Peru: New Visa for Andean Nationals; Expanded Mercosur Visa Application Options, and Other Benefits Forthcoming
May 2, 2023
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At a Glance
A change in regulations will, once it is effective, create the following streamlined processes:
- A new residence and work visa for Bolivian, Colombian and Ecuadorian nationals under the Andean Immigration Statute;
- The ability for Mercosur visa applicants to obtain their visa at a Peruvian consulate in their country of residence (whereas currently, they can only apply in Peru); and
- The ability for Bolivian, Colombian and Ecuadorian tourists to apply for an extension of their status up to 90 additional calendar days (whereas currently, the stay limit is 90 days).
The situation
A change in regulations has been approved that enforces the Andean Immigration Statute which created a new visa for Colombian, Ecuadorian and Bolivian nationals and streamlines other immigration rules. The implementation date of the law is unknown.
A closer look
| CHANGE | DETAILS | IMPACT |
| Andean Immigration Statute visa |
|
Eligible applicants will benefit from fewer documentation requirements and similar benefits as compared to the Mercosur visa. |
| Consular Mercosur visa application process |
|
Eligible nationals will benefit from the ability to enter Peru upon the approval of their resident visa without the need to travel to Peru first. |
| Longer stays for Bolivian, Colombian and Ecuadorian tourists |
|
Eligible tourists will benefit from a longer allowable stay without having to leave and reenter Peru. |
| Easier recovery of citizenship | Peruvian nationals who resigned their citizenship will see fewer documentary requirements to recover their citizenship. | Peruvian nationals who resigned their citizenship will be able to recover their citizenship faster and easier. |
Background
The Andean Immigration Statute Agreement was signed by the Andean countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru) in 2021 with the aim to ease immigration, encourage trade and improve the economies of the signatory countries.
Looking ahead
These changes will come into effect once the Peruvian immigration office publishes its Text of Administrative Procedure, the date of which is unknown. We will report on related developments.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
