Marriage in Peru
Local authorities usually require that single U.S. citizens marrying in Peru present a sworn statement (known locally as a certificado de solteria) stating that they are legally free to marry in Peru. This document can be prepared by American Citizen Services at the Embassy and must be signed in front of and notarized by a Consular official. Divorced U.S. citizens will need to present an official copy of their divorce decree.
U.S. citizens are also usually required to provide a legalized copy of their birth certificate to local officials, which must be translated into Spanish. The American Citizen Services section does not provide translation services, but can provide a list of local translation services. American Citizen Services can also make certified true copies of legal documents from certain states (click here for more information on certified true copies). However, American Citizen Services strongly recommends that U.S. citizens intending to marry in Peru obtain all necessary legal documents, such as birth certificates and divorce records, while in the United States and have them authenticated by a Peruvian Consul in the U.S. before traveling to Peru.
If not previously authenticated by a Peruvian Consul in the U.S., the U.S. documents must be legalized in Peru by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Marriage in Peru is performed according to the Peruvian law, and specific questions on the process should be addressed to a Peruvian attorney or local authorities.
In order to reside in or travel to the United States, Peruvian citizens are required to have a passport with the appropriate U.S. visa. Please see the Immigrant Visa or Nonimmigrant Visa sections for more information.