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All travelers require a return or onward ticket and proof of funds. All foreign visitors are recommended to hold a passport that is valid at least six months after arrival. If traveling for business purposes, a visa is required.
Americans: US nationals do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30 days are possible. A valid passport is needed.
UK nationals: British nationals do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30 days are possible. A valid passport is needed.
Canadians: Canadian nationals
do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30 days are possible. A valid passport is needed.
Australians: Australian nationals do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30 days are possible. A valid passport is needed.
South Africans: South African nationals do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30 days are possible. A valid passport is needed.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not require a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30 days are possible. A valid passport is needed.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30 days are possible. A valid passport is needed.
Health
Those entering the country from an infected area require a yellow fever certificate, and outbreaks of yellow fever do occur. Although no other vaccinations are officially required, visitors are advised to take precautions especially if planning to travel to jungle regions. Immunization against typhoid and hepatitis A are sensible. Malaria is a risk all year round in the lowland areas, and dengue fever is on the increase. Protection against mosquito bites is essential as a number of other mosquito-transmitted diseases occur. There have been a number of recent incidents of rabies transmitted by bites from vampire bats in the Madre de Dios and Puno provinces, as well as in the north near the border with Ecuador; visitors to these areas are advised to have a course of rabies injections prior to travel. Cholera and cases of the plague occur, but visitors are unlikely to be affected. Other risks include Chagas' disease. The most common ailments for travelers, however, are diarrhoea and altitude sickness. Drink only bottled water, avoid drinks with ice, and be wary of food bought from street vendors. Health care is good in the major cities, but expensive, and health insurance is essential. Reports in September 2007 showed that people were infected with HIV following blood transfusions, and all blood banks are undergoing scrutiny.
Safety
Thieves are the biggest problem in Peru, with one of the worst reputations in South America. Be especially cautious in crowded areas, on public transport, bus and train stations, and in the center of Lima at night. Special care is required in the cities of Lima and Cuzco against street and violent crime; three foreign tourists were raped in June 2005. An organized tour group was attacked and robbed on the Inca Trail on 15 November 2005 by a group of armed men, and there have been recent attacks on foreigners trekking in the Huayhuash region near Huaraz and trekkers should be cautious in the area and seek advice before setting out. Thieves and muggers also operate in Huaraz and Arequipa. Women should take particular care to only take taxis that have been pre-booked by a hotel or official company. There has also been an increase in the number of crimes associated with taxis in the main cities. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations as these have the potential for violence. An earthquake measuring 7.9 struck south of Lima on 18 August 2007 causing hundreds of deaths and injuries as well as severe damage to Ica and Pisco, the worst affected areas.
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