Unlocking the Land of Incas: Your Peru Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Dreaming of exploring the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu, trekking through the majestic Andes, or immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Lima? Peru, a land of breathtaking landscapes and rich history, beckons travelers from around the globe. For Indian citizens, planning a trip to Peru involves understanding and fulfilling specific visa requirements. This comprehensive guide will outline the key Peru visa requirements for Indian citizens, ensuring your journey to this incredible South American nation is as smooth as possible.

It's important to note right away: Yes, Indian citizens generally need a visa to enter Peru for tourism or business purposes. Unlike some countries that offer visa-on-arrival or eVisa facilities for Indians, Peru requires a traditional paper or embassy visa. This means you'll need to apply at the Embassy of Peru in New Delhi. However, there's a significant exemption to be aware of, which we'll cover shortly!

Do You Need a Visa? The Key Exemption for Indian Citizens

Before diving into the detailed requirements, let's address a crucial point. As of March 27, 2017, Indian nationals holding valid ordinary passports are exempted from the requirement of a temporary visa (business or tourist category), provided they meet at least one of the following conditions:

  • At the time of entry into Peru, the Indian national holds a valid visa with a validity of a minimum of six (6) months from any one or more of the following countries: United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, or any Schengen space country.
  • The Indian national holds permanent residence in any one of the following countries: United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, or any Schengen space country.

If you fall into one of these categories, you can potentially enter Peru visa-free for up to 180 calendar days, whether continuous or through various visits within a year. The exact stay period will be determined by immigration officers at the port of entry. This exemption can be a huge advantage for many Indian travelers!

If you do not meet the criteria for this exemption, then a visa application through the Embassy of Peru in New Delhi is necessary.

General Peru Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens (When a Visa is Needed)

Whether you're applying for a tourist or business visa, several standard documents are required. The Embassy of Peru in New Delhi is the sole authority for processing visa applications in India, and applications generally need to be submitted in person.

Here's a detailed checklist:

  1. Passport and Personal Identification:
  • Valid Indian Passport: Your passport must be original, in good condition, and have a minimum validity of six months beyond your expected date of arrival in Peru. It should also have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
  • Photocopies of Passport: Front and back pages of your passport, along with copies of any old passports and previous visas, especially those showing international travel history.
  • Aadhar Card Copy: A clear photocopy of your Aadhar Card (front and back).
  1. Visa Application Form and Photographs:
  • Visa Application Forms (DGC 005): Two copies of the application form, duly typed or handwritten in BLOCK LETTERS. Ensure all details are accurate and match your passport.
  • Recent Colored Passport-Sized Photographs: Three recent (not older than six months) colored passport-size photographs (4.3 x 3.5 cm) with a pure white background. Your face should cover 70-80% of the photograph, with a neutral expression. No glasses (unless for medical reasons), no headgear (unless for religious purposes, and it must not obscure the face).
  1. Covering Letter and Proof of Purpose:
  • Cover Letter: A detailed cover letter, duly signed by you, explaining the purpose of your visit (tourism or business), your intended travel dates, and a day-by-day itinerary of your activities in Peru.
  1. Financial Solvency:
  • Bank Statements: Original bank statements for the last three to six months, stamped and signed by the bank. These should demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay in Peru (e.g., approximately US$50 per day for tourists, or more depending on your travel style).
  • Income Tax Returns (ITR): Personal Income Tax Return (ITR) acknowledgements or Form 16 for the last one to three years.
  • Proof of Employment/Business (if applicable):
    • If Employed: A No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer, on company letterhead, stating your date of joining, designation, purpose and duration of your trip, and that you will resume your duties upon return. Also, provide your salary slips for the last three months.
    • If Self-Employed: Business registration documents (e.g., GST certificate, Memorandum and Articles of Association, Partnership Deed) and company bank statements.
    • If Student: A letter from your educational institution confirming your enrollment and leave.
    • If Retired: Proof of retirement (e.g., pension book, statement).
  • Sponsorship (if applicable): If your trip is sponsored (either by a Peruvian host or an Indian sponsor), a guarantee letter from the sponsor attesting responsibility for your boarding, lodging, and repatriation if needed. This must be accompanied by the sponsor's valid identification (e.g., Peruvian DNI, Aadhar card, Passport) and proof of their financial solvency.
  1. Travel and Accommodation Details:
  • Round-Trip Flight Itinerary: A confirmed round-trip flight reservation (not necessarily a purchased ticket) showing your entry and exit dates to and from Peru.
  • Hotel Reservations: Confirmed hotel bookings or other accommodation proof for your entire stay in Peru. If staying with friends/family, a notarized invitation letter from the host in Peru, along with a copy of their ID and proof of address, may be required.
  1. Health and Vaccination:
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate: Proof of having completed your full cycle of vaccinations abroad (e.g., CoWin certificate for two doses).
  • Negative PCR Test (if unvaccinated): If unvaccinated, a negative PCR test result obtained less than 48 hours before your flight.
  • Yellow Fever Certificate (recommended): While not always explicitly listed as mandatory for visa application, a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is often recommended, especially if you plan to visit Amazonian regions of Peru, and may be checked by airlines or upon arrival.

