In order to enter Peru or leave the country, you must have a valid passport. You may also be expected to show some proof that you intend to return to the United States, or travel onward after departing the country. If you intend to stay in Peru for 90 days or less, you do not need a visa. If you are planning on staying beyond 90 days, then you will have to pay a monthly fee to extend your visa for up to three months, for a total of six months. If you stay in the country for longer than six months, you will have to pay a fine upon exiting the country.
Peru has special rules in place to prevent international child abductions from taking place. Children who are traveling with an adult other than their parent or guardian, or who are traveling alone, must present a copy of their birth certificate alongside notarized written permission from the child's absent parent or guardian giving them permission to travel alone or with a third party. In the event that the parent is deceased, a notarized copy of the parent's death certificate must be presented.
There are no known restrictions on travelers with HIV or AIDS to Peru. Peru does not require travelers to have any particular vaccinations, although a yellow fever vaccination is recommended.
The United States Department of State warns travelers that a terrorist organization known as the Shining Path is still active in Peru. While attacks against Americans have been rare, the group has attacked American interests in the past, and has indicated that they will continue to do so in the future. Incidents rarely occur in areas frequented by tourists, however. For drug trafficking reasons, visiting the Ecuador and Colombia border regions can be extremely dangerous and is not recommended.
