In a recently published agreement, the Mexican government announced that it will require Peruvian nationals intending to enter Mexico as visitors without permission to engage in paid activities to obtain a visa. This policy change, announced on Thursday, will become effective starting from April 20, 2024. However, it will not apply to Peruvians who hold a valid visa or permanent resident card from any country within the Schengen area.
This announcement reverses a policy in place since 2012 that had waived the visa requirement for Peruvian visitors not authorized to engage in paid activities within Mexico. This policy change appears to respond to an increase in Peruvian nationals entering Mexico to engage in activities unauthorized under their visitor status. The agreement indicates that part of this situation is reflected in immigration filters, where Mexican authorities have identified Peruvian visitors carrying inconsistent documentation.
The agreement outlines that the visa requirement is a temporary measure until safe, orderly, and regular migratory flows can be assured. In this context, Mexico promises joint actions with the Peruvian government to eventually allow the removal of the visa requirement.
However, this decision by Mexico has not been received well in Peru, whose Foreign Ministry issued a press release arguing that Mexico’s decision undermines efforts to improve bilateral relations. Furthermore, in response and applying the principle of reciprocity, Peru will impose a visa requirement on Mexican citizens wishing to visit Peru.
While this agreement might seem to be a response to migration concerns, it’s important to remember that diplomatic relations between Mexico and Peru have been tense. For instance, in December 2022, Peru expelled the Mexican ambassador in Lima after Mexico supported former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo—who was accused of attempting a failed coup. Further straining the relationship, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has reiterated his support for Castillo and has critiqued Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, referring to her as a “false president”.
This article is based on the information provided by JURIST – News.