Peru Business Visa Guide
Peru, known for its stunning tourist attractions, is also a thriving business destination. It stands among the world’s most prosperous economies, making the Peru business visa an essential tool for numerous businesspeople seeking to engage in various commercial activities in the country. With its vast business potential, Peru’s attractiveness as a business hub comes as no surprise.
Understanding Peru Business Visa
What is a Peru Business Visa?
The Peru business visa is an official authorization that allows individuals to enter the country for engaging in business-related activities, including meetings, conferences, negotiations, and more. While citizens of several countries can enter Peru without a visa, Indian citizens are required to obtain a Peru business visa.
However, individuals holding a valid multiple-entry visa from Australia, Canada, Schengen/EU, the UK, or the US can enter Peru without a separate Peruvian business visa. They are permitted a stay of up to 180 days within a one-year period. It’s crucial to note that the mentioned visa must be valid for at least six months from the entry date and must have been used to enter the respective country previously.
How to Apply for Peru Business Visa?
Peru Business Visa Application from India
The application process for a Peru business visa for Indian citizens is conducted entirely offline. You have the option to apply directly or seek the assistance of a visa agency. Given that applying on your own would necessitate a visit to the Embassy, using an agency is often recommended.
Before initiating your application, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for a business visa. Here are the steps to apply:
- Visit the official website of the Peruvian embassy and download the visa application form.
- Complete the application form with accurate details.
- Affix your photograph, fingerprints, and signature on the application form.
- Submit the completed application form, required documents, and fees either in person at the Embassy of Peru in New Delhi or through a reputable travel agent.
- Ensure that you provide accurate information and genuine documents, as false information or fake documents can lead to visa rejection.
Eligibility for Peru Business Visa
According to Peru business visa requirements from India, you must meet the following conditions to apply for this permit:
- Reside in India during the application process. If you are residing in another country with a residence permit, you must apply through the respective authority there.
- Hold a passport valid for at least six months from your intended entry date into Peru.
- Have the sole purpose of visiting Peru for business activities (tourism is also permitted).
- Possess sufficient funds to support your stay.
Documents Required for Peru Business Visa
Peru business visa requirements from India include the following set of documents for your application:
- A passport valid for at least six months from your intended travel date.
- Two completed visa application forms.
- Three recent passport-sized photos meeting specified requirements.
- A personal covering letter detailing the purpose of your visit.
- An official letter from your Indian company explaining the purpose of your visit.
- An apostilled invitation letter from the Peruvian company, sent directly to the consular section of the embassy in India.
- A letter from the Chamber of Commerce in India.
- Confirmed flight tickets.
- Hotel bookings.
- Bank statements for the past three months.
Peru Business Visa Photo Specifications
Ensure your visa photos adhere to the following specifications:
- Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm
- Color: Colored
- Head must be centrally positioned
- Photos should be taken within the last three months
- Background: Solid, plain white, or grey
- 80% face coverage
- Neutral facial expression
- Non-thick framed and prescription glasses are allowed
- Headgear is permitted only for religious reasons
- Facial hair is allowed
Processing Time of Peru Business Visa
The processing time for a Peruvian business visa is typically around 7-10 working days. However, this duration can vary significantly depending on factors such as the volume of applications at the embassy, the number of entries, the duration, validity, and other considerations. Therefore, it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
Peru Business Visa Fees
The visa fee varies slightly depending on foreign exchange rates. The embassy also reserves the right to update fees without prior notice. To avoid any discrepancies, it is essential to check the exact fee amount before commencing your application.
Sample fees for different visa types include:
- Single entry Normal Business Visa (90 days, 3 months validity): ₹3,371.0
- Single entry Normal Business Visa (90 days, 6 months validity): ₹2,250.0
After Submission
Once you have submitted your application to the embassy, the processing phase begins. Depending on the embassy’s requirements, you may be asked to attend an in-person interview or provide additional documents. It’s crucial to note that once your application is submitted, you cannot modify it.
Upon reaching a decision regarding your application, you can collect your passport during designated hours on working days. If you have applied through a travel agency, they can collect it on your behalf.
How to Check Visa Status?
Since the entire application process is offline, the embassy does not offer an online tracking service for visa status. However, if you have applied through a travel agent, you can inquire whether they can check your status by contacting the embassy directly.
When You Have the Visa
Upon successfully obtaining your business permit, it’s essential to keep the following points in mind to ensure a hassle-free journey:
Before You Travel
- Note the validity, stay duration, and the number of entries specified on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
- Carry all your travel documents with you before departing for Peru.
At the Border
- Present your passport with the visa to the immigration officer at the port of entry, where your entry stamp will be placed.
- Be prepared to show copies of other documents submitted with your application.
- Answer any basic questions about your visit honestly and without hesitation.
When You Enter Peru
- While on a business permit, you cannot engage in formal employment with a Peruvian company.
- You may be eligible to extend this type of visa if needed.
- Keep copies of your passport and visa with you while traveling within the country.
- Respect the culture, customs, and immigration laws of Peru during your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can extend your business visa by visiting the immigration department in Lima and applying for an extension. Ensure that you apply for the extension before your visa expires. If you are unable to extend it in time, you must leave the country immediately.
Once your business permit expires, you are not allowed to stay in Peru any longer. Peruvian regulations require you to leave the country before the visa’s expiration date. Staying beyond that date can result in fines and deportation.
The embassy requirements do not mention specific medical tests for the business category. However, it is expected that you are in good health during your visit. It is advisable to undergo a medical check-up before traveling to a foreign country.
No, it is not possible to convert a business visa into an employment permit. These categories are independent of each other. If you require a work permit, you must apply for one after returning to your home country.
The embassy requirements do not specify a minimum amount for visa applications. Instead, you are expected to possess sufficient funds to support your entire stay. Ensure that the funds are easily accessible, and your transaction history shows stability.
The processing time for a Peruvian business visa is typically 7 to 10 working days, but it can take longer depending on various factors. Therefore, it is recommended to apply at least 10 working days before your intended travel date.