In response to the continuing widespread protests following a change of government on 7 December, the Peruvian Government has declared a 30 day nationwide state of emergency. The political situation is volatile. Protests are escalating quickly and include violence,violence. withThey protestscontinue continuing to take place in different parts of the country, including Lima, Apurimac, Arequipa, Cusco, Puno, Ica, and along the Panamericana HighwayHighway. and elsewhere. This has resulted in the severe disruption of local travel, with several road blockades, train disruptions and some airport closures, including the suspension of train services (including PeruRail and IncaRail train services to/from Machu PicchuPicchu) and theregional closureairport ofclosures, including Arequipa, Ayacucho, Juliaca (Puno) and Cusco airports. For information on airport closures, please visit the Lima airport website.

British nationals should take particular care to avoid all areas of protests. If possible, you should remain in a safe place. You should also monitor local media, including social media channels, and be aware that travel around the country is extremely difficult. You should plan ahead for severe disruption to any plans.

Travellers arriving in Lima are advised that there is currently no ability to travel to/from many regional areas including Cusco and Arequipa, and further disruption is possible.

Lima airport is restricting entry to passengers only with valid flight tickets. Travellers should recheck with their airline and tour operator and revisit travel plans ahead of any travel.

British Nationals should also ensure that they respect the government curfew announced on 15 December and effective from 16 December for the next 5 days. The curfew is applicable in the South of Peru in some provinces of the following regions: Arequipa (20:00 – 04:00), La Libertad (18:00 – 04:00), Ica (19:00 – 04:00), Apurimac (18:00 – 04:00), Cusco (20:00 – 04:00), Puno (20:00 – 04:00), Huancavelica (19:00 – 04:00), and Ayacucho (20:00 – 04:00).

See the safety and security page for more information.

If you’re in need of emergency assistance, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. The Peruvian tourist authority i-Peru has separately created an online form for any foreign nationals experiencing transport difficulties to complete, to help them understand who may be affected by the current situation and inform the work of local authorities. This is not a UK Government registration scheme and we will not be contacting those who complete the form.

You should follow the local authorities’ advice and monitor local media closely. Avoid large gatherings and protests. See Safety and Security pages.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

The rainy season in Peru runs from November to April. It can rain and snow heavily in the Andes and other parts of the country. See Natural disasters

If you are in Peru or planning to travel, monitor local news closely and follow the authorities’ advice. For specific advice on conditions in the different regions of Peru, in English or Spanish, visit the Iperu website (the official source of information for tourists in Peru) or call them on +511 574 8000 (option 2 for English).

Drug trafficking is a serious crime and drug smugglers face long periods of imprisonment. See Local laws and customs

There may be a higher risk to your safety in areas where there is organised crime and terrorism linked to the production of drugs. See Local travel

There are risks involved in flying over the Nazca Lines. See Nazca Lines

There is a risk of robbery by bogus taxi drivers, especially to and from the airports and at bus terminals. See Crime

Driving standards are poor. Crashes resulting in death and injury occur frequently. See Road travel

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Peru. See Terrorism

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.