Mexico/Peru: Reciprocal Visa Exemptions Revoked

As Peruvians will have to obtain Visitor Visas to Mexico for tourism and business, they will be subject to the following:

• Processing time. According to instructions published by the Mexican Embassy in Peru, applicants are advised to apply for the Visitor Visa at least five weeks before their trip (an appointment scheduled via the embassy’s website is required). Currently, Peruvian nationals can arrive in Mexico for tourism and business without obtaining a visa.
• Maximum stay. The Visitor Visa typically allows a maximum stay of up to 180 days for each entry, the same as a visa-exempt entry.
• Other requirements. Visa nationals seeking to enter Mexico for business are generally required to present a business letter from a home or host entity when applying for a Visitor Visa. In addition, when entering Mexico, foreign nationals may also be required to provide their round-trip ticket, proof of accommodation and proof of financial means during their stay.
• Exceptions. Certain Peruvian nationals may still be visa-exempt if they hold an eligible visa or immigration status from another country. These include holding permanent residence or a valid visa for Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, or any Schengen Area country, among other exceptions.

As Mexicans will have to obtain Temporary Visas to Peru for tourism and business, they will be subject to the following:

• Processing time. Temporary Visas are generally processed in 15 to 20 days depending on the consular post. Currently, Mexican nationals can arrive in Peru for tourism or business without obtaining a visa.
• Maximum stay. The Temporary Visa typically allows a maximum stay of up to 183 days within a 12-month period.
• Other requirements. Visa nationals seeking to enter Peru for business are generally required to present a support letter from a home or host entity, and proof of sufficient funds when applying for a Temporary Visa.

• • Exceptions. Certain Mexican nationals may still be visa-exempt if they hold an eligible visa or immigration status from another country. These include holding permanent residence or a visa (valid for at least six months) for Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Japan, the United Kingdom, United States or any Schengen Area country. These foreign nationals can stay in Peru for up to 180 calendar days within a 12-month period.

The visa requirement adds administrative hurdles, possible additional costs and potential delays to Mexican and Peruvian nationals seeking to enter each other’s countries for tourism or business.

• Peruvian migration. According to the Mexican government, the measure will be implemented in response to the significant increase in Peruvian nationals entering Mexico for purposes other than those allowed under the visa exemption.
• Reciprocal measure. The Peruvian government’s measure followed two days later based on reciprocity.

According to the visa revocation decree published by the Mexican government, the visa revocation for Peruvian nationals is temporary (as migration flows between the two countries improve). However, the reciprocal visa-exemption revocations are the subject of ongoing political contention, and any developments or changes will depend on how diplomatic relations between the two countries continue to develop.

As countries in Latin America continue to grapple with increased irregular migration the immigration landscape remains fluid and other immigration changes may be forthcoming.