Visa & Residency

No. US citizens can enter Peru visa-free for up to 183 days. You receive an entry stamp at the airport with no advance application needed. The immigration officer determines the exact number of days granted - usually 90 or 183. Carry proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.

The Digital Nomad Visa requires proof of at least $2,500 USD per month in remote income from non-Peruvian sources. Bank statements, employment contracts, or client letters are accepted as proof. The visa is valid for up to 1 year and is renewable from within Peru.

The Rentista Visa requires just $1,000/month in passive income (pension, annuity, investments). It's of indefinite validity, includes dependents ($500/mo each), and leads to permanent residency after 3 years. You must spend at least 183 days/year in Peru and the income must flow through a Peruvian bank.

The standard path requires 3 continuous years of legal residency under qualifying visa categories (Rentista, Work, Investor). You must spend at least 183 days/year in Peru. Citizenship is available after just 2 years of legal residence with Spanish proficiency - one of the fastest naturalization paths in the Americas.

It's very difficult. Most Peruvian banks (BCP, BBVA, Interbank, Scotiabank) require a Carné de Extranjería, which is only issued to visa holders. On a tourist stamp, use Wise or Revolut for transfers and carry USD cash to exchange at casas de cambio. Some digital wallets like Yape may work with a passport in limited cases.