Excerpted from the Peru Career Guide

Peru has a variety of schools and businesses that operate throughout the country. Lima is the major hub of business and also has the majority of undergraduate and graduate schools. As a result, there is a lot of international traffic going to and from the country. The visa process is generally straightforward but should begin well in advance of any travel dates.

Student Visas

Students studying in Peru can receive a student visa that is valid for 90 days. For students studying in Peru for more than 90 days, the visa must be renewed every 90 days at an Oficina de Migraciones. The Peruvian consulate does not issue student visas. Student visas must be requested in Peru. In order to apply for this type visa, a student needs to contact the Peruvian General Directorate of Immigration and Naturalization (Dirección General de Migraciones y Naturalización - DIGEMIN). Visit www.digemin.gob.pe for more information.

A person can enter the country as a tourist and once there request the DIGEMIN to change his/her immigration status to student.

Business Visas

Nationals of all countries require a business visa in order to work in Peru on a temporary basis. A business visa is not required to attend meetings or conferences. Business visa holders can remain in Peru for up to 183 days; the visa can be renewed quarterly at the Oficina de Migraciones.

Resident Working Visa

For those who want to work in Peru for more than 90 days, a resident working visa is required. Resident working visas have to be requested by employers in Peru. In order to apply for this type visa, contact the Peruvian General Directorate of Immigration and Naturalization (Dirección General de Migraciones y Naturalización - DIGEMIN).

Complying with Laws

If a visa is required, obtain it from the appropriate Peruvian consular representative before proceeding abroad. Allow sufficient time for processing the visa application, especially if applying by mail. Most Peruvian consular representatives are located in major cities, and in many instances, a traveler may be required to obtain visas from the consular office in the area of his/her residence. It is the responsibility of the traveler to obtain a visa, where required, from the nearest consulate. Upon receipt, check the visa to make sure no mistakes were made.

This is just a short sample of what you’ll find in over 100 pages of information in the complete Peru Guide.