All destinations

Peru

South America · Updated April 2026

See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before you leave.

Current alert — Oropouche cases in the Americas

CDC reports low numbers of Oropouche cases across several countries in the region. Spread by midges and mosquitoes; take bite precautions.

Current alert — Major flooding across Peru

Multiple districts experiencing major flooding with elevated risk of waterborne disease including leptospirosis. Land travel may be dangerous in flood zones.

Planning a trip to Peru? CDC recommends Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and typhoid vaccines for most travellers because food- and water-borne illness is common outside controlled kitchens. Yellow fever, rabies, and chikungunya may also come up depending on whether you're heading to the Amazon lowlands or staying in the highlands and on the coast. Book a travel health appointment 4–6 weeks before you leave so your doctor can match the plan to where you're going.

Yellow fever and malaria are concerns in the Amazon regions below about 2,500 m, including Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. They are not concerns for trips limited to Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, or the Pacific coast.

Required for entry

No vaccines are currently required for entry to Peru from most countries.

Recommended for most travellers

CDC advises these for all visitors to Peru.

Food & Water

Hepatitis A

A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.

Two doses at 0 and 6–12 months. Over 90% of people develop protective antibodies within a month of the first dose, so one dose is usually enough for the trip itself. No booster needed after the full series.

Blood & Body Fluids

Hepatitis B

A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.

The full series is three doses over 6 months. An accelerated 4-dose schedule (0, 7, 21 days, 12 months) is available when combined with Hepatitis A. Partial protection starts after the first dose.

Food & Water

Typhoid

A bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Risk is higher in rural areas and when eating with locals.

The injected vaccine is a single dose at least 2 weeks before travel and lasts 2 years. The oral version is four capsules taken every other day, completed at least a week before travel, and lasts 5 years. Neither is 100% effective — safe food and water habits still matter.

Recommended for some travellers

Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.

Mosquito

Yellow Fever

A serious mosquito-borne virus found in parts of Africa and South America. Proof of vaccination is required for entry to many countries if arriving from a risk area.

Animal Contact

Rabies

A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.

Mosquito

Chikungunya

A mosquito-borne virus causing sudden fever and severe joint pain. Symptoms usually resolve in 7–10 days but can linger for months.

Malaria

Not a vaccine

Risk across the country below 2,500 m east of the Andes, including Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. Rare cases in Tumbes and Piura. No malaria risk in Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, or the Pacific coast.

Discuss prescription chemoprophylaxis with a travel doctor if your itinerary includes risk areas.

Routine vaccines to be up to date on

CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Two doses at least 28 days apart, ideally completed at least 2 weeks before travel. Adults born before 1957 or with documented immunity are already considered protected.
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
A single Tdap or Td booster, effective within days. Adults should have a booster every 10 years — or after 5 years if you've had a dirty wound or burn. Pregnant travellers should receive Tdap during every pregnancy.
Polio
A single lifetime adult IPV booster for travellers to at-risk countries. For some destinations, the booster must be received 4 weeks to 12 months before departure and documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination.
Flu (Influenza)
An annual dose at least 2 weeks before travel to areas with active flu circulation. A single current-season vaccine covers travel to either hemisphere.
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Two doses at least 28 days apart for adolescents and adults without immunity. Children get doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years. Two documented doses protect most people for life.
Shingles
Two doses of Shingrix 2–6 months apart. Protection stays high for at least 7 years. Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems can use a faster schedule (2nd dose 1–2 months after).
COVID-19
Follow the current CDC schedule for your age and risk group. If you had COVID-19 recently, you may delay vaccination for up to 3 months from the onset of infection.

Entry requirements

For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.

Yellow fever certificateNot required

Yellow fever is recommended for travel to the Amazon regions below 2,300 m — Amazonas, Cusco, Huánuco, Junín, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Pasco, Puno, San Martín, Ucayali, and parts of the northern highlands. Not needed for trips limited to Lima, Cusco city, the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, or the Pacific coast.

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Peru.

Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.