Customs regulations and required documents
Personal effects import regulations
United States of America
Customs regulations
Import regulations:
Articles from certain countries are given special duty preferences when imported into the USA. Contact the US International Trade Commission or US representations abroad for more information.
Residents :
Returning residents of the USA can import up to USD 800.- worth of articles acquired abroad free of duty, if their stay abroad was at least 48 hours and their duty-free exemption was not used in the preceding 30 days (see 3. below – “If not entitled”).
For arrivals directly from American Samoa, Guam or the US Virgin Islands: duty-free exemption of max. USD 1600.- (of which max. USD 800.- may be acquired elsewhere than in these islands). The duty-free allowances may include the following maximum quantities of:
- Tobacco products: 200 cigarettes, a reasonable amount of tobacco and 100 cigars. For arrivals from the US Virgin Islands, Guam or American Samoa: 1000 cigarettes, not more than 200 of which may be acquired elsewhere than in these islands.
- persons of 21 years or older: 1 US quart of alcoholic beverages . For arrivals from the US Virgin Islands, Guam or American Samoa: 1 US gallon, not more than 1 quart of which may be acquired elsewhere than on these islands.
- Perfumes, lotions, Eau de Cologne, etc. if not under a trade mark restriction recorded in the US Treasury Department (importation of one trademarked article per passenger will usually be allowed, unless the trade mark owner has authorized a greater number of imports of its article).
- Other goods for personal use.
Above exemptions are also applicable if shipped as cargo and arriving by same aircraft as owner.
Members of a family residing in one household returning together to the USA may group articles acquired, for application of the flat duty rate. For example, an eligible family of four would have their articles grouped for a total of USD 3,200.- fair retail value for entry at the flat rate of duty.
If not entitled to the USD 600.-, USD 800.- or USD 1200.- exemption (because the exemption was previously used within the past 30 days or stay outside the USA was less than 48 hours), articles with max. value of USD 50.- may be imported, including max. 50 cigarettes or 10 cigars or 4 ounces of alcoholic beverages (age: 21 years or older) or 4 ounces of alcoholic perfume. This USD 50.- exemption may not be grouped together for members of a family. If the USD 50.- value is exceeded, the whole quantity is dutiable.
Non-commercial import of goods with max. value of USD 800.- from Cambodia, Cuba, Korea (Dem. People’s Rep.) and Viet Nam is allowed if:
- the USD 800.- allowance is used max. once per 6 months;
- the goods are purchased in that country;
- they are for personal use and not for resale; and
- carried by the traveler.
Note: Articles from Cambodia, Cuba, Korea (Dem. People’s Rep.) and Viet Nam imported from other countries may still be restricted.
Import of Cuban alcohol and/or tabacco products acquired in Cuba for personal use is allowed in accompanied baggage.
USA residents returning from American Samoa, Guam or the Virgin Isl. (USA) may apply their personal duty-free exemption to articles acquired in, and sent directly from, these islands.
Persons returning to resume residency in the USA after travel, work or studies abroad are considered returning residents by the US Customs.
Mexico and the Virgin Isl. (USA) are exempt from the 48-hour minimum time requirements.
State restrictions: Quantities in excess of one US quart of alcoholic beverages per person imported into certain states are subject to local state taxes. For more information, contact the Distilled Spirits Council of the USA.
Non-residents
Can import the following articles for personal use free of duty:
- 100 cigars or 200 cigarettes or 4.4 lbs.(2 kg) of smoking tobacco (persons of 21 years or older), or combination thereof;
- 1 US quart of alcoholic beverages (persons of 21 years or older);
In addition, each non-resident (incl. minors) can import gifts of max. value of USD 100.- free of duty, once per 6 months, if their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours.
State restrictions: Quantities in excess of one US quart of alcoholic beverages per person imported into certain states are subject to local state taxes. For more information, contact the Distilled Spirits Council of the USA.
Alcoholic beverages and cigarettes may not be included in the USD 100.- gift exemption. If not entitled for the USD 100.- gift exemption, articles not exceeding a value of USD 50.- may imported, including max. 100 cigars or 3 lbs. of tobacco. The USD 50.- exemption may not be grouped together for members of a family.
Prohibited:
- Narcotics, marijuana, dangerous drugs, absinthe (and any other liquor containing artemisia absinthium).
- Fresh, dried or canned meat or meat products, plants , seeds (incl. rice, soybeans and chickpeas), vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects, snails and other living plant or animal pests.
- Fish – unless certified as disease-free – including salmon and trout, or their eggs, if not canned, pickled or smoked may not be imported from anywhere except North America.
