UK FCDO updates Peru travel advice ahead of papal visit and Cusco Airport closure
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office updated its travel advice for Peru on 6 November 2026. The update warns travellers of disruptions expected during a visit by Pope Leo XIV from 11 to 16 November 2026. Anyone planning to visit Peru during this window faces increased security measures, road closures, traffic delays, and large public crowds. Crucially, Cusco Airport will close completely on 15 November 2026 between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm local time, which will affect regional flights and itineraries around popular sites like Machu Picchu. The issuing body advises passengers to check directly with their airlines before travelling. The FCDO also continues to advise against all but essential travel to specific regions, including parts of the northern border area near Colombia and the VRAEM river valley. Travelling to restricted zones can invalidate standard travel insurance policies, leaving travellers unprotected against emergency expenses.
What was announced
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office updated its Peru guidance on 6 November 2026. The main addition alerts travellers to Pope Leo XIV's visit to Peru between 11 and 16 November 2026.
During these six days, visitors should prepare for road closures, heightened security, traffic delays, and dense crowds at public events. On 15 November 2026, Cusco Airport will close from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm local time. The office urges travellers to confirm flight details with their airlines.
The announcement also restated existing safety warnings. The foreign office advises against all but essential travel to the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers, known as the VRAEM region. It also warns against non-essential travel to areas within 20 kilometres south of the Putumayo River along the border with Colombia. Exceptions include the Amazon River and a section of the triple border near Caballococha and Santa Rosa de Yavari.
What it means
For British tourists and business travellers, the advice highlights immediate logistical hurdles in mid-November. Cusco is the primary entry point for visitors heading to Machu Picchu. The temporary eight-hour shutdown of Cusco Airport on 15 November will disrupt flight schedules and local transport bookings.
Ignoring official warnings carries financial risk. If you travel to regions flagged as unsafe, such as the VRAEM area, standard travel insurance policies usually become void. That leaves policyholders responsible for medical care, rescue costs, or ticket rebooking fees out of pocket.
What the announcement does not tell us
The guidance leaves several practical details unanswered. It does not list specific cities or public venues Pope Leo XIV will visit outside of the implied activity in Cusco.
It does not state which airlines are adjusting their schedules or whether carriers will offer free flight rebooking for affected passengers on 15 November.
Finally, the advisory does not explain the specific security threats in the VRAEM region or the Colombian border area that triggered the travel warnings.
How this was written
This analysis was written with AI from the official announcement below, using only facts that announcement states. The quoted wording is UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice’s own. Always check the original before acting on anything here.
New information about Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Peru from 11-16 November, including increased security measures and travel disruption (’Warnings and insurance’ page).
Opens www.gov.uk
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