Peru
Travel restrictions
On March 15th 2020, the Peruvian Government declared a state of emergency and shut down its borders (land, air, and maritime) and suspended all interprovincial travel within Peru.
Since July 15th 2020, domestic travel has resumed throughout Peru.
Since October 1st 2020, Peru began phase 4 of economic reactivation, including the resumption of a limited number of international flights. On October 21st 2020, the government of Peru approved flights of up to eight hours in duration to destinations throughout the Americas and the Caribbean.
72 hours in advance of flights, all passengers arriving to Peru must sign a sworn statement agreeing to comply with the mandatory 14-day quarantine and attest that they are symptom free of COVID-19 upon entry.
Health screenings are in place at Jorge Chavez International Airport and domestic airports.
New international travel guidelines to enter Peru are in flux, currently requiring that inbound international passengers on commercial flights have either a negative real-time COVID-19 molecular (RT-PCR), negative antigen test result, or a medical certificate of epidemiological discharge that is no more than 72 hours old after being issued, before boarding the plane.
Starting January 4th, 2021, all travelers arriving to Peru must quarantine for 14 days at their home, in the Pan American Village or other temporary isolation center, or in a lodging, after coordination with Peruvian health authorities.
On February 14th, 2021, the Government of Peru declared the extension of the suspension of all international flights originating in Brazil, and of all international flights longer than 8 hours duration.
Starting March 15th to March 28th, 2021, the Government of Peru declared the restriction of all non-resident foreign passengers originating in Brazil, the U.K., and South Africa from entering Peru.
As of March 15th, 2021, the Government of Peru announced that travelers who take an antigen test and receive a negative result after their first day of arrival may suspend the 14-day quarantine requirement. Travelers may take an antigen test at the airport, a local hospital, or any laboratory authorized by the Ministry of Health (MINSA).
All flight passengers are required to wear a facemask and a protective face shield.
Measures taken by the government
On March 19th 2020, the Government of Peru fully implemented movement restrictions as part of a national quarantine strategy and imposed a mandatory daily curfew.
On June 1st 2020, the Ministry of Health (MINSA) approved a directive allowing physical activity and recreation in public spaces to resume in three stages.
As of July 1st 2020, Peru entered “Phase 3” of its economic recovery in most of the country. Accordingly, stores can open at up to 50% of customer capacity. Restaurants and similar institutions (excluding bars) can open at up to 40% of customer capacity.
On August 28th 2020, Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra signed a supreme decree expanding quarantine measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Peru. Under the new decree, all social gatherings, including those held in homes and with family, are prohibited.
President Martín Vizcarra signed a supreme decree expanding quarantine measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Peru.
The wearing of face masks in public places is mandatory and social distancing measures must be respected.
On January 26th 2021, the President of Peru announced heightened restrictions through April 11th, 2021. The Government of Peru announced the extension of the current regional alert levels and movement restrictions to become effective April 12th to April 18th, 2021. The Government of Peru indicates it will reevaluate and adjust these public health measures every three weeks. Under these measures, all regions of Peru are categorized as High, Very High, or Extreme, with corresponding levels of restrictions.
Major provisions of the Extreme level have been updated to include:
- Curfew from 9:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Strict mandatory social immobilization on Sundays. Private vehicles are prohibited on Sundays.
- Only one family member at a time may go to the grocery store, bank, pharmacy, obtain medical care, and exercise. These businesses operate at 40% capacity.
- Restaurants are open at 30% capacity. Delivery is permitted from 4:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
- Public spaces, including shopping centers, cinemas, tourist areas, places of worship, casinos, gyms, and clubs are open at a limited capacity.
- Interprovincial air and land travel is open at 50-100% capacity.
Major provisions of the Very High level include:
- Curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. daily. Private vehicles are prohibited on Sundays.
- Public spaces, including shopping centers, cinemas, places of worship, casinos, gyms, and clubs, operate at reduced capacity. Delivery is allowed.
- Tourist areas, including archeological sites, museums and cultural centers, are closed.
- Interprovincial travel operates at 50-100% capacity.
Major provisions of the High level include:
- Curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. daily. Private vehicles are prohibited on Sundays
- Public spaces including shopping centers, cinemas, tourist areas, places of worship, casinos, gyms, and clubs operate at reduced capacity. Delivery is allowed.
On February 19th, 2021, the Government of Peru extended the COVID-19 health emergency for another 180 days, until September 2nd, 2021.
On March 13th, 2021, the Government of Peru suspended COVID-19 testing requirements for domestic air travel.
The Government of Peru provides coronavirus-related information at this website (Spanish only): https://www.gob.pe/coronavirus.
Testing
Private hospitals and laboratories as well as the Peruvian Ministry of Health (MINSA) are administering tests.
The Peruvian Health Ministry (MINSA) maintains a list of facilities that provide COVID-19 testing here: https://www.gob.pe/institucion/minsa/informes-publicaciones/835888-puntos-covid
Viral testing results at certain locations would be available within 72 hours of a flight departure. Keep in mind that a surge in cases may increase demand and affect these result times.
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
The Peruvian Ministry of Health encourages the public to use the emergency 113 phone number to report suspected cases directly to government authorities.
Source:
US Embassy in Peru https://pe.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
Published on April 9th 2021 (checked on April 14th 2021)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx