Peru: Closure of Most Immigration Offices in Lima Causes Delays for Biometrics Processing and Collection of Identity Cards

Peru’s immigration office has closed all offices in Lima except for the main office in the district of Breña, significantly disrupting processes that require biometrics or identity card collection. To partially offset the closures, five special offices will be opened with limited capacity through an agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Affected processes include in-country visa procedures, issuance of identity cards for consular visas, and changes to identity card information.      

As a temporary measure, authorities are allowing foreign nationals to collect their identity cards from the main office in Breña 72 hours after receiving an issuance notification via their official mailbox, without an appointment. However, there is currently no viable alternative for biometrics appointments. While unofficial guidance suggests these must now be scheduled at the main office, the system does not yet allow rescheduling. Even if enabled, appointment availability is limited (approximately two weeks from the current date and released monthly), compared to previously greater access at subsidiary offices.      

It is not yet known if the office closures are temporary or permanent. Potential administrative changes following the April 2026 elections may further impact office operations and immigration policy. Broader delays across visa processing persist, with some applications exceeding standard processing times due to staffing changes.    

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.