COVID-19 has generated an unprecedented global economic impact, forcing various industries and sectors to paralyze for the time being: Among them is tourism in Peru.
However, the Peruvian government has designed biosafety measures that allow control of COVID-19 infections, and, at the same time, helps reactivate the economy.
At Salkantay Trekking, we understand our travelers’ concerns about the spread of the virus. So, with this article, we want to provide you with all the details you need to know to travel safely to Peru.
We’ll be updating the page often as things change and providing you with FAQs regarding COVID-19 and the situation in Peru.
The Latest in Peru
Last update novemeber 25th
- On November 14, 2021, the Government of Peru announced the extension of emergency self-quarantine and movement restrictions due to COVID-19 through March 1, 2022.
- From December 15, 2021, in all provinces of Peru, adults over the age of 18 must show proof of vaccination to enter closed spaces. They may show their physical or virtual vaccination card demonstrating they have completed their COVID-19 vaccination. In the case of restaurants, masks can only be removed when eating or drinking.
- Peruvians, resident foreigners, and non-resident foreigners 12 years of age or older must present proof of being fully vaccinated 14 days prior to boarding at their point of origin. Peruvians, resident foreigners, and non-resident foreigners 12 years of age or older who are not fully vaccinated must present a molecular test with a negative result (within 72 hours) prior to boarding an incoming flight to Peru, in accordance with current health regulations. Children under 12 years of age must only be asymptomatic prior to boarding an incoming flight to Peru.
*Travelers whose result is positive enter into mandatory isolation, according to regulations of the country. - If you’ve had the disease, you must present a health document from the country of origin proving that you have been discharged from the COVID-19 in the period of up to 3 months before travel.
- From November 15, 2021, all passengers older than 45 years of age using commercial transportation to travel between provinces by land must present proof of vaccination to travel.
- All passengers must also complete an affidavit of health (found here: https://e-notificacion.migraciones.gob.pe/dj-salud/ ). These requirements may change, so we advise you to contact your airline days prior your flight to gather the proper documentation and regularly consult the airport website for the latest guidance: https://www.lima-airport.com/eng/for-passengers/covid-19-protocol/arrival-protocol.
- Domestic flights are running as usual throughout Peru. On March 13, 2021, the Government of Peru suspended COVID-19 testing requirements for domestic air travel.
- KN95 masks are required. If you do not have a KN95, double masking is mandatory, with one of the masks being a surgical mask, the other can either be cloth or surgical as well. This is mandatory to enter many establishments like airports, banks, shopping centers, markets, supermarkets, department stores, public transport, and other crowded places. This includes the bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu and the train transportation to/from Aguas Calientes.
- International borders are open, but the Government of Peru declared a restriction on all Peruvian residents, residents, or non-resident foreign passengers originating in South Africa or who’ve made a stopover in this place. They will need to carry out mandatory quarantine at their home, lodging, or other temporary isolation center for a period of fourteen (14) calendar days, counted from the arrival in the national territory from entering Peru. Effective through November 28, 2021.
- Migrations Suspending Use of Passport Stamps: The Peruvian Immigration Authority (Migraciones) announced that it’s suspended the stamping of passports upon arrival to and departure from Jorge Chávez International Airport as part of ongoing efforts to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19. If you’re traveling, be aware that while your passport will not be stamped, a digital record of your arrival or departure will still be done. The measure applies to both commercial and repatriation flights and is effective immediately.
- If you have a connecting international flight in Lima, you have 16 hours maximum to board the next airplane. You mustn’t leave the airport. If you need more than the allotted time, you’ll need to organize lodging beforehand and declare your plans in migrations.
- Foreigners with temporary migratory status (tourists) should consider that since August 20th, 2021, Peruvian Immigration has begun imposing the penalty fee of S/4.40 a day for overstaying in the country.
- If the final destination country requires test results, Lima airport has antigen and molecular testing inside the airport. It’s recommended you arrive 4 hours before your flight if you need a test.
- Curfew in Peru depends on the level of alert by province until March 1st, 2022.
-Moderate level alert: from Monday to Sunday from 02:00 hours until 4:00 hours.
All the provinces that aren’t in superior levels.
-High-level alert: from Monday to Sunday from 23:00 hours until 4:00 hours the next day.
Chanchamayo, Chincha y Sullana. -Very high-level alert: from Monday to Sunday from 22:00 hours until 4:00 hours the next day. There’s no province in this category.
Frequently Asked Questions COVID-19
Which vaccines are available in Peru?
AstraZeneca, Covax Facility, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Sinopharm.
https://www.gob.pe/11571-coronavirus-vacunas-contra-la-covid-19-en-el-peru
On April 4, 2021, Peru’s Ministry of Health (MINSA) announced a new national vaccine strategy aimed at vaccinating populations by district and province by age group. This plan will take effect on April 16, 2021. Foreign residents will be vaccinated. At vaccination sites, Peru’s civil registry RENIEC will assist with issuing identity documents for those who lack Peruvian identity documentation. For more information, see (in Spanish): https://www.gob.pe/institucion/minsa/noticias/376735-nueva-estrategia-cobertura-territorial-de-vacunacion-anti-covid-19-comunicado-n-479
Is tourism open in Peru?
Yes, it’s operating in all destinations.
Is tourism safe in Peru?
Yes, the Peruvian Government, on October 13, 2020, received the Safe Travels Seal from the World Travel and Tourism Council. This seal indicates that Peru has adopted the highest biosafety protocols in its different tourist destinations.
Can you visit Machu Picchu?
Yes, the archaeological complex is open. To enter, visitors must comply with strict security measures:
- Wear a face mask when entering and during the entire time of your visit to the Inca citadel.
- Those who present a temperature of 38°C or more cannot enter the Inca citadel.
- Disinfection of footwear and personal equipment, and hand hygiene before entering the archaeological center, is implemented.
- Maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between each person.
- The consumption of food is not allowed during the visit. But you can take a bottle of water with you.
- Visitors are prohibited from collecting or picking up archaeological or natural material, as well as touching the surfaces of archaeological walls.
The current capacity to visit the archaeological park is approximately 3,000 people per day.
Can you do the Inca Trail?
Yes. You can do both the 4 day Inca trail and 2 day Inca trail.
What are the archaeological complexes that can be visited in Cusco?
You can visit all the archeological complexes.
What provisions must be met to visit a tourist attraction?
If you want to visit tourist attractions, you must comply with the established sanitary measures and have your temperature taken at the entrance of the site, which should not exceed 38ºC. Wash your hands and use a face mask. In addition, if you have possible symptoms of COVID-19 during your visit, you must report it.
Is there interprovincial land transportation?
Yes, the regular ground transportation service of people at national and regional levels is allowed, as long as they comply with the security measures.
Remember to wear your mask before, during, and at the end of the trip. Arrive at the terminal on time, go alone, and wash your hands or disinfect yourself with alcohol gel before entering the infrastructure and before boarding the vehicle.
* KN95 masks are required. If you do not have a KN95, double masking is mandatory, with one of the masks being a surgical mask, the other can either be cloth or surgical as well.
From November 15, 2021, all passengers older than 45 years of age using commercial transportation to travel between provinces by land must present proof of vaccination to travel.
Before entering the vehicle, you must provide the crew with a health affidavit, duly filled out, as appropriate. Spitting and dumping waste on the vehicle is prohibited. During the trip, avoid eating food unless necessary.
What is the safe travel seal?
It’s a kind of go-ahead in safety and hygiene, with the aim of “restoring the confidence of travelers and reviving the tourism industry.”
The seal allows travelers to recognize establishments around the world that have adopted the “most rigorous” standardized health and hygiene protocols to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
The World Travel and Tourism Council decided not to wait for governments to define the protocols from the private sector, following the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the recommendations of experts and universities.
Countries in Latin America with the Safe Travel Seal:
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- The Savior
- Guatemala
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- Dominican Republic
Promotional Rates for Visitors to Machu Picchu in 2021
The Ministry of Culture approved promotional rates for the entrance of national visitors, foreigners residing in the country, and citizens of the Andean Community (CAN) to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, during the year 2021.
Since January 1, 2021, the general rate for national visitors, foreigners residing in the country, and CAN citizens will be 64 soles. The rate for students of higher university and/or technical education will be 32 soles. The same amount will be paid by minors.
Presentation of a national identity document, immigration card, or valid passport is an essential requirement.
Disclaimer
Salkantay Trekking does not specialize in medical advice. All the information and answers we’ve put together regarding the coronavirus or COVID-19 are based on guidelines and details from reputable sources in Peru. We try our best to keep up to date, even if it isn’t always perfect. We use all the sources available to provide the most accurate and precise information possible.
Written by: Liv Palmer & Iris Velasco
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