Travel and Visa Info for Peru - B A L | Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP

At a Glance

Capital	Lima
Language	Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
Population	31,151,643 (2015 est.)
GDP Total	$409.853 billion (2016 est.)
GDP Per Capita	$13,018 (2016 est.)

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

When traveling to Peru, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require work authorization. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

Traveling for Business

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Peru, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

» Attend business meetings with Peruvian affiliates or related entities
» Attend seminars, conferences, or trade shows
» Sign contracts, documents, or settlements
» Collect data or information regarding investments

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Peru?

Most foreign nationals, including those of the United States, will be required to obtain a visa from a Peruvian Consulate or Embassy prior to travel if they intend to conduct business activities in Peru. Visa waivers allowing visitors to enter and conduct business activities in Peru without a visa are available for nationals of a few select countries including Brazil, Colombia, and the Schengen Area countries.

Peru is a member of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and foreign nationals in possession of valid APEC Business Travel Cards (ABTC) endorsed with “Valid for travel to PER” are eligible to enter Peru on visa-waivered status.

Please obtain an individual assessment before traveling to determine your eligibility for a visa waiver or a Business Visa.

Working in Peru

What types of activities require work authorization?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Peruvian law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Peru, even if conducted for a short duration.

» Marketing
» Repairs and maintenance
» Auditing

In limited circumstances, foreign nationals may engage in certain short-term specialized technical assistance or similar activities without obtaining work authorization. As eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, an individual assessment is required prior to travel to determine whether a work authorization exemption is applicable.

If I am traveling to Peru for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

The requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Peru. In general, work authorization in Peru is granted under the Appointed Worker Migratory Status or the Worker Migratory Status. The most common types of work authorization issued under these statuses are:

Appointed Worker Migratory Status (foreign payroll and contract):

» Temporary Appointed Worker Visa (short-term work authorization for assignees with highly specialized knowledge)
» Resident Appointed Worker Visa (long-term work authorization for assignees with highly specialized knowledge)

Worker Migratory Status (local payroll and contract):

» Temporary Worker Visa (short-term work authorization for direct hires)
» Resident Worker Visa (long-term work authorization for direct hires)

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

Peru does not offer long-term work authorization exemptions.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2020 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.

News and Events

22 Feb 21

Peru

At a Glance

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Peru?

What types of activities require work authorization?

If I am traveling to Peru for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

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At a Glance

Peru

At a Glance

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Peru?

What types of activities require work authorization?

If I am traveling to Peru for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

News and Events

At a Glance

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