Peru: New Decree Implements Visa for Andean Nationals and Expands Mercosur Visa Application Options, Among Other Benefits

Effective immediately, the Peruvian government has published the Administrative Procedures Text (TUPA) which implements the previously-approved visa for Andean nationals and consular option for Mercosur Visa applicants, among other benefits. As a result, Peru now offers a new nationality-based, two-year visa category and the option to apply for permanent residence after two years for eligible nationals of Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru and their families. Furthermore, Bolivian, Colombian and Ecuadorian nationals under tourist status in Peru can now apply for an extension of their status up to 90 additional calendar days (whereas previously, the stay limit was 90 days). Additionally, the Consular Mercosur Visa application process is now open to eligible Argentinian, Bolivian, Brazilian, Chilean, Colombian, Ecuadorian, Paraguayan, Peruvian, and Uruguayan nationals, which means they now have the option to obtain a Mercosur visa at a Peruvian consulate in their country of residence, instead of in-country (though the in-country option remains available). See our previously published alert for more details. Interested applicants should contact their immigration professional for case-specific advice.