Peru: travel laws for tourists, topic by topic
Stay alert
Overall verdict for Peru: Stay alert. Below, the risk level of each of the 23 topics that get travellers fined or arrested. The exact rule, thresholds and penalties are in the LawsTravels app.
Peru: read the 3 riskiest rules free →
🎁 Free, no account: Drugs, Driving, Weapons
The 23 topics at a glance
Banned or serious riskAllowed, with limitsRelaxed
💊Drugs🎁 FreeBanned or serious risk
💉MedicinesAllowed, with limits
🛡️Theft & scamsAllowed, with limits
🐾AnimalsAllowed, with limits
🚬SmokingAllowed, with limits
🍺AlcoholRelaxed
❤️Sex & datingAllowed, with limits
👕Dress codeRelaxed
🕌ReligionRelaxed
🚗Driving🎁 FreeBanned or serious risk
📷Photo & videoAllowed, with limits
🔪Weapons🎁 FreeBanned or serious risk
💶FinesAllowed, with limits
🛂Visa & customsRelaxed
🤝BehaviorRelaxed
⛓️Jail riskBanned or serious risk
⚖️ExtraditionAllowed, with limits
📡Internet & VPNRelaxed
🚁DronesAllowed, with limits
💵Cash & currencyRelaxed
🩺Vaccines & healthAllowed, with limits
💻Remote workAllowed, with limits
🗣️Politics & protestAllowed, with limits
Get the exact rules for your trip
This page gives you the level. The app gives you the rule, the numbers and the penalties for Peru, offline, in 23 languages.
Peru: read the 3 riskiest rules free →
How Peru compares
With 4 of 23 topics flagged red, Peru is stricter than 13 of the 22 other countries in The Americas (regional average: 3.3). Worldwide, Peru ranks #75 of 148 for strictness (tied with 10 other countries).
What to watch most in Peru
- An International Driving Permit is required or strongly recommended in most non-European countries — get it before leaving, it cannot be issued abroad.
- A few countries do not recognise foreign licences at all and require a local one.
- Rental insurance excesses are often huge; check what a scratch actually costs you.
- You have the right to contact your consulate. Ask immediately, and repeat the request until it happens.
- A consulate cannot get you out, but it can find a lawyer, notify your family and monitor conditions.
- Never sign a statement you cannot read. Demand an interpreter, in writing if possible.
- Pocket knives, multi-tools and even a corkscrew can be classified as a weapon depending on blade length and lock type.
- Pepper spray and personal alarms are banned or restricted in a surprising number of countries.
- Tasers and knuckledusters are prohibited essentially everywhere.
Peru at a glance
CapitalLima
CurrencyPeruvian Sol (PEN)
LanguageSpanish, Quechua
Emergency number105
Driving sideRight
Mains voltage220 V
Calling code+51
Plug typesA · B · C
Frequently asked questions
Is Peru strict with tourists?
Overall verdict: Stay alert. 4 of 23 topics are flagged as banned or a serious risk (Drugs, Driving, Weapons, Jail risk), 12 require caution.
What can get me fined or arrested in Peru?
The strictest topics for travellers in Peru are: Drugs, Driving, Weapons, Jail risk. Each has specific thresholds and penalties, detailed in the app.
Where do I find the exact rules for Peru?
In LawsTravels: open Peru, each topic shows the level, the rule, the thresholds and what to do at customs, offline. 3 topics are free on every country; the other 20 unlock for the price of a coffee.
What is the emergency number in Peru?
In Peru, dial 105. Capital: Lima. Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN). Main language: Spanish, Quechua.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Peru?
In Peru, traffic drives on the right. Mains voltage: 220 V. Calling code: +51. Plug types: A · B · C.
Countries with the closest profile
Levels summarise publicly available legal information for travellers and are not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies: confirm with the embassy or consulate of your destination.
LawsTravels