MEDICAL CARE

There are no obligatory vaccinations to enter Peru, although it is advisable to seek medical advice for Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid. Yellow Fever vaccination is encouraged, and is obligatory if visiting Peru from certain countries (e.g. Australia, Thailand, Brazil) - you will need to show international certification of vaccination in order to gain re-entry to your home country. Anti-malarial medication is generally not needed, unless a visit to the northern jungle is planned. Other tropical and infectious diseases are avoidable, as long as common sense is used and good hygiene is maintained. 

Tap water in Lima is heavily chlorinated, but best avoided for drinking. Only boiled water or bottled proprietary drinks should be considered safe for consumption. All fruit and vegetables should be washed and peeled before being eaten. Care should be taken to avoid certain raw foods that can cause upset stomachs due to unsanitary watering (e.g. strawberries, lettuce) unless grown hydroponically using guaranteed safe water. You should not eat from roadside stalls, or from places where food has been standing, refrigerated or not, for any period of time. 

Accidents can and do occur in all parts of the world. World-class, but expensive medical and dental attention is available at clinics and hospitals in the capital, which is why good medical insurance coverage is essential. Insurance cards, signed claims forms, and a letter of authorisation for medical treatment and anesthesia must be provided on arrival.

Medical information given here is for advice only, and is certainly not authoritative. Please seek professional medical advice from your own doctor well in advance of your visit to Peru.