Customs and Duties
When preparing to travel to Peru, it is essential to be informed about the country’s customs regulations and import duties. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the documents required, items subject to duty, prohibited items, personal items that enter duty-free, as well as other important considerations related to customs in Peru. Knowing and complying with these regulations will help you have a smooth trip and avoid unpleasant surprises at customs.
Documents required to enter Peru
Before travelling to Peru, it is important to make sure you have the following documents:
- Valid passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry to Peru.
- An Andean Migration Card (TAM): Upon arrival in Peru, you will receive a migration card that you will need to complete and present when leaving the country.
Restricted/taxable items
Some items are subject to taxes when entering Peru. These may include:
- Electronics: If you are carrying electronic devices such as laptops, cameras or mobile phones, you may have to pay customs duties.
- Jewellery and valuables: If you are carrying jewellery or valuables, you will need to declare them at customs and pay the appropriate taxes.
Prohibited articles
There are certain items that are prohibited from entering Peru. These include:
- Illegal drugs: It is strictly forbidden to bring in any illegal drugs, which may result in serious legal consequences.
- Firearms and explosives: Firearms, explosives and hazardous materials are not allowed into the country.
Personal items entering duty free
Some personal items can enter Peru without paying additional taxes. These include:
- Clothing and articles for personal use.
- Cameras and video cameras.
- Personal hygiene items.
Medicines, supplements and medical devices that enter duty free
If you need to bring medicines, supplements or medical devices into Peru, it is advisable to have a medical prescription or documentation proving their personal use. These items may enter duty free under certain conditions.
Other items that enter duty free
In addition to the items mentioned above, there are other items that may enter Peru duty free. Some examples are:
- Books, magazines and educational materials.
- Non-perishable foodstuffs in reasonable quantities for personal use.
Food that can enter Peru
If you wish to bring food into Peru, you should be aware of phytosanitary and health regulations. Perishable goods may be subject to inspection and specific restrictions.
Cigars and alcohol entering duty free
Travellers over 18 years of age may enter Peru with a limited amount of duty-free cigarettes and alcohol. The quantities allowed may vary, so it is advisable to check the updated regulations before your trip.
Limit on the amount of money you can bring into Peru
There is no maximum limit on the amount of cash you can take into Peru. However, if you bring more than USD 10,000 (or its equivalent in another currency), you must declare it at customs.
Pets and entry requirements
If you plan to travel with your pet to Peru, it is important to comply with the established requirements. These may include up-to-date vaccinations, veterinary certificates and a quarantine process, depending on the type of animal and its country of origin. It is advisable to contact the relevant health authorities and the airline for precise information on applicable requirements and restrictions.
Frequently asked questions from travellers
What are the import limits?
Tourists may wonder how many products they can bring with them without incurring taxes or restrictions. For example, in Peru, travellers over the age of 18 can bring up to USD 500 in duty-free goods, including personal items and gifts.
What items are prohibited or restricted?
Tourists may want to know what items are not allowed into Peru or are subject to restrictions. This could include certain foods, plants, animals, medicines or products related to Peru’s cultural heritage.
What documents are needed to enter or leave the country?
Tourists may have questions about the documents required, such as passports, visas and immigration forms. They may also wonder about the need for specific vaccinations to enter Peru.
What are the customs declaration procedures?
Tourists may have questions about how to complete the customs declaration form and what information they must provide when entering or leaving the country. They may also have questions about baggage inspection and customs control procedures.
How do customs duties and taxes work?
Tourists may wonder whether there will be taxes or fees to pay when entering or leaving Peru, and how these costs are calculated.
What happens if I make a mistake in the customs declaration?
Tourists may be concerned about the consequences of making a mistake in the customs declaration, either intentionally or through ignorance. They may wonder about the associated penalties or fines and how to resolve the situation.
Are there limits on the amount of cash that can be carried?
Tourists may want to know if there are limits on the amount of cash that can be taken into or out of Peru and whether they must declare certain amounts.
How to obtain tax refunds?
Tourists may be interested to know if they are entitled to tax refunds (such as IGV, Impuesto General a las Ventas) for purchases made in Peru, and how they can obtain these refunds.