- Goods from Iran and leather souvenirs from Haiti (e.g. drums).
- Wildlife, fish and their products are subject to restrictions. Articles manufactured from wildlife such as clothing (i.e. leopard skin coats, crocodile shoes etc.), purses, carvings, etc. are prohibited. For more information contact the US Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife or US representations overseas.
- Lighters without fuel are permitted in checked baggage or max. 2 lighters with fuel if properly enclosed in a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved case.
- Matches in checked baggage. One book of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches is permitted as carry-on items.
- Dairy products and eggs from certain countries.
Small quantities of pest-free cut flowers without soil are generally allowed. Certain plants, plant products and seeds are admissible with an import permit. For more information contact the US Dept. of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), National Center for Import and Export.
Arms and Ammunition regulations:
Import permit is required. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulates the importation of firearms. For further details please refer to www.atf.gov.
If importing arms and/or ammunition into the US Virgin Isl.: passengers must contact the Firearms Unit of the US Virgin Isl. Police Department prior to arrival at www.vipd.gov.vi. Tel: 1-340-776-1525.
Wild Fauna and Flora:
For detailed information see https://www.fws.gov/ .
Export regulations:
Free export of an unlimited quantity of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.
Pets:
Cats and dogs must be at least 16 weeks of age and are inspected by quarantine officer at port of arrival. If they appear to be sick, the owner must pay for the veterinarian for further examination of the animal.
Dogs must be accompanied by one of the following documents:
A valid certificate of rabies vaccination if arriving from a high-risk canine rabies country. As the list of these countries may change, see www.cdc.gov/dogtravel for the latest information.
The certificate becomes valid 28 days after the first vaccination and must include the following information:
- name and address of owner;
- identifying information for the dog;
- vaccine product information;
- date of vaccination and expiry date;
- name, license number address and signature of the veterinarian.
If no expiration date is stated, the vaccination must be no more than 12 months before arrival. Puppies must not be vaccinated against rabies before 3 months of age. A dog’s first rabies vaccine must be given at least 28 days before arriving in the United States. Dogs older than 15 months of age that previously received a rabies vaccination (with the first given after 3 months old) may be imported immediately after booster vaccination (if required), without the need to wait 4 weeks before traveling;
OR
A CDC-issued unimmunized dog permit “Permit to Conditionally Import a Dog Inadequately Immunized against Rabies”. Must be applied online 10 business days prior to arrival;
OR
Written (or oral) statement that the dog has not been living in a high-risk canine rabies country for the past 6 months or since birth.
The above pet requirements apply to all US ports of entry EXCEPT the territory of Guam and the state of Hawaii.
For more information, see www.cdc.gov/importation (bringing an animal into the U.S.).
IMPORTANT: until further notice, it is prohibited to import dogs originating from Egypt.
Pets entering Hawaii (including special aid dogs) and cats must undergo a mandatory 120 day quarantine period in the State Animal Quarantine Station. Only if specific requirements are met, animals can qualify for a 30-day quarantine period or the “5-days-or-less” quarantine program (for details see website: http://hawaii.gov/hdoa).
The Dog and Cat Import Form AQS-279 must have been submitted to the Animal Quarantine Station more than 10 days prior to arrival.
Pets entering Hawaii on direct flights from the British Islands, Australia, Guam or New Zealand may be exempt from quarantine requirements. Pets transiting Hawaii must be quarantined at the state facility for the transit period. The Animal Quarantine Station must be notified of the complete itinerary at least 72 hours prior to departure from Hawaii.
All dogs and cats entering Hawaii are required to have:
- microchip, implanted before the rabies anti blood test is performed;
- at least 2 rabies vaccinations. The most recent vaccination must have been administered by a licensed veterinarian more than 30 days before arrival;
- original Health Certificate in English issued within 14 days prior to arrival;
- a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP) if flying directly to Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA), Kahului Airport (OGG) or Lihue Airport (LIH). Refer to the “Checklist for Requesting Direct Airport Release at Kona, Kahului and Lihue Airports” No permit is required to fly into Honolulu at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), island of Oahu.
More information about import of pets in Hawaii can be obtained from the Dept. of Agriculture, Animal Quarantine Branch, 99-951 Halawa Valley Street, Aiea, Hawaii 96701-5602. Tel: 808 483 7151. Fax: 808 483 7161.
Further information regarding importation of pets may be obtained from US Dept. of Agriculture (for birds) or US Public Health Service (for other pets).
