Australia’s Smartraveller portal updated its Peru travel advisory on 16 July 2026, maintaining an “exercise a high degree of caution” rating and confirming that an active state of emergency is in force across Lima and Callao, with armed forces now deployed alongside police on the capital’s streets.
What the State of Emergency Means for Travellers
The emergency declaration covers Lima and its adjacent port district, Callao - which includes Jorge Chávez International Airport. Under the order, armed forces operate with expanded authority alongside national police. The tourist neighbourhoods of Miraflores and Barranco fall within the Lima metropolitan zone covered by the emergency but have not been identified as specific flashpoints.
The US Embassy in Lima separately urged American travellers to remain vigilant as crime levels in the capital continue to rise. The cumulative picture from both advisories is one of an elevated security environment in Lima, not an acute evacuation situation.
Practical steps for anyone in or transiting Lima right now:
- Avoid all public demonstrations and large crowds - even those that appear peaceful can escalate or disrupt transport
- Use only licensed taxis or registered ride-share apps; do not hail taxis from the street
- Keep hotel staff informed of your movements and plans
- Confirm road access to Jorge Chávez Airport before departing, particularly on days with political activity near the centre
Does This Affect the Rest of Peru?
The state of emergency is specific to Lima and Callao. Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Arequipa, and other tourist regions are outside the affected zone and continue to operate normally for visitors.
The key caveat is Lima’s role as a transit hub: virtually all international flights to Peru arrive at Jorge Chávez. Travellers connecting through Lima to domestic destinations should build in extra time and verify conditions on the day of travel. Our Lima guide covers the city’s layout, transport options, and which areas to stay in.
Domestic Flights Continue
Domestic routes from Lima to Cusco, Arequipa, Puno, Iquitos, and other cities are operating. Disruptions so far have centred on road access during demonstrations rather than airport operations. We recommend checking government advisory pages directly and allowing additional time when travelling to or from the airport.
Ensure your travel insurance covers political unrest and travel disruption before arriving in Lima. We will update this article as the situation develops.