Demonstrations are commonplace in Peru and can turn violent quickly. You should avoid places where disturbances are taking or are likely to take place. Monitor the local news and seek local advice for the latest information. See Safety and Security - Local Travel and Political Situation.
Around 54,000 British tourists visit Peru every year. Most visits are trouble free. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics.
Drug trafficking is a serious crime in Peru and drug smugglers face long terms of imprisonment. See Local Laws and Customs.
British nationals should take account of the serious risks involved in flying over the Nazca Lines. On 2 October 2010 a light aeroplane crashed at the Lines killing all six people on board, four of them British nationals. There have been a number of fatal accidents and emergencies at Nazca over many years, including in 2011. Past accident investigations have shown that necessary aircraft safety and maintenance standards were not being implemented. We have no reason to believe that proper safety and maintenance standards are now being reliably adhered to.
There is a particular risk of robberies by bogus taxi drivers, especially to and from the airports and bus terminals. Wherever possible you should use reputable radio taxi companies. See Safety and Security - Crime.
Driving standards in Peru are poor. Crashes resulting in death and injury occur frequently. See Safety and Security - Road Travel.
There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See Safety and Security - Terrorism.
Drugs, organised crime and terrorism are inextricably linked. Visitors should be aware of the heightened risk to their safety in regions where there is intensive coca cultivation. Follow local advice about areas to avoid. See Safety and Security – Local Travel – Drug Trafficking.
If you decide to visit any area under a State of Emergency you should follow instructions given to you by military, police or other officials and heed local safety advice.
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.