Peru Travel Risk Level

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution due to crime, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to: The Colombia-Peru border area in the Loreto Region due to crime . The Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), which includes Vilcabamba, due to crime and threats of terrorism . Some areas within the regions of Ayacucho, Cusco*, Huancavelica, and Junín, due to crime and threats of terrorism . * The city of Cusco and popular tourist sites nearby, like the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu, are not located in the affected area. Country Summary: Crime is common in Peru. Petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assaults, and other violent crime often happen even in daylight hours and with many witnesses around. Kidnapping is rare, but it does occur. The risk of crime increases at night. Criminal groups sometimes set up roadblocks to rob people in areas outside of Lima. Ayahuasca and Kambo Usage U.S. travelers should not use Ayahuasca or Kambo because of the known dangers. U.S. citizens have suffered serious illness and, in some cases, died after taking these drugs. They have also been sexually assaulted, injured, or robbed while under the influence of these substances. Demonstrations Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country. Public demonstrations can take place for a variety of political and economic issues. Demonstrations can shut down local roads, trains, and major highways. This often happens without warning or clear information on reopening times. Road closures can limit access to public transportation and airports. Closures may also disrupt travel in and between cities. Due to road safety risks, U.S. government employees working in Peru are prohibited from nighttime driving except within cities, between Lima and Huacho (to the north), and Lima and Paracas (to the south). U.S. government employees working in Peru may

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel Within 20km south of the Peru-Colombia border FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km south of the Putumayo River and the border between Peru and Colombia (Loreto region) except for: the Amazon River the area of the triple border with Brazil and Colombia from and including the towns of Caballococha in Peru up to the actual triple border at Santa Rosa de Yavari town Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers ( VRAEM ) FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers, also known as the VRAEM region. We advise against all but essential travel to these two areas for safety and security reasons. Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel . Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. If you have onward travel plans within the region, check travel advice for all destinations you plan to travel through. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO : travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram