Can I travel to Peru unvaccinated?

The quick answer to this question is yes, you can. Travel to Peru is a lot easier and straight-forward at the moment if you have been vaccinated and you will encounter some issues and/or additional costs if you choose to travel to Peru while unvaccinated, yet it is possible.

 

Llama Time

 

Entering Peru While Unvaccinated

In order to enter Peru as an unvaccinated traveler, you must present evidence of a negative PCR test, or if you have recently suffered from COVID you must present a letter from your doctor confirming your good health. You must also complete a sworn affidavit of good health before arriving in Peru, regardless of your vaccine status. If you do begin to present symptoms upon arrival then you are obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of your vaccination status.

 

Domestic Travel in Peru Without a Vaccination

For both interprovincial bus travel and air travel in Peru, unvaccinated travelers must present evidence of a negative PCR test, with the results received no more than 48 hours prior to boarding. The same applies to travelers who have not had a full vaccination (e.g., just one dose) and those over the age of 40 who have not had a booster dose. You can find places to get COVID tests done in Peru and we can recommend a number of authorized clinics. Please bear in mind that we cannot arrange these tests for you unless you have booked a tour with us.

 

Lima Transport

 

Crossing Land Borders without a Vaccination

While the land borders between Bolivia and Ecuador are open, it is only possible to pass land borders with a vaccination card. So, for now, unvaccinated travelers visiting multiple destinations on their trip will have to fly between countries. The land border with Chile remains closed.

 

Getting to Machu Picchu While Unvaccinated

There are many ways to get to Machu Picchu, and some do not discriminate against unvaccinated travelers. If you want to take a trek then you will not run into issues without the vaccine. Likewise, getting a bus or private car is a great option for you. The train to Machu Picchu has slightly different requirements, unfortunately. As is the ongoing theme, unvaccinated travelers must present a negative PCR test with results received no less than 48 hours before boarding the train.  Currently the entrance to the trains ticket office, waiting rooms, and indoor premises must have evidence of vaccination or if over the age of 50, evidence of a booster vaccination. Negative PCR results are not accepted in this case.

 

Empty Machu Picchu

 

Visiting restaurants, shopping malls, and museums while unvaccinated in Peru

Theoretically, you will not be able to do any of these things if you are unvaccinated in Peru. There are the occasional places that will let you pass without a vaccination certificate, but being unvaccinated in this case is somewhat problematic still. Peruvian law states that you show your vaccination card before you enter stores or shopping malls to enter.

 

Staying in Hotels as an Unvaccinated Traveler

Many Peruvian hotels do require guests to be vaccinated, although this is not a law and can vary depending on the policies of the hotel you are staying in. Be sure to contact your hotels in advance to check their vaccination policies.

 

Rainbow Mountain

Going on Tours as an Unvaccinated Traveler

Usually, there is no problem for unvaccinated travelers going on tours, though it may depend on the travel agency that you are working with or the tour itself. It’s a good idea to speak with an agency and have them book it for you if you are unsure.

 

Conclusion

Traveling to Peru while unvaccinated is not impossible, but you will certainly encounter more costs than a vaccinated traveler, and you will also be taking far more PCR tests than the vaccinated traveler. You also open yourself up to more risks, as if you test positive for COVID on your way home you may not be able to leave Peru without completing a mandatory quarantine depending on the rules of the country you are traveling to. However, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy and plenty of fun to be had regardless of vaccination status in Peru. The major sites are still open, and if you want to take the stress out of planning a vacation around vaccination status, get in contact with us today at Valencia Travel to discuss your options.

 

Sacred Valley

 

From private picnics, to off-the-beaten-track hikes, and all the incredible history, culture, and adventures that await you in Peru, we will tailor-make a trip for you that explores everything that you are searching for in a holiday, regardless of your vaccination status… contact us here