Specific Requirements for Peru Business Visa

In addition to the general documents, a Peru business visa requires the following:

  • Invitation Letter from Peruvian Company: An original, apostilled invitation letter from your business associate in Peru. This letter must be on company letterhead, mention the purpose and duration of your visit, and confirm who will bear the expenses. It should be directly mailed or faxed by the Peruvian company to consular@embassyperuindia.in.
  • Letter from Indian Company: A detailed cover letter from your Indian organization, on company letterhead, mentioning your company profile, purpose of visit, traveling dates, and confirming who will bear the expenses. It must be signed and stamped by an authorized signatory.
  • Letter from Chamber of Commerce: A letter from a recognized local Chamber of Commerce (e.g., FIEO, FICCI, APEDA, ASSOCHAM, PHD) confirming your company's registration details.
  • Company Registration Certificate: Proof of registration of your Indian company.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

  1. Gather All Documents: Meticulously collect all the required documents as per the checklist, ensuring they are accurate, valid, and have the necessary copies.
  2. Contact the Embassy: Visa applications are primarily processed at the Embassy of Peru in New Delhi. While some sources mention an online form, the final submission of documents and interview is generally in person. It's advisable to check the official Embassy of Peru in New Delhi website (consulado.pe/es/nuevadelhi/) for the most up-to-date information and any specific instructions.
  3. Submission: Visit the Embassy of Peru in New Delhi during their designated application submission hours (typically Monday to Friday, 10:00-12:00 hrs, except holidays). No prior appointment is usually required for document submission.
  4. Personal Interview: After submitting your complete visa file, the Embassy will acknowledge it via email and provide a link to schedule a personal interview. This interview is a mandatory part of the process for both tourist and business visas.
  5. Pay Visa Fees: The visa fee for both tourist and business visas is around INR 2250 (subject to change). Payment methods usually involve cash at the Embassy.
  6. Processing Time: The estimated processing time for tourist and business visas for Indian nationals is typically 7-10 working days, counted after the personal interview. Note that incomplete files will not initiate the processing.
  7. Visa Collection: Once your application is processed, you will be notified to collect your passport with the visa from the Embassy.

For a seamless and stress-free visa application experience, especially with the precise document requirements and the interview process, consider enlisting the expertise of BTW Visa Services Ind Pvt Ltd. Their deep understanding of Peruvian visa regulations and their end-to-end assistance can make a significant difference, from document preparation to appointment guidance.

Important Considerations

  • Visa Validity: Tourist and business visas issued by Peru typically have a validity of 183 days and grant multiple entries. However, the visa itself is valid for six months from the date of issue and must be used within this period, or it automatically expires.
  • Individual Assessment: The submission of a complete visa application and supporting documents does not guarantee automatic visa issuance. Each application is assessed individually by the Consular Section, and they reserve the right to request additional documents.
  • No Work on Tourist Visa: A tourist visa does not permit you to engage in lucrative or remunerated activities in Peru. If your purpose involves earning income or engaging in long-term work, a specific work visa is required.

Peru is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences, from the mystical ruins of the Inca Empire to the vibrant colors of its modern cities. Understanding and diligently adhering to the Peru visa requirements for Indian citizens is your first step towards making this incredible journey a reality. Prepare well, stay organized, and get ready to discover the magic of Peru!