Peru has officially launched electronic visa issuance via the new e-SAMI system. The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs unveiled the digital platform on August 24, 2026, in Lima. It aims to simplify visa procedures, modernize consular services, and make administrative processes more secure.
However, for travelers, a distinction is important. The introduction does not mean that every visitor to Peru will now have to apply for an electronic visa. e-SAMI is primarily aimed at foreign nationals who actually require a visa to enter Peru. The new system thus does not automatically change the existing rules on visa requirements. It primarily changes the way necessary visas are applied for and processed by Peruvian missions abroad.
Peru launches electronic visas via e-SAMI
The new system is called Sistema de Administración Migratoria Integral, or e-SAMI for short. The platform was developed by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the support of the Inter-American Development Bank. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already informed about the introduction of the system in July. At that time, the focus was primarily on modernizing visa administration. On August 24, the official launch of electronic visa issuance took place.
Foreign Minister Carlos Espá presented the system at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Torre Tagle. According to his ministry, the new digital procedures are intended to be faster, more transparent, and more secure. At the same time, opportunities for corruption within administrative processes are to be reduced. e-SAMI is more than just an internet form. The system is designed to digitally connect various processes of Peruvian consular administration.
What changes for applicants?
Several Peruvian consulates are already using e-SAMI in their official instructions for tourist visas. Applicants first create a user account on the platform and can then submit the required documents for their visa there.
However, the further steps required depend on the competent Peruvian mission abroad. This is an important point that can easily be overlooked with the term "electronic visa". A fully digital application does not necessarily mean that the entire process takes place without personal contact with a consulate.
Official information from individual consulates shows different procedures. In San Francisco, for example, applicants must first upload their documents via e-SAMI. A personal interview at the consulate is then still required. At the Peruvian consulate in Washington, on the other hand, the procedure is already described as "online". Documents are submitted via e-SAMI. Nevertheless, a personal appearance may still be required.
Travelers should therefore always check the requirements of the Peruvian mission abroad responsible for their place of residence.
Who needs an electronic visa for Peru?
Not every foreign visitor needs a visa for a tourist trip to Peru. The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs explicitly points out that citizens of various countries in Latin America and Europe can enter without a tourist visa.
For travelers, the introduction of e-SAMI therefore does not automatically mean a new entry requirement. Those who have previously been able to travel to Peru visa-free due to their nationality do not suddenly have to apply for an electronic visa just because of the introduction of the new system.
e-SAMI is rather important for people who already require a visa due to their nationality or personal entry situation. This distinguishes the Peruvian procedure from countries that generally require an electronic entry authorization even from tourists who were previously visa-free.
What documents are required for a tourist visa?
The specific requirements may vary depending on the consulate and personal situation. However, the official information from the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists several typical documents.
These include a valid passport and proof of planned inbound and outbound travel. In addition, a hotel reservation, a booked travel package, or a corresponding invitation is usually required. Applicants must also prove their financial capacity. Various consulates require bank statements from the past three months for this purpose. A passport photo is also among the usual requirements.
The consulate may request additional documents in individual cases. A fully submitted application also does not automatically mean approval. Each visa application is still reviewed individually.
e-SAMI does not replace the Consul's decision
Digitization changes the administrative process, but not the actual decision on entry authorization. The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs explicitly points out that the submission of all documents does not guarantee the issuance of a visa.
The responsible consul evaluates each application individually and may request additional evidence. Interviews also remain part of various procedures. Applicants should therefore not assume that an electronic visa will automatically be issued after uploading the documents. This is particularly important for travelers who wish to definitively book their flights and accommodation.
How does e-SAMI work?
The first step for participating consulates is to register on the e-SAMI platform. Subsequently, the information and documents required for the respective visa application can be uploaded.
Further processing is carried out by the competent Peruvian mission abroad. Depending on the consulate, this is followed by the review of documents, scheduling an appointment, and, if necessary, a personal interview. The official procedural descriptions currently show differences between the individual missions abroad. Therefore, an identical procedure cannot be specified for every applicant.
For travelers, the information page of the competent consulate therefore remains crucial.
A new emergency passport is also part of the system
At the presentation on August 24, Peru not only introduced electronic visa issuance. At the same time, a new Pasaporte de Emergencia, an emergency passport, was presented. This will be available in both physical and virtual form.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the new emergency passport replaces the previous Salvoconducto for Peruvians in corresponding emergency situations abroad. Thus, this part of the innovation is not primarily aimed at foreign travelers to Peru. It is intended to help Peruvians abroad who urgently need a corresponding travel document.
Visa issuance and the new emergency passport are therefore part of a broader digitalization of Peruvian consular administration.
What does e-SAMI mean for travelers from Germany?
For German tourists, it is particularly important not to confuse the introduction with a general new entry authorization. e-SAMI does not mean that every traveler must submit a digital application before their Peru vacation due to the new platform. The applicable entry and visa regulations remain decisive.
The system becomes interesting, for example, for people who need a Peruvian visa due to their nationality but live in Germany or another European country. Even there, before applying, it should first be checked which Peruvian mission abroad is responsible and what requirements it sets.
Peru digitizes its consular administration
Electronic visa issuance is part of a larger modernization. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes e-SAMI as part of its digital transformation and promises faster, more secure, and more transparent administrative processes.
For international travelers, this can make a significant difference in the long run. Documents can be digitally prepared and submitted, while consulates can process applications through a more standardized system.
However, the practical procedure is currently not yet completely identical everywhere. The current information from various Peruvian consulates shows that digital and personal procedural steps are sometimes combined. Anyone needing a visa for Peru should therefore consider e-SAMI as a new central component of the application process. Nevertheless, the specific requirements of the competent mission abroad remain authoritative.
Frequently Asked Questions about e-SAMI and the electronic visa
What is e-SAMI?
e-SAMI stands for Sistema de Administración Migratoria Integral. It is the new digital system of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the administration of visas and other consular procedures.
Does every tourist now have to apply for an electronic visa for Peru?
No. The introduction of e-SAMI does not automatically lead to a visa requirement for previously visa-free travelers. The system is primarily relevant for people who require a visa for Peru.
Can a tourist visa be applied for entirely online?
Parts of the procedure can be completed via e-SAMI. Depending on the competent consulate, a personal interview or appearance may still be required.
What documents are required?
Typically, a valid passport, travel documents, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial capacity are required. The competent consulate may request further documents.
Does a complete application guarantee the issuance of the visa?
No. Each application is reviewed individually. The competent Peruvian consulate decides on the issuance.
Is e-SAMI already in operation?
Yes. The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially introduced electronic visa issuance and e-SAMI on August 24, 2026. Various consulates are already using the platform for visa procedures.
Sources
Diario Oficial El Peruano, Presentation of electronic visa issuance and e-SAMI, August 24, 2026.
Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores del Perú, Information on tourist visas and e-SAMI.
Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores del Perú, Information on the modernization of visa administration.
Peruvian Consulates, current procedural instructions for tourist visas.