you live, including regulatory status, should be available from local authorities.
Finance
For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.
Further information
If you need urgent consular assistance, you can contact the British Embassy on +51 1 617 3000. For consular enquiries please write to Help for British people in Peru