Mexico/Peru Reciprocal Visa Exemptions Revoked
UPDATE: 16 April: The government of Peru has reversed its decision to implement a visa requirement for nationals of Mexico traveling to Peru for tourism or business and has reinstated the visa-free entry policy for these nationals.
Both Mexico and Peru have revoked visa-exemption status for the other nationality.
Effective April 20, 2024, nationals of Peru entering Mexico will be required to obtain a consular Visitor Visa when entering for tourism and business, while effective April 23, 2024, nationals of Mexico entering Peru will need to obtain a Temporary Visa for tourism and business.
As Peruvians will have to obtain Visitor Visas to Mexico for tourism and business, they will be subject to the following:
- Processing time: According to instructions published by the Mexican Embassy in Peru, applicants are advised to apply for the Visitor Visa at least five weeks before their trip (an appointment scheduled via the embassy’s website is required). Currently, Peruvian nationals can arrive in Mexico for tourism and business without obtaining a visa.
- Maximum stay: The Visitor Visa typically allows a maximum stay of up to 180 days for each entry, the same as a visa-exempt entry.
- Other requirements: Visa nationals seeking to enter Mexico for business are generally required to present a business letter from a home or host entity when applying for a Visitor Visa. In addition, when entering Mexico, foreign nationals may also be required to provide their round-trip ticket, proof of accommodation and proof of financial means during their stay.
- Exceptions: Certain Peruvian nationals may still be visa-exempt if they hold an eligible visa or immigration status from another country. These include holding permanent residence or a valid visa for Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, or any Schengen Area country, among other exceptions.
As Mexicans will have to obtain Temporary Visas to Peru for tourism and business, they will be subject to the following:
- Processing time: Temporary Visas are generally processed in 15 to 20 days depending on the consular post. Currently, Mexican nationals can arrive in Peru for tourism or business without obtaining a visa.
- Maximum stay: The Temporary Visa typically allows a maximum stay of up to 183 days within a 12-month period.
- Other requirements: Visa nationals seeking to enter Peru for business are generally required to present a support letter from a home or host entity, and proof of sufficient funds when applying for a Temporary Visa.
- Exception: Certain Mexican nationals may still be visa-exempt if they hold an eligible visa or immigration status from another country. These include holding permanent residence or a visa (valid for at least six months) for Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Japan, the United Kingdom, United States or any Schengen Area country. These foreign nationals can stay in Peru for up to 180 calendar days within a 12-month period.
Clients are reminded that the new requirements may add administrative hurdles, possible additional costs and potential delays to Mexican and Peruvian nationals seeking to enter each other’s countries for tourism or business.
This alert, for informational purposes only, was prepared by Fragomen and originally published here. If you have any questions, please contact us.