Peru has announced visa-free entry for eligible travellers from 101 countries and territories from October 2026, including Ireland, the United States, Germany, South Africa and the United Kingdom. The policy is intended to improve access to one of South America’s leading destinations, although travellers should confirm the latest entry conditions before booking or departing.
The change is significant for people travelling to Peru from Ireland, as Irish passport holders are included in the published list. It also comes as Peru’s tourism sector continues its recovery, with international arrivals, aviation connectivity and visitor spending all being closely watched in 2026.
What Peru’s visa-free policy means for travellers
Eligible passport holders from the 101 listed countries will be able to enter Peru without obtaining a visa under the announced policy. The source information does not specify the permitted length of stay, passport-validity conditions, onward-ticket requirements or other border formalities, so travellers should check Peru’s official immigration guidance before departure.
Visa-free entry does not necessarily remove every requirement for admission. Border officials may still apply rules relating to passport validity, proof of onward travel, accommodation, funds or the purpose of the visit. Requirements can also differ for work, study, residence and other activities.
Countries included in the published list
The list includes a broad range of European, North American, South American, Asian, African and Pacific countries. Among those named are:
- Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Portugal
- The United States, Canada, Mexico and Australia
- South Africa, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar
- Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru’s neighbouring countries and other Latin American states
- Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines
The published list also includes several Caribbean, Pacific and European microstates. Travellers should rely on the passport nationality used for their journey rather than residency in another country when checking eligibility.
Irish travellers should check the exact conditions before flying
Irish passport holders are included in the announced visa-free group. This is relevant to people travelling from Dublin, Cork, Shannon or other Irish airports, whether they fly directly where available or connect through another international hub.
Irish residents who do not hold an Irish passport should not assume that the same exemption applies to them. Entry rules generally depend on nationality and travel document, not simply on where a person lives. Dual nationals should also check which passport they will present at departure and on arrival.
Before travelling, passengers should:
- Check Peru’s official immigration and foreign-affairs information for the latest conditions.
- Confirm that their passport remains valid for the required period.
- Check whether the trip is for tourism, business or another purpose covered by visa-free entry.
- Keep evidence of onward travel and accommodation available if requested.
- Review travel insurance, health advice and any transit requirements for connecting countries.
Peru records 2.26 million international visitors in 2026
Peru received approximately 2.26 million international tourists between January and August 2026, compared with about 2.27 million during the same period in 2025. That represents a slight decline of 0.4%, with arrivals reaching close to 76% of pre-pandemic levels.
July was the strongest month in the period, recording 327,936 arrivals, followed by August with 303,417. Chile was the largest source market, with 457,224 visitors, while the United States was second with 432,259.
Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport remained the country’s principal international gateway. Machu Picchu and Lima’s Magic Water Circuit continued to rank among the attractions supporting Peru’s international appeal.
Tourism’s projected economic contribution
Peru’s tourism industry is projected to contribute 3.7% of national GDP in 2026, approaching the 3.9% contribution recorded in 2019. Tourism revenue is expected to reach approximately US$5.4 billion, above the US$4.8 billion generated in 2019.
The country is also aiming for around four million international visitors during 2026. With arrivals still below the pre-pandemic total, the recovery increasingly depends on visitor spending, longer stays and tourism reaching a wider range of regions.
Airports supporting Peru’s tourism recovery
International visitors typically use Lima as the main gateway before connecting with Peru’s cultural, coastal, Andean and Amazon destinations. Other important airports include:
- Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, Cusco: a key gateway for Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Andean heritage sites.
- Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón International Airport, Arequipa: serving the city’s historic centre, volcanic landscapes and access to Colca Canyon.
- Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport, Iquitos: connecting visitors with Amazon lodges, river journeys and rainforest experiences.
- Capitán FAP Guillermo Concha Ibérico International Airport, Piura: supporting travel to northern Peru and coastal destinations including Máncora.
The source information states that Piura was formally designated an international airport on 2 July 2026. It also reports that Peru’s transport authorities outlined an airport modernisation programme worth more than US$600 million for the Amazon region in May 2026.
What the change means for Peru holidays
Peru offers a combination of archaeological heritage, mountain scenery, rainforest ecosystems and Pacific coastline. Visitors can combine Lima with Cusco and Machu Picchu, explore the Colca Canyon near Arequipa or travel into the Amazon from Iquitos.
Improved entry access may benefit hotels, guides, airlines, restaurants and local businesses, particularly if visitors stay longer and travel beyond the country’s best-known attractions. However, visa-free access is only one part of planning a Peru holiday. Internal flights, altitude, transfers, local weather and regional transport should also be considered.
What happens next?
The visa-free policy is announced for October 2026, but travellers should verify the final operational details with Peru’s official authorities before departure. The most important outstanding information for visitors is the authorised length of stay and any additional entry conditions attached to the exemption.
For Irish travellers, the key takeaway is clear: Irish passport holders are included in Peru’s published 101-country visa-free list, but eligibility should be checked against the current official rules before flights are booked. Peru’s expanding access, recovering visitor economy and extensive air network could make the country more accessible to European holidaymakers in 2026.
