Canada Issues New Travel Alert For Peru As Tourists Face Increased Safety Risks In Lima And Callao With Expanded Warnings For Border Zones
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Canada has issued a new travel alert for Peru in response to the Peruvian government’s declaration of a state of emergency in key districts of Lima and Callao, citing escalating public safety concerns. The advisory urges Canadian travelers to exercise heightened caution due to temporary security measures in the capital region and warns against non-essential travel to several other provinces experiencing instability. With restrictions in place until July 16, 2025, and increased risks in border areas and remote regions, the Canadian government aims to ensure that travelers remain informed, cautious, and compliant with local regulations during this period of elevated tension.
Canada Issues Updated Travel Advisory for Peru Amid State of Emergency in Lima and Callao
Canada has released a newly updated travel advisory for Peru following the Peruvian government’s decision to impose a state of emergency in select districts within the provinces of Lima—home to the nation’s bustling capital—and the neighboring port province of Callao. The emergency declaration, which is set to remain in effect until July 16, 2025, has prompted Canadian authorities to call on travelers to exercise heightened caution, especially in areas identified as security hotspots.
Peru, a nation renowned for its breathtaking sites such as Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley, remains a top tourist destination in South America. Yet, the current advisory serves as a critical reminder that even bucket-list locations are not immune to shifting security concerns.
Why Has Canada Issued a Travel Advisory for Peru?
The updated advisory stems primarily from the Peruvian government’s imposition of a localized state of emergency, citing rising crime and public safety concerns. Though the declaration doesn’t cover the entirety of Lima or Callao, it targets several high-risk districts known for elevated crime rates. During this period, the affected zones will see increased military and police presence, with temporary restrictions on movement and public gatherings.
Canada has assigned Peru a yellow alert status, urging its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” throughout the country. The advisory also goes further, urging travelers to avoid non-essential travel to a range of high-risk areas, particularly in border and remote regions.
Districts Affected by the State of Emergency
The following districts in Lima and Callao are currently under a formal state of emergency until July 16:
| Province | Districts Under State of Emergency |
|---|---|
| Lima | Ate, Carabayllo, Comas, Puente Piedra, San Juan de Lurigancho, San Martín de Porres, Villa María del Triunfo, Villa el Salvador |
| Callao | Entire province |
Travelers visiting or residing in these districts are strongly advised to:
- Always carry valid identification
- Avoid transporting passengers on motorcycles
- Monitor local media for updates
- Strictly follow instructions from local authorities
While such emergency declarations are not uncommon in Peru, they are more frequently issued near the borders with Ecuador and Colombia. The inclusion of districts in Lima and Callao underscores a growing concern for urban security in densely populated areas.
Canadian Government’s ‘Avoid Non-Essential Travel’ Designations
Beyond Lima and Callao, Canada’s travel advisory highlights a number of regions across Peru where tourists should refrain from non-essential travel due to threats such as organized crime, terrorism, and civil unrest. These areas include:
| Department | Provinces/Districts |
|---|---|
| San Martín | Huallaga, Tocache |
| Huánuco | Upper Huallaga Valley, Huacaybamba, Humalíes, Leoncio Prado, Marañón |
| Ucayali | Padre Abad |
| Junín | Concepción, Satipo |
| Huancavelica | Tayacaja |
| Apurímac | Abancay, Andahuaylas, Chincheros |
| Ayacucho | Huanta, La Mar |
| Multiple | Valley of Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro rivers (VRAEM region) |
These areas are plagued by varying degrees of violence, including armed raids, drug trafficking operations, extortion networks, and guerrilla activity. Travelers are cautioned that government control may be limited in some of these remote zones, making law enforcement response slower or even inaccessible in emergencies.
Border Areas Present Additional Risks
Canada’s advisory also draws attention to specific risks near Peru’s borders with Colombia and Ecuador. The guidelines recommend avoiding travel within 20 kilometers of the borders for the following reasons:
- Colombia: The presence of illegal armed groups and drug trafficking networks poses a serious risk, particularly in jungle and mountainous regions.
- Ecuador: There are ongoing concerns about landmines and potential armed confrontations in the Cordillera del Cóndor region.
These advisories are particularly important for adventure travelers or backpackers venturing into off-the-beaten-path locations, where official border demarcations may be unclear and conditions may change quickly.
What Canadian Travelers Should Do
For those currently in Peru—or planning to travel soon—Canadian authorities advise a series of precautionary steps:
- Register with the Government of Canada’s travel registration service to receive real-time updates.
- Stay informed via local news outlets and official government channels.
- Avoid nighttime travel and areas with limited police presence.
- Use authorized taxis or ride-share apps, and avoid displaying valuables in public.
- Keep friends and family informed of your whereabouts and expected return times.
The Canadian government emphasizes that travelers are ultimately responsible for their own safety and decisions, especially in regions marked by civil unrest or criminal activity.
Other Travel Advisories Recently Updated by Canada
Peru isn’t the only country under scrutiny. Canada has recently revised travel advisories for several other nations, reflecting both rising tensions and improved conditions globally. For instance:
- Mexico: Travelers are urged to avoid certain states due to organized crime and civil unrest.
- The Philippines: Canada has issued a cautionary advisory for Western Mindanao due to terrorism threats.
- Safe Destinations: On a more positive note, travel advisories for countries such as Japan, Rwanda, Panama, and Slovenia have been refreshed with a “normal precautions” rating, signaling stable environments for tourism.
Peru remains an extraordinary destination, blending rich history with stunning landscapes. However, current events require travelers to stay vigilant and informed. Whether exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu or strolling through the vibrant streets of Lima, adhering to official advisories can make all the difference between a safe journey and one riddled with complications.
Canada has issued a new travel alert for Peru due to a state of emergency declared in Lima and Callao, driven by growing public safety concerns. The advisory also warns against non-essential travel to several high-risk regions amid increased instability and government-imposed restrictions.
By closely monitoring updates from Global Affairs Canada and exercising sensible caution, travelers can still enjoy the beauty Peru has to offer—while staying safe and prepared.
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