Living in Peru : your everyday companion

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

This Public Announcement alerts Americans traveling to or living in Peru to strikes and civil demonstrations throughout the country, causing blocked highways, airport closures, and sporadic street protests. This Public Announcement expires October 11, 2007.

Large protests in cities and tourist centers have disrupted travel and market activity. The Peruvian government has closed some streets in Lima due to the demonstrations. A strike planned for the week of July 16 could affect Lima’s international airport. Protests have significantly affected tourist activities in the popular tourist destination of Machu Picchu. The districts of Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, Lambayeque, Lima, Loreto, Piura, Puno, San Martin, and Ucayali have all been affected by the demonstrations.

The demonstrations have not directly threatened Americans or American interests in Peru. However, the Embassy reminds American travelers that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and violent unexpectedly. During violent demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are reminded to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid areas where protests are being staged. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of any protests.

For more detailed information on staying safe in Peru, please see the Peru Consular Information Sheet. For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet website where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department’s travel registration website. The Consular Section is open for American Citizen Services, including registration, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon weekdays, excluding U.S. and Peruvian holidays.