How do I apply for a Schengen Visa from Peru?

Do Peruvian citizens need a Schengen Visa to enter Europe?

Peru has a visa-free travel arrangement with the Schengen Area, meaning its citizens do not need to apply for a Schengen Visa to travel to countries within the area for short stays for business or tourism purposes. Starting in late 2022, this will be done via an European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) visa waiver, which will cost just €7 - and nothing if you are under the age of 18.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is a form of electronic travel authorization that takes limited biometric data in order to perform limited background checks before you travel to the Schengen Area. To successfully apply for an ETIAS visa waiver, it is necessary to have a valid passport, a credit or debit card, and an email account.

Who else needs a Schengen Visa?

If you are not a Peruvian national but are a citizen of another country without a visa-free travel arrangement, or you want to travel to the Schengen Area to work or study for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a national visa from the state where you plan to travel to.

List of countries who need to apply for a Schengen visa to visit Europe

What documents do I need to apply for a Peru Schengen Visa ?

If you do think you need a Peru Schengen Visa, you must download and complete a Schengen Visa application form.

In addition, you will need two recently taken passport-style photos, your passport or other travel documents that are no older than 10 years and valid for at least three months after your departure date from the Schengen Area. If you are not a Peruvian national, you will need documentation showing you have the right to reside in Peru.

You will also need travel and medical insurance covering you up to costs of €30,000, a cover letter stating your itinerary and the purpose of your visit, as well as a flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of your civil status, like a marriage certificate, and proof you have means of subsistence during your stay. The amount you need to show you have will vary from country to country. For Peruvians planning to work or study, you will need additional documents.

For those coming to work in Europe, these include an employment contract, a current bank statement, a no objection letter from your employer, and an income tax return. As a student, you will need proof of enrolment and a no objection letter from your Peruvian school. Whether you are planning to study or work long-term, you will need a letter of invitation from your employer or educational institution within the Schengen Area.

Where do I go to apply for a Schengen Visa in Peru?

Not all countries have their own embassy or consulate in Peru, but other countries’ consulates will act for them, or you may be able to apply via a visa application center. For example, VFSGlobal’s centers process many Schengen countries’ applications. They are generally situated in Lima.

How long does it take to process a Peru Schengen Visa?

Applications should take around 15 days but can take up to 30 days to process, especially during busy periods.

What if I want to stay for longer in the Schengen Area?

Peruvian citizens wanting to stay longer than 90 days in the Schengen Area will need to apply for a national visa for work, study, or family reunion purposes in the country they are intending to visit. Once obtained, these generally allow holders to travel to other EU states as long as the visa, or residency permit, is valid.

Why choose AXA Schengen Insurance?

Even if you do not need a Schengen Visa, due to Peru’s visa-free travel arrangements with the Schengen Zone, it is still a good idea to obtain travel and medical insurance for the duration of your stay, as this will cover you for any mishaps, accidents or illness you may experience during your trip.

AXA’s Low Cost Travel Insurance costs only €22 ($24) per week of your trip and will meet your visa requirements, while the AXA Schengen Europe Travel Insurance offers extended coverage up to costs of €100,000.

Those seeking a multiple-entry visa can purchase the Multi Trip insurance from €328 per year, which again covers you for expenses up to €100,000.

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Frequently asked questions about Peru Schengen Visas

Are there any Covid restrictions on travelers from Peru to the Schengen Area?

If you have an EU-authorized or a WHO-approved vaccine - provided you have received the last dose of the primary at least 14 days and no more than 270 days before arrival - there are no restrictions on travel.

Are Peru nationals entitled to visa-free travel to the Schengen Area?

Citizens of Peru can travel to the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days without having to apply for a Schengen Visa.

What countries are most likely to approve a Schengen Visa application?

Lithuania is the easiest country to get a Schengen visa for, with only 1.3% of the short-term applications rejected. Other Baltic states like Latvia and Estonia are also among the most amenable to applications.