U.S. State Department Maintains Level 2 Travel Advisory for Peru: Exercise Increased Caution Due to Crime, Unrest, Kidna

Current rules

The U.S. State Department advises U.S. citizens to 'Exercise Increased Caution' in Peru due to risk of crime, unrest, kidnapping, and terrorism. 'Do Not Travel' warnings apply to the Colombia-Peru border area in the Loreto Region due to crime; the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), including Vilcabamba, due to crime and threats of terrorism; and Abancay, Ayacucho, Huancavelica, and Huancayo within the regions of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junín, due to crime and threats of terrorism. U.S. government employees require special authorisation to travel to the Colombia-Peru border area in the Loreto Region, the VRAEM, and the VRAEM’s boundary cities due to safety risks. U.S. government employees are prohibited from nighttime driving, except within cities, between Lima and Huacho, and Lima and Paracas. They may travel at night with commercial bus companies along the Pan-American Highway, to Huaraz, and on the Lima-Arequipa-Cusco corridor. The advisory also includes warnings against consuming Ayahuasca or Kambo due to serious illness, death, sexual assault, injury, or robbery while under the influence, and advises against using coca products due to their controlled substance status and potential interactions with medications.

Overview

On 4 September 2026, the U.S. State Department reissued its Travel Advisory for Peru at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. The advisory continues to highlight risks of crime, unrest, kidnapping, and terrorism across the country. A notable change clarifies that U.S. government employees in Peru are now permitted to travel at night with commercial bus companies along specified routes, such as the Pan-American Highway, to Huaraz, and on the Lima-Arequipa-Cusco corridor, while general nighttime driving remains prohibited.

What changed in the latest version

This updated travel advisory directly affects U.S. citizens who plan or are travelling to Peru. They must be more aware of specific high-risk areas and possible dangers. The clear inclusion of Vilcabamba in the 'Do Not Travel' zone means travellers must change their plans to avoid this area. The new warnings about Ayahuasca, Kambo, and coca products highlight important health and safety risks. Travellers might not think about these risks otherwise. This could stop serious harm or legal problems. For U.S. government employees, existing travel rules still affect their movements. They need special permission for certain regions. Nighttime driving is also limited. This affects how they plan their work and their personal safety.

Explained simply

Imagine you're planning a trip to Peru. The U.S. government has just reminded everyone that you need to be extra careful there, like when you're crossing a busy street and need to look both ways. It's because of things like crime and protests. They've also updated a special rule for their own staff: while they still can't drive their own cars at night in most places, they are now allowed to take special buses on certain main roads at night. So, if you're going, keep your wits about you, especially in specific risky areas they warn you to completely avoid, and definitely don't try certain local substances that can be dangerous.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v1Effective 4 Sept 2026PublishedMedium impact
   U.S. State Department Maintains Level 2 Travel Advisory for Peru: Exercise Increased Caution Due to Crime, Unrest, Kidnapping, and Terrorism

   The U.S. State Department keeps a 'Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution' travel advisory for Peru. This is because of risks from crime, unrest, kidnapping, and terrorism. The advisory now clearly states that Vilcabamba is part of the 'Do Not Travel' warning for the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM) region. New warnings also advise against using Ayahuasca or Kambo. This is due to serious health and safety risks. The advisory also warns against using coca products. This is because they are controlled substances and may react badly with medicines. Restrictions for U.S. government employees remain in place. These cover travel to high-risk areas and driving at night.