If Peru is in your travel plans over the next few days, you may want to consider delaying your travel — or, at least, keep yourself updated as to the latest information pertaining to civil unrest in that country, as thousands of tourists and travelers are stranded across the country due to a network of road blocks, cancellations of flights, demonstrations, and protests by supporters of the president of that country as a result of his arrest and impeachment last month.
Civil Unrest in Peru: Travel Alert January 2023
Accused of criminal charges of rebellion and conspiracy, Pedro Castillo was removed from office as president of Peru back in December of 2022 after he allegedly attempted to dissolve the Congress of the Republic of Peru and install an emergency government — which lawmakers perceived as an attempted coup — and he is expected to remain in detention for approximately 18 months prior to his trial.
As many as 47 people have reportedly died in the civil unrest in Peru.
A Level 3 travel advisory for Peru was issued on Thursday, December 15, 2022 by the Bureau of Consular affairs, which is a division of the Department of State of the United States — specifically:
Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country. Public demonstrations can take place for a variety of political and economic issues. Demonstrations can cause the shutdown of local roads, trains, and major highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. Road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and airports and may disrupt travel both within and between cities.
This statement is from the official Internet web site of the United States Embassy in Peru:
Significant, sometimes violent, demonstrations and roadblocks continue in Puno. Puno is under a curfew from January 10-12 between the hours of 8:00 p.m.-4:00 a.m.
Demonstrations and roadblocks continue in the city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and surrounding areas. Demonstrators are attempting to block access to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco. Do not approach or attempt to drive around roadblocks. U.S. citizens should avoid crowds and follow the instructions of local authorities. The airport currently remains open for domestic and international flights, but please monitor the news and consult with your airlines about potential delays or cancellations.
The Consular Agency in Cusco will remain open while the security situation permits. For emergency services in Cusco, please reach out via email at CuscoACS@state.gov or call the U.S. Embassy in Lima at +51-1-618-2000.
The following airports are closed:
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- Juliaca, Inca Manco Capac International Airport (JUL)
- Ayacucho, Coronel FAP Alfredo Mendivil Duarte Airport (AYP)
- Andahuaylas Airport (ANS)
Flight Waivers, Delays and Cancellations
If you are traveling to, from, or within Peru over the next few days, expect delays and cancellations of flights. Keep up to date on the latest information pertaining to the civil unrest which may adversely affect your travel plans. Better yet, postponing or canceling your trip might be a better option — no matter which mode of travel you plan on taking.
If you have a flight scheduled, your flight may be delayed or canceled — and you may be eligible for a waiver of a fee to change your itinerary. If you are driving in any of these areas, watch out for deteriorating conditions and traffic problems.
Here are four airlines which have issued travel alerts as a result of this civil unrest:
- American Airlines has issued a travel alert for Lima for Tuesday, January 10, 2023 through Monday, January 16, 2023; and Thursday, January 26, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Delta Air Lines has issued a travel alert for Lima for Tuesday, January 10, 2023 through Monday, January 16, 2023; and Monday, January 23, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- United Airlines has issued a travel alert for Lima for Wednesday, December 14, 2022 through Monday, January 16, 2023; and Tuesday, January 31, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has issued a travel alert for Lima for Tuesday, January 10, 2023 through Monday, January 16, 2023; and Wednesday, January 18, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
Final Boarding Call
Be sure to contact your airline or transportation provider for the latest information pertaining to your travels — if they are adversely affected — and please: travel safely.
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