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What Type of Visa Can I Use to Teach English in Peru?
Written by: International TEFL Academy
Last Updated: December 18, 2020
Interested in teaching English in Peru? You're in the right place! Visas are an important part of planning your adventure overseas, so you want to make sure you're familiar with the process before you head abroad. The following is the most common type of visa that can be obtained for teaching English in Peru.
The type of visa you'll need in Peru (and how you get that visa) will depend on your nationality, teaching job and perhaps other factors like whether you get your job in advance of your arrival, or if you get hired locally in Peru. Be sure to speak to an International TEFL Academy Advisor by calling 773-634-9900 to discuss your specific questions and concerns about your visa for teaching English in Peru.
Nitty Gritty Facts About Visas For Teaching English in Peru:
Name: Tourist Visa
Cost: No fee
Documents: Valid passport
Length: 30 – 183 days. Because the length of the visa is determined by the customs agent, try asking for the full 183 days on your initial entry to avoid having to border hop to Chile or Ecuador. Border hopping will not grant you more than 183 total days out of 365. Overstaying this limit may result in fines (currently $1USD per day.)
Since the Peru consulate sites can be down, visit Travel.State.Gov for visa requirements. Otherwise, keep checking back here.
The Process For Obtaining a Visa to Teach English in Peru:
The process for obtaining a tourist visa in Peru is extremely straightforward for U.S. citizens, you just land in Peru and your tourist visa is issued at the airport upon arrival.
Most commonly in Latin America, Peru included, tourist visas are the norm therefore teachers border hop so they can stay for an extended period of time. The standard visa procedure in these regions is teaching on a tourist visa while “border hopping,” which basically means that you are crossing over a border to another country to get a new visa.
Once in Peru, you’ll be issued a stamp, or tourist visa, typically good for 90 days.
Before that 90 days expires you'll 'border hop,' meaning take a train, plane, or automobile, to a neighboring country to “renew” your tourist visa when you re-enter. For example, many teachers in Peru will cross the border into Ecuador or Chile for a weekend excursion, or even just for lunch, then head back home to Peru with a fresh 90 days on his/her tourist visa.
While it may seem to be a bit of an inconvenience, many view this as an opportunity to travel and explore nearby countries!
Be sure to talk with your ITA Advisor about visas before you head overseas to Peru or enroll in your TEFL Class.
International TEFL Academy
Founded in 2010, International TEFL Academy is a world leader in TEFL certification for teaching English abroad & teaching English online. ITA offers accredited TEFL certification classes online & in 25 locations worldwide and has received multiple awards & widespread recognition as one of the best TEFL schools in the world. ITA provides all students and graduates with lifetime job search guidance. ITA has certified more than 25,000 English teachers and our graduates are currently teaching in 80 countries worldwide.
Want to Learn More About Teaching English Abroad?
Request a free brochure or call 773-634-9900 to speak with an expert advisor about all aspects of TEFL certification and teaching English abroad or online, including the hiring process, salaries, visas, TEFL class options, job placement assistance and more.
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