Do you need a visa to study in Peru?

You will not need to apply for a visa to study in Peru. All US passport holders can get a visa to stay in Peru for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. It is up to the immigration officer in the airport to decide how long you will get your visa for. Be nice to this person 🙂

More than likely he or she will ask you how long you are staying. You should let them know you are staying for 4 months and they will usually give you a 180 day visa. Normally they give the visa for an amount of time longer than the length of stay. It helps to show them your acceptance letter from USIL, which we recommend you print and bring with you on the plane to show the immigration office. However, even with this letter, some students get a visa for a length shorter than their stay in Peru.

A shorter visa isn’t common, but it does happen. It really isn’t a big deal, but let USIL and Mila, the Site Director, know if this happens. They will help you go to the immigration office where you can apply for a longer visa.

This isn’t hard, but does cost $20-$50 US Dollars. Even if you don’t extend your visa the penalty when leaving is that you must pay $1 US Dollar for every day you stayed past the length of your visa. So, if your visa was for 90 days and you stayed for 100, you would owe them $10 US Dollars. Most students pay this fee rather than apply for a longer visa as the process is much quicker and usually the cost is about the same.

IMPORTANT: CISabroad will advise students on visa procedures for travel requirements for your CISabroad program only. CISabroad is not responsible for advising students on visa issues if they plan to travel internationally before or after the program dates.

These instructions are intended for US passport holders. International students must also be aware of additional documentation and/or processing time needed for their visas. Please contact your Program Coordinator to discuss your visa.