As of November 1, 2022, Peru has finally ended all COVID-19 entry requirements. The country is now fully reopened to normal tourism. This means that tourists are now welcome to travel to Peru with no proof of vaccination, no COVID-19 testing requirement, and no mandate to wear a mask.
Previously, Peru had retained some of the strictest COVID-19 entry requirements in the world. The Peruvian government declared a state of emergency in March, 2020. In the two-and-a-half years since, they’ve repeatedly instituted and repealed rules that included banning all outside travel, mandatory vaccinations and boosters to enter buildings and businesses, and even double-layer mask mandates.
By February of 2022, most of the strictest rules had been relaxed, but the state of emergency was still in effect, and all visitors were required to present either proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, or a negative COVID test result from no more than 48 hours prior to entry.
But as of November 1, these requirements have all ended, and the state of emergency has been declared to be over. This means you can visit popular tourist attractions like Machu Picchu and Lima regardless of your vaccination status, and with no need to bring along proof of a negative COVID test or wear a mask.
Do I Need Travel Insurance to Enter Peru?
There isn’t a legal requirement for international insurance coverage in order to enter Peru, but all travelers should strongly consider purchasing it.
If you were to get sick or injured while visiting Peru, your domestic health insurance isn’t going to help you. You may have to seek expensive treatment at a private hospital, and the resulting medical bill could put a serious dent in your bank account. If your illness or injury is serious enough, or occurs in a remote location like the Andes, you may require emergency medical evacuation, which can cost up to $250,000. To protect your bank account and care for your health while in Peru, it is highly recommended that you purchase travel medical insurance.
If you’re a US resident traveling to Peru and want trip protection benefits such as trip cancellation coverage, travel delay coverage, trip interruption coverage, and coverage for emergency medical treatment, consider purchasing Peru travel insurance. If you’re forced to cancel your trip, end it early, or it gets delayed for a covered reason, your travel insurance policy can help you recoup unexpected expenses, making it well worth the modest cost.