Sarah Bennett
Peru has various health risks that travellers should be aware of, and some of these can be prevented with vaccinations. While the country does not require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, it is recommended for all travellers aged nine months and above going to areas with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Additionally, most travellers to Peru should receive a typhoid vaccine, especially those visiting rural areas. Travellers should also be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and ensure they have received an MMR vaccine. Other recommended vaccines include rabies, hepatitis A and B, and pneumonia. It is important to consult official sources and healthcare professionals for the most accurate and up-to-date information on required and recommended vaccinations before travelling to Peru.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa required | Not for a stay of up to 90 days |
| Vaccination requirements | No mandatory vaccination requirements, but recommended vaccines include: MMR, COVID-19, Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Malaria, Rabies, Hepatitis A and B, Influenza, Pneumonia, Meningitis, Chickenpox, Shingles, Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya |
| Passport validity | Minimum of 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Do you need a visa to enter Peru?
Peru has various health risks, including mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria, dengue fever, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated before travelling to Peru, especially for yellow fever, as it is widespread in the country. However, Peru does not require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Additionally, travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and get the necessary boosters.
Regarding visa requirements, it depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Tourists from many countries, including the United States and Australia, do not need a visa for short stays or tourism. Upon arrival, you will receive a free visitor's permit stamp in your passport, allowing you to stay for up to 90 days. However, if you plan to work or engage in business activities, you may need special permits or licenses. It is important to check the latest entry requirements with the Peruvian embassy or consulate before your trip, as entry conditions can change suddenly. Keep in mind that you must have at least six months of validity remaining in your passport to enter Peru, and ensure that you obtain an entry stamp when crossing the border to avoid complications when exiting the country.
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What vaccines are recommended by the CDC?
The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for travellers to Peru:
- Yellow fever is recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age going to areas at elevations under 7500 ft in the regions of Amazonas, Loreto, Madre de Dios, San Martin, Ucayali, Puno, Cusco, Junín, Pasco, Huánuco, the far north of Apurimac, the far northern Huancavelica, the far northeastern Ancash, and eastern La Libertad. However, it is not required for entry into Peru.
- Typhoid is recommended for most travellers, especially those visiting rural areas.
- Hepatitis A is recommended for most travellers.
- Polio is generally considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries.
- Rabies is recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities, and length of stay. Although rabies vaccines are widely available in Peru, rabies immune globulin is not.
- Hepatitis B is recommended for travellers to most regions.
- Influenza is recommended, as Peru's flu season follows the Southern Hemisphere pattern, peaking during April-September.
- COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for all travellers.
- Pneumonia is recommended for all travellers over 65 or immunocompromised.
- Meningitis is recommended for anyone unvaccinated or at increased risk, especially students.
- Chickenpox is recommended for those unvaccinated who did not have chickenpox.
- Shingles is recommended and can still be given if you have had shingles.
Additionally, travellers to Peru should be aware of other diseases that are prevalent in the country, such as malaria, dengue, leishmaniasis, zika, and tuberculosis (TB). While there are no vaccines available for some of these diseases, preventative measures such as mosquito bite prevention and insect repellents are crucial.
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What is the situation with yellow fever?
Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes in Peru. It is widespread in the country, with areas of yellow fever endemicity overlapping with areas of malaria endemicity. The CDC recommends yellow fever vaccination for all travelers aged 9 months and above who are going to areas with a risk of yellow fever transmission. These areas include the eastern regions of Peru, such as Loreto, Ucayali, Madre de Dios, and parts of Puno, Cusco, Junín, Pasco, Huánuco, Piura, Amazonas, Cajamarca, and most of San Martín. Vaccination is generally not recommended in the western part of Peru, including coastal regions like Lima, Tumbes, parts of Piura, and most of Lambayeque.
While Peru does not require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, some countries, like Australia, may require a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate when entering from Peru. It is important to check the entry requirements of your destination country before travelling. Additionally, some airlines may request to see a vaccination certificate when leaving Peru.
To protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases like yellow fever, dengue, Zika, and oropouche, it is recommended to take insect bite precautions. This includes covering exposed skin with clothing, using insect repellents, and taking measures to prevent arthropod bites.
It is also important to stay informed about health risks and recommendations for the specific regions you plan to visit in Peru. Visiting a travel health clinic or consulting a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice and ensure you receive the necessary vaccines and medications for your trip.
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What other health risks should I be aware of?
