Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Peru.
Peru Status
WATCH
Travel to Peru is operating normally overall, including the country’s main tourist destinations. However, travellers should monitor regional security conditions, possible protests and strikes, and an increased risk of weather-related road and transport disruption during the 2026–27 El Niño period.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Ordinary tourism continues
There is no significant nationwide shutdown affecting ordinary tourism, international aviation or travel to Peru’s principal tourist destinations.
Machu Picchu and Cusco
Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are not located within the areas covered by the strongest current U.S. regional travel warning.
Protests and strikes
Political demonstrations and strikes can occur with little warning. They can block roads, disrupt trains and occasionally affect immigration services at land borders.
Machu Picchu trains
Train services in southern Peru, including services used to reach Machu Picchu, can occasionally be suspended when protests or roadblocks affect transport routes. Check your train or tour operator before travelling.
VRAEM
Severe security warnings apply to the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro Rivers, known as the VRAEM, because of terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime.
Colombia border
Travellers should exercise additional caution in remote areas near the Colombia border. Current UK guidance advises against all but essential travel to specified areas within 20 kilometres of the border in Loreto.
Ecuador border
Use official checkpoints when crossing between Peru and Ecuador. Security measures have been strengthened in parts of northern Peru in response to conditions in neighbouring Ecuador.
El Niño 2026–27
El Niño is expected to increase the risk of heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides and mudslides between September 2026 and April 2027, particularly in the Andes and along the northern coast.
Road travel
Heavy rain and landslides can close mountain roads with little warning. Check road conditions before long-distance journeys, particularly during periods of severe weather.
Crime
Petty theft, robbery and other crime occur in Peru, including in major cities and tourist areas. Keep valuables secure and use reputable transport.
Land-border entry
If entering Peru overland, make sure your entry is properly recorded by immigration officials. Travellers who do not receive the required immigration record can encounter problems when leaving the country.
Altitude
Destinations including Cusco, Lake Titicaca and parts of the Andes are at high altitude. Travellers should allow time to acclimatize, particularly before strenuous hiking.
Latest Travel Changes
U.S. advisory updated
The U.S. State Department issued an updated Peru travel advisory on 4 September 2026. Peru remains Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, with stronger warnings applying to specified regions.
Tourist areas remain outside strongest warning
The current U.S. advisory specifically states that Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are not within the affected area covered by its strongest regional warning.
El Niño travel risk
Current Canadian guidance warns that the 2026–27 El Niño period may cause heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides, road closures and other transport disruption between September 2026 and April 2027.
Canada maintains elevated caution
Canadian guidance updated on 24 September 2026 recommends exercising a high degree of caution in Peru because of crime and the possibility of social conflicts and strikes.
Colombia border restrictions eased
UK guidance updated in June removed information about Colombia’s previous temporary border closures with Peru. However, regional security warnings remain for specified remote border areas.
Before You Travel
Check your airline and flight status before departure.
Confirm the passport and visa requirements applying to your nationality.
If visiting Machu Picchu, check your train, tour and entrance arrangements shortly before travelling, particularly if demonstrations or severe weather are reported.
Monitor local news for strikes, demonstrations and roadblocks, which can develop with little warning.
Check weather and road conditions before travelling through mountainous areas or the northern coast during the 2026–27 El Niño period.
Avoid the VRAEM and other areas covered by severe official security warnings.
If entering Peru by land, make sure immigration officials properly record your arrival.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.