Latest news (November 1, 2022)
The national state of emergency declared on March 15, 2020, and all related restrictions involving the use of masks, vaccination certification and health declaration to enter the country, social distancing, among other measures is now officially suspended.
In order to be informed about the coronavirus in Peru and the measures and restrictions travelers have to take into account when traveling to Peru, we wrote this article. We’re continuously updating it (October 10, 2022) to give you the most correct information. First of all, here is the website link to the Peruvian travel bureau. It’s a very easy-to-read and useful website with all the measures clearly explained (unfortunately not always containing the latest updates). That is why, we give you information coming from the official Government decree guaranteeing the latest updates and more; with some practical examples for you as a (RESPONSible) traveler.
Table of Content:
Booking your custom Itinerary in Covid Times
During a pandemic, there are even more reasons to book a custom itinerary with one of our travel designers. Since we’ve started operating again, we found that there are still many challenges to organize a long trip through Peru. Many of those cannot be found out in any way through the internet. So, get in touch with our team now and enjoy a personal experience shaping your dream trip to Peru with us. Once you’re ready to book, you can rest assured that due to the pandemic, we have extra flexible booking conditions. You will pay later, and only have to pay upfront for those services that really have to be paid in advance like flights and some entrance tickets.
Booking a tour or excursion in Covid Times
Booking a tour or excursion directly on our platform is also possible. Once you book, we’ll check availability and as soon as spaces are confirmed, you can make your payment. The same flexible Terms and Conditions apply; which means that apart from some exceptions, you can still cancel your booking up to a month before. After that, fees do apply.
Further below you can read more about the measurements in place for tours and excursions in Peru .
For official information, please also check the State websites that are (unfortunately) scarcely updated:
https://www.peru.travel/en/covid
On this governmental website you’ll find the “latest” information about measurements all in one place; to take into account before, during and after your trip to Peru.
https://www.peru.travel/en/comunicados
This is where you’ll find the “latest” announcements by the Peruvian government related to traveling to and in Peru.
https://www.minsa.gob.pe/reunis/data/vacunas-covid19.asp
Here you’ll find the latest statistics about Covid-19 vaccinations by the Peruvian Ministry of Health. The website is only in Spanish and doesn’t seem to translate well with Google Translate but it is a good source of information if your are looking for numbers.
Here is our resume of information coming from the official Government decree guaranteeing the latest updates
Latest requisites (since September 29th)
While the rule for residents (nationals and foreigners alike), is to show a vaccination certificate with three doses for entering the country. The rule for non-resident foreigners (over 12 years old) is only to show a certificate according to the vaccination scheme dictated by your country authorities.
This, not so clear situation, might bring some misunderstandings at the moment of being checked, however, to our knowledge, the previous rule for non-residents only aimed for two doses. Alternatively (in case you are not vaccinated or you do not comply with the full vaccination scheme), a negative PCR test result is valid, but only if issued up to 48 hours before boarding the plane. Here is the latest official decree (in Spanish but updated) just in case it becomes handy.
Traveling to Peru in Covid times
All passengers are allowed into Peru again without having to go in quarantine (only if you present symptoms of COVID-19). However, to get into Peru there are still a few additional measures to take into consideration. All of the following has to be arranged before you take your flight to Peru.
All travelers (over 12 years old) entering the country must:
- Complete the electronic health sworn statement (you can change the language on the website) and bring it saved on your phone and/or a printed copy;
- Make sure you are vaccinated (at least 14 days prior boarding) and bring your vaccination certificate.
OR AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE LATTER Show (before boarding the plane) a negative PCR test issued up to 48 hours before boarding.
If you travel with children, please note that children under 12 years old must not present noticeable symptoms of COVID-19 to take the flight.
And not (yet) obligatory, but recommended:
- Download the app called “Pre Registro Migraciones” (available on Google Play; it doesn’t work yet for iPhone).
Traveling within Peru in Covid times
Finally; it is OPTIONAL to wear a mouth mask in open public spaces of Peru, as well as in well-ventilated indoor spaces, like most shops, malls, hotels, and similar. It is only mandatory if you enter health centers (hospitals, private clinics), or restaurants and other indoor spaces that are not correctly ventilated.
Covid measures when traveling between provinces of Peru
In public transportation throughout Peru, it is still obligatory to use a double mouth mask (a quirurgical one, and a linen one to cover it on the outside).
KN95 mouth masks are accepted as a replacement for the double mouth masks; making it legal to travel more comfortably wearing only one mouth mask (KN95) inside public transportation and entering enclosed, non-ventilated public spaces.
To get into planes, buses, all foreing passengers over 12 years old must show a certificate of vaccination. Alternatively, a negative PCR test result is valid, but only if issued up to 48 hours before boarding.
Covid measures in short distance transportation in Peru
When you’re traveling in a taxi or a minibus, wearing the two masks is still mandatory. However, this rule is taken by locals in a very flexible way, sometimes only using one mask, and at other times, no mask at all. We would recommend (and this is totally up to you) using a good mouth mask (KN95) and, of course, being vaccinated at least two weeks before your trip to Peru.
In the trains to and from Machu Picchu the checks are more rigid so people must wear a double mask (unless the mouth mask is a KN95 model) at all times, while showing a vaccination certificate is not necessary any more.
