Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Peru. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Peru may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend conferences or conventions
• Negotiate and sign contracts
• Collect investment data
• Develop business contacts

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

Nationals from the European Union, Canada, the US and most other countries require a visa to enter Peru to conduct business activities. Only a few select nationals do not require a visa to enter Peru to conduct business activities. Business visitors that require a visa to enter Peru must obtain a Business Visa prior to travel from a Peruvian Consulate or Embassy.

Nationals from Brazil, Chile, Colombia and México are able to request a business visa directly from the immigration officers upon arrival.

Peru is a member of the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Foreign nationals in possession of valid APEC Business Travel Cards (ABTC) endorsed with “Valid for travel to PER” are permitted to enter Peru without a visa to conduct business activities.

Working in Peru

What sorts of activities require a work visa?

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

• Hands-on technical work
• Repairs and maintenance
• Project planning or implementation
• Marketing
• Auditing

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

The type of work visa required depends on your qualifications, salary (local or foreign payroll), activities to be performed, whether your employer has an entity in Peru, and the nature and duration of your work. The most common Peruvian work visas are:

• Appointed Worker Visa (specialist work permit)
• Resident Worker Visa (long-term work permit)
• Temporary Work Visa (short-term work permit)

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work visa requirements?

With the exception of Venezuela, nationals from MERCOSUR member states have abbreviated work visa requirements. Registrations or other formalities may be required for these nationals to reside in Peru.

What else should I know?

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

Copyright © 2016 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.