Peru travel guide for Britons

UK citizens do not need a visa for Peru for tourism, business or transit stays of up to 183 days. You will need a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and you may be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. Entry rules can change, so confirm with the Peruvian authorities or your nearest embassy before booking.

For a typical two-week trip, budget roughly £1,200–£2,500 per person including flights, accommodation, food and internal transport. Costs vary widely: a budget backpacker can manage on less, while a comfortable trip with domestic flights and guided tours will be at the higher end.

UK passport holders are visa-exempt for Peru for stays up to 183 days. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and you should have a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay. Immigration officers may ask to see these documents, so carry printed copies.

If you plan to stay longer than 183 days, or for purposes other than tourism, business or transit, you must apply for a visa before travel. Check the latest rules with the Peruvian consulate in the UK or the official immigration authority.

The British Embassy in Lima is at Av. La Encalada 1105, Surco, Lima. It provides consular services for UK citizens, including passport replacement and emergency assistance. For the latest contact details and opening hours, use the official embassy finder.

If you are in Peru and need urgent help, call the embassy or the UK government's 24-hour consular assistance line. Register your travel with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to receive updates and alerts.

A two-week trip to Peru typically costs £1,200–£2,500 per person, depending on your travel style. Flights from London to Lima start around £600–£900 return (check), and internal flights (e.g., Lima–Cusco) cost £60–£120 each way. Accommodation ranges from £10–£20 per night for hostels to £50–£150 for mid-range hotels.

Food is inexpensive: a local meal costs £3–£6, and a sit-down dinner in a tourist area £10–£15. Entrance fees add up – Machu Picchu tickets are about £40–£60 (check), and the Inca Trail permit is around £200–£300 (check). Budget for tours, transport and tips.

Direct flights from London Heathrow to Lima take about 12 hours, operated by British Airways and LATAM (check). Several airlines offer one-stop connections via Madrid, Amsterdam, Paris or the US, adding 3–6 hours. From other UK airports, you will usually connect through London or a European hub.

Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is the main gateway. From there, domestic flights to Cusco, Arequipa and Iquitos are frequent. Book internal flights early, especially for the Cusco route, as prices rise close to departure.

Peru uses 220 V, 60 Hz electricity with plug types A and C. UK appliances with a standard three-pin plug will need an adapter, and devices rated for 110–240 V (most phone chargers and laptops) will work with just an adapter. Check your devices – if they are 110 V only, you will need a voltage converter.

Tipping is customary in Peru. In sit-down restaurants, leave about 10% of the bill if service is not already included. Tip guides, porters and drivers: for example, S/ 10–20 per day for a guide, S/ 5–10 per bag for porters, and round up taxi fares. In budget eateries and markets, tipping is not expected.

In an emergency in Peru, call 105 for police, 116 for fire, and 106 for SAMU ambulance. For consular help, contact the British Embassy in Lima. Save these numbers and your travel insurance details before you go. For non-urgent issues, the FCDO provides travel advice and alerts.

Common questions about visiting Peru as a UK citizen.

Information is based on official government travel advice and the parent country facts. Verify current entry rules and costs before travelling.