Peru: Government updates provincial COVID-19 risk designations, modifies controls, and extends restrictions effective Sept. 20 /update 39

Event

Authorities in Peru have announced updated COVID-19-related provincial risk designations and entry restrictions effective Sept. 20. Officials have ordered that all persons entering the country show proof of vaccination against COVID-19; arrivals must also adhere to the previously implemented COVID-19 testing requirement. Additionally, authorities have extended the State of National Emergency through Oct. 31.

Domestic Restrictions
Peru employs a four-tier system to track COVID-19 transmission risk in individual provinces and departments and assigns restrictions accordingly.

In areas designated as being at extreme risk, curfew hours are 21:00-04:00 nightly, except for Sundays, when residents must remain in their homes for the entire day. As of Sept. 19, no jurisdiction is at the extreme-risk level.

In areas designated as very high risk, curfew hours are 22:00-04:00 nightly, including on Sundays. As of Sept. 19, no jurisdiction is at the very high-risk level.

In high-risk locations, curfew hours run 23:00-04:00. Essential businesses, restaurants, museums, and libraries may operate at 50 percent capacity; shopping malls and entertainment venues can operate at up to 40 percent capacity. The following provinces are at the high-risk level as of Sept. 19:

• Satipo Province, Junin Department

• Oxapampa Province, Pasco Department

At the moderate-risk level, the daily curfew runs 01:00-04:00. Most businesses can open at 60 percent capacity; shopping malls, entertainment venues, and gyms can operate at 50 percent capacity. All provinces other than Satipo and Oxapampa are at the moderate-risk level as of Sept. 19.

Nonexempt individuals outside their homes during curfew hours may be subject to questioning and arrest by police or military personnel. All businesses must adhere to government directives, such as enforcing social distancing guidelines, implementing enhanced sanitary procedures, and limiting operating capacity. They must also close one hour before the start of local curfew hours.

All gatherings, including parties and social gatherings inside private homes, are prohibited. Officials require that all persons wear face shields that cover the eyes, nose, and mouth as well as a mask covering the nose and mouth whenever they are using public transportation or flying in an aircraft. Double masking is also required to enter several indoor establishments, such as shopping centers, supermarkets, and pharmacies. Temperature checks are also mandatory. Persons younger than 14 or older than 65 must sign a statement swearing that they are abiding by national quarantine measures.

Travel Restrictions
All foreign nationals who have been in South Africa in the past 14 days, including for short periods during layovers, are prohibited from entering Peru until at least Oct. 3. Persons with residency in Peru are exempt from this ban but must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

Travelers whose final destination is Peru must show proof of having been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Additionally, travelers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test issued within 72 hours prior to their flight to Peru. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from these vaccination and testing requirements, but must show a certificate of good health issued by medical doctors. Travelers must also complete a health affidavit within 72 hours prior to travel and may be subject to a health assessment upon arrival; to access the pre-travel health affidavit, click here.

Authorities could tighten, extend, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Resources

Restrictions Decree