Peru Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
UK citizens can visit Peru visa-free for up to 183 days (6 months). No prior visa application is needed.
Great news! United Kingdom passport holders can enter Peru without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 183 days.
No visa application is required. Present your valid UK passport on arrival at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport or other points of entry. An immigration officer will stamp your passport with the permitted stay duration. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity. The 183-day period is from date of entry. Bring proof of onward travel and accommodation details. For stays beyond 183 days, a temporary residence visa must be applied for at a Peruvian consulate before travel.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid UK Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond planned stay
Proof of Onward Travel
Return or onward flight ticket out of Peru
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel booking or itinerary may be requested
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Bank statement or credit card may be requested at entry
Current Travel Situation
United Kingdom to Peru: What You Need to Know
Peru offers one of the most generous visa-free allowances in South America to UK passport holders, granting up to 183 days of stay. Peru is home to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, as well as the Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca (the world's highest navigable lake), the Nazca Lines, and the historic imperial Inca capital of Cusco. Lima has emerged as one of Latin America's leading culinary cities. The UK and Peru have maintained strong diplomatic and trade relations, facilitating visa-free travel. Peru uses the sol as its currency and is moderately affordable for UK visitors.
How to Get There
Bolivia (accessible by bus via Puno from Lake Titicaca) and Colombia (flights from Lima) are common extensions. The classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu requires permits booked weeks in advance through licensed operators. The Inca Jungle Trail and other alternative routes to Machu Picchu have fewer permit restrictions. Ecuador (visa-free for UK citizens) is accessible by bus from Piura in northern Peru.
Money & Banking
Peru uses the Peruvian sol (PEN). ATMs are widely available in Lima, Cusco, and tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at major hotels and restaurants; cash is preferred in markets and smaller towns. Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) at ATMs will offer USD — always decline and pay in soles for better rates. Peru is moderately affordable; budget travelers can manage on $30-50/day outside luxury services.
Practical Tips
Altitude sickness (soroche) is a significant concern in Cusco (3,400m), Lake Titicaca (3,810m), and areas of the Andes. Fly directly to Cusco and rest for 24-48 hours before hiking. Coca tea is widely available and helps with acclimatization. The rainy season runs from November to April; the dry season (May to October) is better for the Inca Trail. Lima's Miraflores and Barranco neighborhoods are the safest and most tourist-friendly areas. Keep copies of your passport and avoid displaying valuables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Peru?
No. UK passport holders can visit Peru visa-free for up to 183 days (approximately 6 months). No prior visa application is required.
Do I need to book Machu Picchu tickets in advance?
Yes. Entry to Machu Picchu and especially the Inca Trail requires advance booking. Inca Trail permits sell out months ahead, especially for the May-October high season. Book through a licensed tour operator well in advance.
Is altitude sickness a problem in Peru?
Yes. Cusco sits at 3,400m and many trekking routes go higher. Rest for 24-48 hours upon arrival in Cusco before hiking. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol your first day, and consider altitude medication (acetazolamide/Diamox) in consultation with a doctor before traveling.