Mexico will temporarily reinstate the visa requirements for citizens of Peru, as announced by the Interior and Foreign Affairs ministries in a joint statement on April 6, 2024.
The temporary move follows an increase in the number of migrants from Peru, and it is expected to enter into force on April 20, 2024, VisaGuide.World reports.
In recent years, Mexico noted an “exponential increase” in the number of irregular migrants traveling through Mexico to North America. According to authorities, this situation has created “a social emergency.”
As further stated, there has been a significant rise in the number of Peruvians entering Mexico lately, following the unilateral decision made on November 9, 2012, to eliminate the visa requirement.
However, authorities said that several individuals are entering with intentions beyond those permitted for “visitors without permission to conduct remunerated activities” as outlined in Article 52 Section I of Mexico’s Immigration Law.
In order to protect the safety and well-being of those in a situation of human mobility, and to collaborate in the fight against human trafficking networks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Ministry of the Interior (Segob), has decided to temporarily reintroduce the visa requirement for Peruvian citizens with ordinary passports.
This Measure Aims to Protect Peruvian Travelers, Authorities Claim
As further stated, the biggest concern about migrants entering Mexico irregularly and traveling through is that they could seriously endanger their lives, health, and human rights. Moreover, they risk being arrested, detained, and sent back to their countries.
Therefore, authorities said this temporary policy will make sure Peruvian travelers do not endanger their lives, health, or human rights.
This decision will also help reduce the number of inadmissions of Peruvian nationals at points of entry into Mexico, since they will now have to obtain a visa beforehand.
Both ministries further noted that Mexico is committed to working with other nations to address factors that cause irregular migration and hinder regional development.
Mexico further commits to cooperation programs and to establishing safe and regular pathways for human migration, with special emphasis on labor mobility, with the aim of eliminating the need for visas in the future.
Peru Citizens Can Travel Visa-Free to 108 Countries
As of April 2024, the Peru passport ranks 54th according to the VisaGuide Passport Index. This implies that individuals holding a Peruvian passport can travel without visa to 108 countries worldwide.
On the other hand, Peruvian nationals need a visa in order to enter 54 different countries.