What can you bring through customs in Peru?

Its own customs territory

Peru allows personal goods within an allowance, checks food, plants and animals, and does not allow archaeological and other cultural objects to leave the country.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

Rules change, and customs officers enforce them. This page describes how the rules are built, not the amounts, which change often. For the exact allowance, limit or banned list that applies to you, use the official customs authority below, and when in doubt, declare. This is general information, not legal advice.

Personal allowance for goods

Travellers have an allowance for personal belongings and gifts, and goods above it are taxed.

Alcohol and tobacco

Adults have allowances for alcohol and tobacco for personal use.

Food, plants and animals

Food, plants and animals are controlled by the agricultural health service and may need certificates or be refused.

Cash and valuables

Cash above a set amount must be declared on entry and exit.

Medicines and banned items

Bring medicines in original packaging with a prescription. Illegal drugs, weapons and counterfeit goods are banned. Archaeological, historical and other cultural heritage cannot be exported without authorisation.

What to watch for

Check the customs authority's current rules before you travel; allowances and banned items change.

Understand the legal system first

Peru belongs to the Civil law family. Customs law is made by the state, so it is useful to know how the legal system works.

Read the Peru legal-system profile in the Legal Families Atlas →

Official sources

SUNAT, national tax and customs authority of Peru

TheLawToKnow Tools’s customs guide is an educational overview of general rules. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the customs authority’s own information. Report a mistake.