Participate in tours and excursions in Covid times
When you’re traveling in Peru you will participate in tours and excursions that might involve transportation, interaction with guides, visits to attractions and restaurants and overnight stays in hotels, homestays or other accommodations. To help you prepare for your trip here are the current measurements you need to take into account:
Covid measures in tourism transportation
Just like in other public transportation modes, in tourist transportation one should wear mask(s) at all times. There might be checkpoints where the authorities check on the correct implementation of these rules so please make sure you follow them. Some guides or tour companies will ask you to wear a double mask (or one KN95 model) so please be prepared for that by always having enough quirurgical and linen masks at hand.
Covid measures in Community-Based Tourism in Peru
Just like everyone, our homestay families have had to adapt to the prevailing rules to ensure a safe interaction with their visitors. Most communities have received great assistance from NGOs and state organizations and honestly; they have their places well organized! However, nowadays after the flexibilization of rules, you might or might not see disinfectation units at the entrance, and mouth masks will be worn facultatively.
Please remember that many local communities were very, very wary towards foreigners during the start of the pandemic. Some of the fellow villagers might still be afraid of foreigners, thinking that “they might infect me with that foreign virus”. Please be very respectful and understanding to other villagers if they show any sign of doubt.
Homemade hand sanitizer kit in a family homestay at Lake Titicaca. Hand cleaning gel and feet disinfectant at the entrance of a homestay. Complete sanitation kit at a Covid-safe homestay in Sibayo, Colca Canyon.
Covid measures in the interaction with guides and drivers
When on a guided tour, you will be sharing transportation with your guide and driver. Please do take care of wearing your mouth mask at all times when inside: both for everybody’s health as well as for the driver’s sake: he might get fined if you don’t wear your masks in his vehicle (and that will cost him more than what he earns with your service…)
During heavier pandemic times, passengers had to sit in the rear seats to be further away from the driver. Even though these rules don’t exist anymore, some drivers might still ask this from you. Again, be considerate and coordinate with your driver if you wish to sit in the front row.
As for some enclosed spaces, at some archaeological sites (even if outdoors), the same goes for your guide, who might be held responsible for your complying with the rules. Please always coordinate with your guide before you take off your mask even in outdoor spaces; thank you.
Since the interaction with your guides and drivers is quite close, and sometimes for long periods of time, it is advised to be vaccinated from COVID-19. Our team of guides and drivers (and their families) would appreciate that very much!
Covid measures in tourist attractions
In some tourist attractions your temperature might be measured upon entering and you might be asked to sanitize your hands. Only in enclosed, not-well ventilated public spaces, masks need to be worn.
Machu Picchu has established rules which we will address separately in the following blog article. In general, there are set routes and time slots that you have to respect carefully.
Covid measures in restaurants
All restaurants in Peru are now open on 100% of their capacity. Upon entrance, your body temperature might be taken (if you have a fever, you will not be admitted) and some will ask you to wash your hands.
You might be asked to wear a mouth mask when entering the restaurant and moving around, like for example to the toilet or when you pay at the cashier. Some restaurants will ask you not to remove the mask before making your order, some are not as strict. By the time of leaving the table it is expected that you are wearing the mask again.
Latest requisites (since September 29th)
While the rule for residents (nationals and foreigners alike), is to show a vaccination certificate with three doses for entering the country. The rule for non-resident foreigners (over 12 years old) is only to show a certificate according to the vaccination scheme dictated by your country authorities.
This, not so clear situation, might bring some misunderstandings at the moment of being checked, however, to our knowledge, the previous rule only aimed for two doses. Alternatively (in case you are not vaccinated or you do not comply with the full vaccination scheme), a negative PCR test result is valid, but only if issued up to 48 hours before boarding/entering. Here is the latest official decree (in Spanish but updated) just in case it becomes handy.
Covid measurements in accommodations
The use of a mouth mask is optional whenever you’re not in your room. Upon check-in, some hotels might disinfect your luggage (spraying alcohol) and some might request you to avoid housekeeping during your stay.
Same rules apply in accomodations, as mentioned for transportation and restaurants.
The importance of a good travel insurance
Currently, some travel insurances do not cover Covid-related medical costs. This depends on the country where you take your insurance so we can’t go in too much detail. Most medical insurances will cover your Covid-related costs, albeit with restrictions.
We highly recommend the use of good insurances when you travel to Peru; especially now with the pandemic. However, it is not a requisite to enter Peru.
From a few countries, we hear that some travel insurance companies are starting to cover Covid-related costs. We would certainly recommend you doing a bit of research in your country whether it might be worth changing from insurance company.
Note: if you are also traveling to Bolivia, a health insurance covering Covid-19 related costs is mandatory.
From our experience we can say
That authorities, managers, or people in charge of requesting and checking your vaccination certificate (when needed) will look for three doses of the vaccine, as in Peru this is the rule for residents. This situation can cause issues for non-residents (passengers) when trying to access places or means of transportation and showing a different vaccination scheme, maybe with less doses, but still complying to their own country’s rules.
We are not implying that all people having a certificate showing less doses than three, will be prohibited to access places or means of transportation, but we can not guarantee that you will make your way around trying to justify it. So, just in case it becomes handy, here is the official decree (in Spanish).
We will do our best to keep you away from these kind of situations, and we wish you happy holidays and safe travels.
