New state of emergency declared in Peru amid further political unrest

According to the UK Foreign Office, which has updated its travel advisory to the country to reflect the protests, demonstrations will take place in Lima and the south of the country and could extend to other areas.

It comes following months of political unrest with altercations between protestors and local authorities resulting in casualties in the past, including significant violent civil unrest in the Puno and Apurimac regions in December 2022 and January 2023.

Political protests can lead to road blockades, suspension of train services, disruption in immigration services of land borders and airport closures – often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines, the FCDO said.

"Protests can be unpredictable, can include violence, and can spread and escalate quickly," a spokesperson added.  "Local police and emergency services do not have the same capacity to respond to traveller emergencies in these regions as elsewhere in Peru.’

Where protests or criminal activity result in travel disruption or damage to infrastructure, the British government’s ability to provide consular support will be limited, the FCDO explained, as may that of local authorities, especially if infrastructure such as airports, roads and railroads are affected.

In Lima protests often have a focus in the historic centre, but can also spread to other areas. Other areas that have seen recent protests include Cusco, Arequipa and Puno.