Peru (Republic of)

Peru (Republic of)

History of Relations

Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Peru were established in 1994. Formal representation was resumed in July 1993 at the request of the Peruvian Government. Peru decided to open an Embassy in South Africa, and Peru's first Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Jorge Valdez Corillo, arrived in South Africa on 11 January 1994. South Africa re-opened an Embassy in Peru in January 1998.

The South African Government intends to strengthen bilateral relations in all areas of cooperation. Trade has increased substantially in a very short time and special attention is being given to the mining sector because of South Africa's expertise in this field and the fact that Peru is a mining country.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Aziz Pahad visited Lima in May 1997 and held discussions with Peruvian authorities. Dr B Pityana, Chairperson of the SA Human Rights Commission, visited Lima to attend the International Council on Human Rights Policy Conference held in Lima from 2 - 4 October 1998.

A Peruvian delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr H Palma, attended the Non-Aligned Summit in Durban in September 1998.

Minister Lindiwe Sisulu attended the inauguration of President Alejandro Toledo on 28 July 2001.

Minister Essop Pahad visited Peru to attend the Group of Action of Like-minded Megadiverse Countries in November 2002.

Reverend Bongane Finca visited Peru in June 2003 on invitation of the Chairperson of the Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Peru

H E Ms R N Rasmeni
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

South African Embassy

TIME DIFFERENCE WITH SA
- 7 hours (winter and summer)

Peru Representation in South Africa

H E Mr J F Rubio Correa
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Embassy of the Republic of Peru

Tel: 012 342-2390

Travel Info

Visa requirements for South Africans:

For more information contact the Embassy of the Republic of Peru in South Africa.

Visa Requirements for Peruvian citizens visiting South Africa

For more information contact any South African Embassy. SA Embassy in Lima, Peru.

Travel Advisory on illegal activities abroad

South African citizens travelling abroad are strongly advised to take care not to become involved in activities which may be, or are, illegal in foreign countries. Please remember, once you leave South Africa, you are not protected by South African laws and constitutional rights. If you are arrested abroad, the South African Government cannot get you out of prison or demand your release. At most, your government can intercede with local authorities to try and ensure that your rights under the laws of the country in which you were arrested are fully observed. It can also attempt to ensure that you are treated humanely, i.e., according to those international agreements to which the country in which you have been arrested, has acceded.

Please note that the South African Government views crimes - particularly those involving illegal drugs, mercenary activities, the traffic in humans or small arms or the abuse of women and children - in a most serious light.

Health requirements:

Yellow Fever and Malaria precautions are necessary if travelling to some inter-Andean valleys and the Amazonian jungle.

Hepatitis B if travelling in the Amazon.

Tetanus - immunisation recommended if more than two years have passed since last innoculation.

For further information go to Travelers' Health.

Climate Info

Winter - May to September. Summer - Oct to Apr. Summers are wetter and winters are dryer. Andes mountains climate cooler, jungle climate more humid, coastal climate dryer/desertic.

For up-to-date weather information click here.

Currency Info

The monetary unit is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol (new sol) (PEN), introduced in July 1991.

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

No Information

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) at 012 351 1000.

Trade Info

Most important trade items:

SA Imports: Textiles, textile articles, frozen fish, fish by-products, minerals and mineral products.

SA Exports: Base metals and articles of base metal; paper-making material, paper, paperboard, capital equipment (mining equipment, mining sercives and ammonia nitrate for mining purposes.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Peru, visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa.

Interest Groups and Information

No Information