Birds: Entry and transit of birds is strictly controlled. Max. 5 personally owned pet birds may be brought into the USA. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Import Centers that contain quarantine facilities for pet birds are located only at the following special ports: Alaska (transit only); Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; Mission, TX (only for abandoned or smuggled birds); New York JFK, NY. Note that the US laws restrict the entry of psittacine birds (parrots, parakeets, cockatoos, etc.) to 5 pet birds per family per year.
All pet birds (with certain exceptions for Canadian-origin birds) must be accompanied by:
- USDA Import permit;
- Health Certificate issued within 30 days prior to entry by the national government veterinary office of the country of export;
- An advanced reservation from the quarantine facility for a minimum of 30 day isolation period at a USDA operated quarantine facility.
For details contact the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, www.aphis.usda.gov.
Pet birds originally obtained in the USA and returning to the USA with the owner can re-enter without a USDA import permit. The bird may be quarantined in the owner’s home for the 30-day quarantine period.
Baggage Clearance regulations:
Baggage is cleared at the first point of entry in the USA.
Exempt: At some US airports, passengers making an international transfer are not required to collect their bags. Passengers should check with their carrier if they need to pick up baggage before transferring.
Currency
Currency Import regulations:
and
Currency Export regulations:
local currency (United States Dollar-USD) and foreign currencies: no restrictions, if arriving and departing passengers must report to US customs any money or other monetary instruments exceeding USD 10,000.-. Gold: Importation of gold coins or small, non-commercial quantities of gold must be declared upon arrival.
Airport Tax
No airport tax is levied on passengers upon embarkation at the airport.
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Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.
Country-Specific Information
- On February 19, 2021, the Government of Peru extended the COVID-19 health emergency for another 180 days, from March 7 to September 2, 2021.
- The Government of Peru announced the extension of the current regional alert levels and movement restrictions to become effective April 19 to May 9, 2021. The Government of Peru indicates it will reevaluate and adjust these public health measures every three weeks. Under these measures, all regions of Peru are categorized as High, Very High, or Extreme, with corresponding levels of restrictions. U.S. Citizens are advised to follow all Peruvian lockdown measures.
- Currently, in Lima and other areas of “Extreme Alert”, curfew is at 9:00 p.m. As a result, businesses must close no later than 6:00 p.m. In areas of Peru in Moderate, High, or Very High alert, businesses must close no later than two hours before the local curfew.
- For the latest updates on current public health measures, please refer to the Embassy health alerts here.
- The Jorge Chavez International Airport is open and international flights to the United States are available. Please see the Lima Airport website for more information on airport operations.
- The Government of Peru declared the restriction of all non-resident foreign passengers originating in Brazil, the U.K., and South Africa from entering Peru through May 9, 2021. Find more information here (in Spanish).
- On March 13, 2021, the Government of Peru suspended COVID-19 testing requirements for domestic air travel.
- Face shields are now required to enter many establishments, including shopping centers, markets, supermarkets, department stores, and other crowded places.
- The Ministry of Education (MINED) announced the 2021 school year will begin virtually on March 15, 2021 for all schools in Peru. For more information, please visit the MINED website (Spanish only).
- Beaches remain closed.
COVID-19 Testing
- Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Peru? Yes
- If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes
- Peru is able to test for COVID-19 in country. Private hospitals and laboratories as well as the Peruvian Ministry of Health (MINSA) are administering tests.
- The Peruvian Health Ministry (MINSA) maintains a list of facilities that provide COVID-19 testing here.
- Viral testing results at certain locations would be available within 72 hours of a flight departure. Keep in mind that a surge in cases may increase demand and affect these result times.
- Persons presenting symptoms of COVID-19 should dial the toll-free number 113, send a WhatsApp to +51-952-842-623, or send an email to [email protected]. Responses may be in Spanish only. For more information on requesting a COVID-19 test through MINSA please visit this website (Spanish only): https://www.minsa.gob.pe/procesos_covid/.
- U.S. citizens are responsible for their own COVID-19 testing costs.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information:
- Has the Government of Peru approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes
- Are vaccines available in Peru for U.S. citizens to receive? No
- Which vaccines are available in Peru? Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinopharm, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Sputnik
- On April 4, 2021, Peru’s Ministry of Health (MINSA) announced a new national vaccine strategy aimed at vaccinating populations by district and province by age group. This plan will take effect on April 16, 2021. Foreign residents including U.S. citizens will be vaccinated. At vaccination sites, Peru’s civil registry RENIEC will assist with issuing identity documents for those who lack Peruvian identity documentation. For more information, see (in Spanish): https://www.gob.pe/institucion/minsa/noticias/376735-nueva-estrategia-cobertura-territorial-de-vacunacion-anti-covid-19-comunicado-n-479
- On April 6, 2021, the Peru’s Ministry of Migration (Migraciones) reminded foreign residents, including U.S. citizens to maintain updated information in their system, noting that this information is used to develop Peru’s national COVID-19 vaccination registry. For more information on the announcement, please refer to the following websites (in Spanish)
- https://www.migraciones.gob.pe/
- https://www.migraciones.gob.pe/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/comunicado07-2021-600×600.jpeg)
- https://busquedas.elperuano.pe/normaslegales/decreto-legislativo-de-migraciones-decreto-legislativo-n-1350-1471551-2/
- https://busquedas.elperuano.pe/normaslegales/disponen-que-los-ciudadanos-extranjeros-que-se-encuentren-en-resolucion-no-234-2019-migraciones-1792749-1/
- For the latest updates on current vaccine information in Peru, please refer to the Embassy alerts here.
