Emergency Services

Arrest of American Citizens

Upon notification by Peruvian authorities, a Consular Officer will visit any U.S. citizen arrested in Peru to ascertain the arrestee's physical well being and conditions of arrest; provide information on legal procedures, including a list of attorneys; and, subject to Privacy Act restrictions, notify family or friends. However, Consular Officers CANNOT act as attorneys or legal representatives nor can they affect the release of arrested American citizens. A list of Peruvian attorneys who have indicated an interest in working with American citizens is available from Consular officials.

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Peru are subject to Peruvian laws and regulations. U.S. citizens should view any offer of free travel to Peru with extreme skepticism, including courier services. U.S. citizens should never transport anything back to the U.S. which is not their own. Anyone arrested on drug charges, regardless of nationality, suffers protracted pre-trial detention in poor prison conditions. Sentencing alone can take up to two years. Offers by drug traffickers to get "burriers" out of jail often prove to be false. When in Peru, you are NO LONGER subject to the jurisdiction of U.S. law. The penalties for possession, trafficking, or use of narcotics are severe.

Please see the State Department publications “Assistance to U.S. Citizens Arrested Abroad” and “Drugs Abroad”.