Location: Peru (countrywide)
Peru (countrywide)
Event: Planned Demonstrations in Peru on July 19 (Issued July 17, 2023)
Anti-government protestors are planning demonstrations in multiple locations across Peru, including Lima, Puno, Cusco, and Ica, on Wednesday, July 19. In response, the Government of Peru declared a State of Emergency on the national road network and on regional road networks for 30 days, beginning July 14. A State of Emergency on the roads allows the Peruvian National Police and/or Peruvian Armed Forces to set up checkpoints and request documentation from travelers. Roads affected by the State of Emergency include the Apurimac-Cusco-Arequipa south road corridor, the south Interoceanic road corridor (which includes the Peru-Brazil border to Cusco, Arequipa and points south), the south Panamerican Highway (Lima and points south), and the Binational Highway (between Puno and Tacna). Other roads across the country may be affected with little or no warning.
Protests in Lima are likely to be concentrated in the historic city center, but may move to other areas around the city. Labor leaders in Cusco have called for a general strike in the Cusco region beginning July 19, and other cities and regions may do the same. At this time, organizers state that the strike is not intended to affect tourism in the Cusco area; however, travelers should be aware that tourist travel routes, including airports, were severely disrupted by strikes in December 2002, which continued sporadically from January to March 2023. A general strike, also of indefinite length, has been called for the Andahuaylas region as of July 14. This region saw significant violence during demonstrations earlier this year.
Actions to take:
- Avoid crowds and demonstrations.
- Do not interfere with or attempt to circumvent roadblocks; travelers have been injured doing so in the past.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Comply with instructions from the Peruvian National Police, Peruvian Armed Forces, and local authorities.
- Enroll in STEP to receive alerts and messaging from the U.S. Embassy in Lima.
For Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Lima, Peru
Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n
Santiago de Surco 15023, Lima
+51-1-618-2000
LimaACS@state.gov
https://pe.usembassy.gov - U.S. Consular Agency Cusco
Avenida El Sol 449
Cusco
CuscoACS@state.gov - State Department – Consular Affairs
+1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444 - Peru Country Information
- To receive alerts, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Need help? Email: CASTEP@state.gov.
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