- For more information on the Peruvian Government’s national vaccination plan, which includes a national rollout plan, please visit the Peruvian Health Ministry (MINSA) dedicated page here.
- Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
- The U.S. government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.
Entry and Exit Requirements
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
- Direct flights to Peru from certain locations in the U.S. have resumed. Travelers should check https://travel.state.gov/ for country-specific travel information before traveling.
- The Government of Peru suspended the entrance of non-resident passengers traveling from Europe or South Africa (or travelers who have transited there in the last 14 days).
- Migraciones Suspending Use of Passport Stamps: The Peruvian Immigration Authority (Migraciones) announced that it has suspended the stamping of passports upon arrival to and departure from Jorge Chávez International Airport as part of ongoing efforts to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19. If you are traveling, be aware that while your passport will not be stamped, a digital record of your arrival or departure will still be created. The measure applies to both commercial and repatriation flights and is effective immediately. More information can be found here (in Spanish).
- Notarized Travel Authorizations for Minors: Peruvian regulations require that minors present in Peru for more than 180 days must have a notarized travel letter to depart the country if they are not traveling with both parents. This notarized letter must be presented to immigration officials prior to boarding a repatriation flight. For more information on minor travel authorizations, visit the Embassy site (in English) here.
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
- Currently, Peru requires inbound international passengers on commercial flights have either a negative real-time COVID-19 molecular (RT-PCR), negative antigen test result, or a medical certificate of epidemiological discharge that is no more than 72 hours old after being issued and before boarding the plane. Children under the age of 12 can present a certificate of health issued by a medical doctor in lieu of a negative test. All passengers must also complete an affidavit of health (found here: https://e-notificacion.migraciones.gob.pe/dj-salud/). These requirements may change, so we advise you to contact your airline days prior your flight to gather the proper documentation and regularly consult the airport website for the latest guidance: https://www.lima-airport.com/eng/for-passengers/covid-19-protocol/arrival-protocol (in English) and https://www.lima-airport.com/esp/para-pasajeros/protocolo-covid-19/antes-de-viajar (in Spanish).
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
- Temporary Foreign Resident Card: Americans residing in Peru can now request a temporary foreign resident card or “Carnet de Extranjería” Issuance Certificate online. The Issuance Certificate is recognized by Peruvian authorities as a temporary ID until individuals are able to obtain an official residency document from Peruvian Immigration. For more information, please visit https://sel.migraciones.gob.pe/servmig-valreg/constanciacecptp.
- Travel Requirements: Legal Permanent Residents (LPR) who have been outside of the U.S. for less than 365 days are generally considered to be “in status” and do not need a returning resident visa. LPRs who have been outside of the U.S. for more than 365 days, will need to apply for a returning resident visa (SB-1). Please visit the Returning Resident Visa section of our website for more information. For additional information regarding your LPR status, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at www.uscis.gov or by calling +1-212-620-3418 (from overseas).
- Emergency Travel Documents for LPRs: LPRs who have lost their I-551 Permanent Resident cards (Green Card) and/or re-entry permits, and have an immediate need to return to the United States, can request an emergency appointment by emailing [email protected]. Due to limited staffing, appointment availability is extremely limited. Please visit the Temporary Replacement of a Lost/Stolen Green Card section of our website for more information.
Movement Restrictions
- Is a curfew in place? Yes
- Review curfew measures outlined above under the Country-Specific Information section.
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes
- Peru’s Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) and the Ministry of Health (MINSA) have established health and safety guidelines for air travel. Travelers are encouraged to follow the guidelines summarized below. For more information refer to: https://www.lima-airport.com/eng/for-passengers/covid-19-protocol/before-you-travel.
- Domestic Air Travel: Domestic flights are available, however please confirm with your airline or travel agency before traveling.
- On March 13, 2021, the Government of Peru suspended COVID-19 testing requirements for domestic air travel.
