Peru: Delays in Biometrics Appointments and Identity Card Issuance

Due to restructuring within the National Superintendence of Immigration and updates to the online system, foreign nationals applying for consular or in-country initial visas in Peru are experiencing delays in biometrics appointments and the issuance of local identity cards. It is not clear when the issue will be resolved. The Superintendence is currently scheduling biometric appointments more than a week after the request, whereas appointments were previously available much sooner. Additionally, processing times for local identity cards have increased to three to four weeks, a significant delay from the usual one to two days. These delays may affect work start dates, as all work visa options in Peru require applicants to submit biometrics before obtaining a Peruvian identity card; and the identity card is necessary for enrollment in the local payroll and to carry out various administrative processes in Peru. Additionally, foreign nationals who have filed their in-country initial visa application but are unable to schedule a biometrics appointment will face travel restrictions since Exit Permits (which are issued to foreign nationals with pending immigration applications to travel) are only issued after a biometrics appointment has been scheduled.