In 2016, Peruvians were granted visa-free access to countries within the Schengen Zone, providing their visits were limited to 90 days or less. However, everything changes for the citizens of Peru after the end of 2022 when the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) takes effect.
If you’re a Peruvian national planning a trip to countries like France, Italy, Spain, Austria, and Germany, you will need to apply for an ETIAS visa from late-2022 and onward.
ETIAS Visa Waiver for Peruvian Citizens
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is an electronic system that was created to secure the Schengen Zone, one that spans 26 countries across Europe (22 within the European Union and 4 from the European Free Trade Association).
You can apply for an ETIAS online and the entire process takes around 10 minutes. You will need a valid Peruvian passport that still has at least 3 months validity remaining, and you will also need an email address and a credit or debit card to pay the €7 fee.
Once you complete the ETIAS application, you will be granted travel authorization and can visit Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180 day period. ETIAS travel authorization remains valid for 3 years or until the associated passport expires.
Do Peruvian Citizens Need an ETIAS Visa Waiver for Europe?
Peruvian citizens need an ETIAS before they visit the Schengen Area but that doesn’t include all of Europe. Visas may still be required for some travel to Europe while other countries will grant access without visas or visa waivers.
Just remember that the Schengen Area and the European Union do not apply to all of Europe and there are many internal borders and varying rules to consider.
Is Peru in the Schengen Area?
All Schengen countries are in Europe. That’s the way that it was drafted and the way that it will remain. More countries will likely be added to the Schengen Area in the future, but Peru definitely won’t be one of them!
Can Peruvians Citizens Travel to the US Without a Visa?
A Peruvian passport does not grant you visa-free access to the United States. A visa is required for all Peruvian citizens and for that, you may need to visit the embassy or consulate. A visa is also required for a visit to the United Kingdom.
As a result, it is actually easier for a Peruvian with a valid passport to travel to multiple countries within the Schengen Zone than it is to travel to a single state within the US.
Which Countries Can Peruvians Visit Without a Visa?
Prior to the introduction of the ETIAS visa waiver program, the Peruvian passport was ranked 40th in the world on the Henley Passport Index, which ranks the value of passports based on the countries for which they have visa-free access.
It’s pretty low down the list, but there are still many countries that Peruvian citizens can visit without a visa or following the application for a visa waiver program.
For instance, while Peruvians are required to apply for a visa before they visit the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and large parts of Asia, they are free to explore Russia, South Africa, and several countries in Europe and the Caribbean.