Quarantine Information
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
- All travelers arriving to Peru must quarantine for 14 days on arrival. As of March 15, 2021, the Government of Peru announced that travelers who take an antigen test and receive a negative result after their first day of arrival may suspend the 14-day quarantine requirement. Travelers may take an antigen test at the airport, a local hospital, or any laboratory authorized by the Ministry of Health (MINSA). Travelers who test positive must complete the 14-day quarantine at either the Pan-American Village or location of their choice in coordination with health authorities. The approved MINSA labs can be found here: http://www.digemid.minsa.gob.pe/main.asp?Seccion=967. Find more information in the decree, online here (in Spanish): https://busquedas.elperuano.pe/normaslegales/decreto-supremo-que-establece-precisiones-y-modifica-el-decr-decreto-supremo-n-004-2021-pcm-1919992-1/.
- Local health officials and law enforcement are authorized to ask travelers for proof of a negative antigen test; therefore all U.S. citizen travelers are advised to keep their results on hand in case they are asked to present them.
- Travelers are responsible for funding their own COVID-19 testing and quarantine costs.
Transportation Options
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes
- Is public transportation operating? Yes
- Rules regarding local transportation vary by jurisdiction. Masks are generally required for all passengers and in some jurisdictions the number of passengers permitted on buses is limited to increase social distancing.
- Taxi services are available and may allow only two passengers.
Fines for Non-Compliance
- Peruvian authorities will enforce regulations related to COVID-19, and U.S. citizens could be subject to detentions, fines, or arrest if out of compliance.
Consular Operations
- U.S. Embassy in Lima: the American Citizen Services Unit is offering limited passport, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA), and notarial appointments. If you require passport or CRBA services, visit our website for more information and to schedule an appointment: https://pe.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/. Walk-in services are not available at this time.
- Cusco Consular Agency: The U.S. Embassy’s Consular Agency in Cusco is open for limited routine services. To schedule an appointment, send an email to [email protected]. Walk-in services are not available at this time. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
- All visitors to the U.S. Embassy in Lima and the Cusco Consular Agency are required to wear face coverings at all times. Applicants who are experiencing flu-like or gastrointestinal symptoms within two weeks prior to their scheduled appointment should stay home for the safety of fellow applicants and our staff. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you may reschedule your appointment by contacting [email protected] and will be given priority as soon as your period of illness is over.
- Visa Services: The United States Embassy in Lima, Peru has resumed limited in-person visa appointments in addition to emergency appointments. (Appointment capacity remains extremely limited due to the ongoing pandemic.) We are working diligently to restore all routine visa operations as quickly and safely as possible. Payment for nonimmigrant visa applications (known as the MRV fee) is valid through September 30, 2022, to allow all applicants who were unable to schedule a visa appointment last year an opportunity to schedule a visa appointment on the U.S. Visa Appointment Service website with the previously paid fee. In-person appointments for first-time, nonemergency nonimmigrant visa applicants are unavailable until further notice to ensure the health and safety of applicants and consular staff alike. Currently there is no estimate of when we will be able to conduct these interviews at the Embassy.
- If you are renewing a B1, B2, B1/B2, C1/D, F1, F2, J1, J2, M1, or M2 visa, in most cases you do not require an in-person interview at the Embassy if your visa expired within the last 48 months and your passport has at six months of validity remaining. Applicants renewing H2A visas who have been issued two prior visas of this type in most cases will likely not require an in-person interview if their prior visa expired within the last 48 months and the passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
- If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided on the U.S. Visa Appointment Service website to schedule a regular appointment, then request an emergency appointment.
- All applicants, including children over the age of two, are required to wear face masks. Applicants who are experiencing flu-like or gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days prior to their scheduled appointment are prohibited from coming to the Embassy, for the safety of fellow applicants and our staff. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please email [email protected] to notify us and then reschedule your appointment by following the instructions on the U.S. Visa Appointment Service website. You will receive priority scheduling once your period of illness ends.
Local Resources:
- Tourism: U.S. tourists in Peru may consult iPeru for the latest guidance for tourists. iPeru has a WhatsApp number that will respond to questions in English: (+51) 944 492 314.
- For COVID-19 health related information and official statistics, please visit the Peruvian Ministry of Health’s website (in Spanish): https://www.gob.pe/8736-coronavirus-informacion-para-viajeros.
- For more information and updates on the latest official decrees and publications, please visit https://elperuano.pe/.
- Other links:
- COVID-19 Traveler Information page on travel.state.gov
- CDC page on COVID-19
- Travel.state.gov Country Information and Travel Advisory page
