Peru
The laws most likely to catch a visitor off guard. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
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Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Peru are severe, with long pre-trial detention and lengthy prison sentences; airports use strict narcotics screening.
Long pre-trial detention and lengthy prison sentences.
§ US State Dept — PeruAyahuasca and kambo are marketed to tourists as spiritual rituals but are unregulated; travelers have suffered illness, death, robbery, and assault, and ayahuasca contains DMT (illegal in the US and many countries).
Unregulated facilities; serious health and crime risks.
§ US State Dept — PeruDo not leave Peru with coca leaves, coca tea bags, or similar coca products — taking them out of the country is illegal.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — PeruMedications
Carry prescription medication in original packaging with a prescription; counterfeit medication is common, so buy only from trusted sources with medical help, and confirm legality before traveling.
§ US State Dept — PeruCustoms & Cash
Amounts over USD 10,000 must be declared on entry and the source proven; the maximum permitted is USD 30,000 (or equivalent) in cash or instruments on entry or exit.
§ US State Dept — PeruImports & Customs
Peruvian law forbids exporting pre-Columbian objects and protected artifacts; US customs must seize such items, and it is also illegal to remove certain flora/fauna including coca leaves and coca tea.
Seizure by Peruvian and US customs.
§ US State Dept — PeruAvoid products made of wild plants or animals; Peruvian authorities seize protected species (live or as food, leather, handicrafts, garments), and importing them to the US violates the Lacey Act.
Seizure; potential US federal charges under the Lacey Act.
§ US State Dept — PeruDriving
An international permit is valid up to 1 year (home license ~30 days); night driving outside cities is very hazardous, and after an accident you must not move your vehicle until police arrive.
Moving your vehicle after an accident may be treated as an admission of guilt.
§ US State Dept — PeruPhotography & Drones
It is illegal to photograph military or police sites and personnel in Peru; indecent behavior at cultural, historical, or sacred sites is also unlawful.
Detention possible.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — PeruLGBTQ+ Safety
Same-sex sexual relations are legal in Peru with no restrictions on LGBTQ events, but same-sex marriage is not recognized.
§ US State Dept — Peru