Peru is a country with a variety of ecosystems, from coastal beaches to the Andes mountain range and the Amazon rainforest. The Amazon rainforest, in particular, is known for its diverse wildlife and rich biodiversity. However, it also poses certain health risks that travellers should be aware of before visiting. Here are some key health risks to consider when planning a trip to Peru:
Infectious Diseases and Mosquito-borne Illnesses:
Mosquito-borne illnesses are a significant concern in Peru. Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is the most common arbovirus in the country, with recent outbreaks in coastal cities like Lima and rainforest areas. Malaria is also a risk in certain parts of Peru, especially on the eastern side of the Andes at elevations below 2,500 meters, including the Amazon rainforest. The CDC recommends mosquito avoidance in these areas, and travellers should take preventative measures such as using netting and insect repellents. Other mosquito-borne illnesses to be aware of include Zika, Chikungunya, and yellow fever. While yellow fever is not widespread in Peru, it is still recommended to get vaccinated, especially if you plan to visit affected regions.
Rabies:
Rabies is present in Peru, with bat-transmitted cases being more common than dog-transmitted ones. Travellers should avoid petting unknown or stray animals and consider pre-exposure prophylaxis if they plan to spend time in rural areas or engage in outdoor activities such as hiking or cycling.
Waterborne, Foodborne, and Parasitic Diseases:
Waterborne, foodborne, and parasitic diseases are common in Peru. Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi, is endemic to the country, and travellers should consider getting vaccinated, especially if visiting rural areas. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines are also recommended for travellers to Peru. Additionally, travellers' diarrhea is a common issue, so practising good hygiene and food safety precautions is essential.
Tuberculosis (TB):
Tuberculosis is endemic to Peru, and drug-resistant strains have been reported. Long-term travellers, expatriates, and healthcare workers are at a higher risk of infection.
Crime and Civil Unrest:
Crime is prevalent in Peru, including petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assaults, and other violent crimes. Criminal groups sometimes set up roadblocks to rob people outside of Lima, and the risk of crime increases at night. Additionally, civil unrest, protests, and the risk of kidnapping are present in certain areas, such as the Colombia-Peru border region and the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM). It is essential to stay informed about local news and any travel warnings or advisories issued by your government.
Road Safety:
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death for healthy US citizens in foreign countries, including Peru. Traffic conditions can be chaotic, with a mix of vehicles, animals, and pedestrians sharing the roads. When travelling within Peru, it is advisable to use official taxis or public transportation and to exercise caution when crossing roads.
When travelling to Peru, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or travel medicine clinic to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on health risks and recommended vaccinations. Additionally, staying informed about local laws, customs, and potential safety concerns is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trip.
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What travel advice is available?
Visas and Entry Requirements
Tourists do not need a visa to enter Peru. You can get a permit to stay for up to 90 days, which can be obtained when you arrive. If you are entering Peru with a business visa, you must obtain a certificate from the Peruvian Ministry of the Economy to prove that all Peruvian taxes on income earned during the trip have been paid before leaving the country. This certificate must be presented to the central Peruvian immigration office in Lima before your departure.
If you are travelling with a temporary passport or emergency travel document, different entry rules may apply. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination. Ensure your passport has at least six months' validity remaining to enter Peru.
Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Peru. However, it is recommended that travellers get vaccinated against yellow fever, rabies, and typhoid fever. Other recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, MMR, and COVID-19.
Health Risks
There are several health risks in Peru that travellers should be aware of, including mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika, chikungunya, and oropouche. To reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses, take measures to prevent mosquito bites, such as wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats, and using insect repellent. Additionally, waterborne, foodborne, and parasitic diseases are common in Peru, so travellers should be cautious when consuming food and water.
Transportation and Safety
Traffic accidents are common in Peru, with buses, cars, and other vehicles sharing lanes with animals and pedestrians. It is recommended to use official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses, when possible. Demonstrations, strikes, and derailments can also disrupt travel by train, particularly to popular destinations like Machu Picchu.
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Frequently asked questions
While Peru does not require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, it is recommended that travellers get vaccinated before they travel. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required to enter some other countries after visiting Peru, such as Australia. It is also recommended that all travellers going to Peru be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
The CDC recommends that all international travellers be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Typhoid vaccines are also recommended, particularly for those visiting rural areas. Rabies and malaria vaccines are also recommended for certain travellers based on their destination, activities and length of stay.
There are several mosquito-borne diseases in Peru, such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, leishmaniasis, oropouche and louse-borne typhus, that cannot be prevented by vaccines. To reduce your risk of infection, take steps to prevent mosquito bites by wearing long clothing, using insect repellent and sleeping in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Tourists do not need a visa to enter Peru and can obtain a permit to stay for up to 90 days upon arrival. However, travellers must have at least 6 months of validity remaining in their passport to enter Peru.
