United States Visa for Peru Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to the United States as a Peruvian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the B1/B2 tourist visa application: required documents, the current $185 fee, interview preparation, and strategies to improve your approval chances. With proper documentation and preparation, Peruvian applicants can successfully navigate the visa process.

Visa Application process

All US tourist visa applications from Peru require an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Lima.1 The process involves several steps:

Complete DS-160 Online Application

Fill out Form DS-160 on the consular electronic application center (ceac.state.gov).2 This comprehensive form requires information about your travel plans, employment history, education, family, and background. Upload a compliant passport photo and save the confirmation page with barcode.

Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the US$185 non-refundable application fee through the approved payment methods.3 You can pay via cash at designated banks or by credit card online. Keep your payment receipt as you will need the confirmation number to schedule your interview.

Schedule Your Interview

Create an account on ais.usvisa-info.com and schedule your interview appointment at the US Embassy in Lima.3 Current wait times for B1/B2 appointments are approximately 365 days, so plan well in advance.3

Attend the Interview

Arrive at the embassy at your scheduled time with all required documents.1 You will go through security screening, submit your fingerprints, and meet with a consular officer who will ask about your travel plans and ties to Peru.

Wait for Processing

If approved, your passport with the visa will be ready for pickup or delivery within a few days to 2 weeks.1 If additional administrative processing is required, it may take longer.

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete DS-160 Online Application
2. Pay the Visa Fee
3. Schedule Your Interview
4. Attend the Interview
5. Wait for Processing

Visa Fees breakdown

Service: Cost	B1/B2 Visa Application: US$185	Visa Issuance (reciprocity): US$0	Interview Waiver (if eligible): US$185	The application fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.4 Additional fees may apply for courier delivery of your passport.

What you need to prove

US immigration law requires you to demonstrate that you are a genuine temporary visitor.2 The consular officer must be convinced that you:

Have a legitimate purpose for visiting the United States 2
Intend to depart at the end of your authorized stay 2
Have strong ties to Peru that will compel your return 2
Can support yourself financially during your visit 2

Required documents

Valid Passport
DS-160 Form
Passport Photo
Financial Documents
Employment Evidence
Ties to Peru
Consular Interview

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States • At least one blank page for the visa stamp; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Include old passports with previous US or other travel visas if available] (Tip: A passport with extensive travel history to other countries strengthens your applicationKeep old passports showing positive immigration history)

DS-160 Form

Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) • Fill out completely on the ceac.state.gov website; • Upload a compliant passport-style photograph; • Print confirmation page with barcode; • Provide details of travel plans, employment, and background] (Tip: Save your application ID to return and complete later if neededDouble-check all information before submittingKeep the confirmation page barcode for your interview)

Passport Photo

Recent digital photograph meeting US visa specifications • 51mm x 51mm (2x2 inches); • Taken within the last 6 months; • White or off-white background; • Full face visible, no glasses] (Tip: Use a professional photo service to ensure complianceRemove glasses even if you normally wear them)

Financial Documents

Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses • Bank statements from the last 6 months; • Should show stable balance and regular income; • Include savings accounts and fixed deposits; • Tax returns if self-employed] (Tip: Avoid large unexplained deposits before applyingEnsure statements show enough funds for accommodation, travel, and daily expensesInclude investment statements if applicable)

Employment Evidence

Documentation proving your employment status and income in Peru • Letter from employer on company letterhead; • Include position, salary, and length of employment; • Confirm approved leave dates for your trip; • Contact information for verification] (Tip: If self-employed, provide business registration (RUC) and recent invoicesStudents should get a letter from their educational institutionShow stable employment history to demonstrate ties to Peru)

Ties to Peru

Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to Peru after your visit • Property ownership documents; • Family certificates showing dependents; • Business ownership or commitments; • Educational enrollment if applicable] (Tip: This is crucial for approval, especially for first-time applicantsStrong ties significantly increase approval chancesShow property, family, career, or educational obligations)

Consular Interview

In-person interview at the US Embassy in Lima • Schedule appointment through ais.usvisa-info.com; • Bring DS-160 confirmation, passport, photo, and fee receipt; • Arrive early and follow security procedures; • Electronic devices are not permitted inside the embassy] (Tip: Practice answering questions about your travel purpose and ties to PeruBe honest and concise in your responsesDress professionally)

Optional documents

Travel Plans

Outline of your planned activities in the United States • General itinerary of places you plan to visit; • Approximate dates of travel; • Accommodation plans (hotel names or host information)] (Tip: Do not book non-refundable flights until visa is approvedIf visiting friends or family, include invitation letter with their immigration statusBe prepared to discuss your plans in the interview)

Comparison

Service	Cost
B1/B2 Visa Application	US$185
Visa Issuance (reciprocity)	US$0
Interview Waiver (if eligible)	US$185

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
40%	Weak Ties to Home Country
25%	Insufficient Financial Evidence
20%	Unconvincing Interview Responses
10%	Previous Immigration Issues
5%	Incomplete Documentation

40% - Weak Ties to Home Country

How to avoid: Show stable employment of 1+ years, property ownership, family dependents, business commitments, or educational enrollment. The more ties you demonstrate, the stronger your case.

25% - Insufficient Financial Evidence

How to avoid: Provide 6 months of bank statements showing consistent balance and regular income. Avoid depositing large sums just before applying. Include salary slips that match bank credits.

20% - Unconvincing Interview Responses

How to avoid: Practice clear, confident, and honest responses. Be specific about your travel plans. Do not memorize scripted answers. If nervous, take a breath and answer naturally.

10% - Previous Immigration Issues

How to avoid: Be honest about any previous issues. Explain what has changed in your circumstances since then. Provide evidence of compliance with visa rules in subsequent travels.

5% - Incomplete Documentation

How to avoid: Double-check all documents before your interview. Ensure dates, names, and details are consistent across your DS-160, employment letter, and bank statements.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?

The B1/B2 visa allows stays of up to 6 months per visit. The immigration officer at entry determines your specific allowed stay, which is stamped in your passport. Overstaying can result in future visa denials and entry bans.

How long is the US tourist visa valid for Peruvians?

B1/B2 visas for Peruvian citizens are typically issued with 10-year validity, allowing multiple entries during this period. However, each stay is limited to 6 months, and frequent long visits may raise concerns at immigration.

What is the current wait time for a US visa interview in Lima?

As of late 2026, the wait time for B1/B2 visa appointments at the US Embassy in Lima is approximately 365 days. Interview waiver (dropbox) appointments for qualified renewals may have shorter wait times of around 28 days.

Can I work on a US tourist visa?

No, the B1/B2 visa does not permit any form of paid or unpaid employment in the United States. Business activities are limited to meetings, conferences, and negotiations. For work, you need an appropriate work visa.

Do I need to show round-trip tickets for the interview?

No, you do not need to book flights before your visa interview. In fact, it is recommended not to make non-refundable travel arrangements until your visa is approved.

What if my US visa is refused?

If refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reason under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, typically meaning you did not demonstrate strong enough ties to Peru. You can reapply with additional documentation addressing the concerns.

Can I apply for interview waiver (dropbox)?

You may qualify for interview waiver if you previously held a US visa, it expired within the last 48 months, and you are applying for the same visa category. Check the embassy website for current eligibility requirements.

Apply for United States tourist visa online

Sources

U.S. Embassy Peru - Visa Services

https://pe.usembassy.gov/visas/

U.S. Department of State - B1/B2 Visitor Visa

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html

U.S. Visa Appointment Service Peru

https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-pe/niv

U.S. Department of State - Visa Fees

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html

At a glance