How to Open a Bank Account as a Tourist in Peru, October 2025
This guide explains your current options as a tourist with a valid passport, what banks commonly request, and practical tips to improve approval. Policies change frequently, confirm at a branch.
Table of Contents
Requirements for Tourists
- Valid passport and legal entry as a tourist, stay not expired.
- Proof of Peruvian address, for example a utility bill or lease, and a local phone number.
- Permit to Sign Contracts, “Permiso especial para firmar contratos”, commonly requested by banks.
Account Options in Peru
Option A, Traditional Banks, branch visit
What you may get: savings or checking in PEN, sometimes USD or EUR, debit card, online banking. Many products still require a Carné de Extranjería, some specific products accept a passport with tourist status.
Scotiabank Perú
Often requires CE for standard savings, some products, for example a Euro account, may accept passport, Migraciones stamp or letter, and a utility bill. Bring the contract-signing permit.
Interbank
Public pages mention DNI or CE for several accounts, branch managers may apply SBS 2025 rules for a basic account with a passport. Confirm at a main branch.
BBVA Perú
Foreigners may be asked for passport or visa, proof of residence, and references. Acceptance varies by product and branch.
BCP, Banco de Crédito del Perú
No clear passport-only path online for standard accounts, in-branch decisions may rely on SBS basic-account rules. Bring passport, proof of address, Peru phone, and the permit.
Option B, SBS “Basic” Bank Accounts
Since March 2025, banks may open a basic account with a passport. These accounts have simpler onboarding and transaction limits. Ask for a “cuenta básica” and reference the SBS update. Availability depends on implementation at each bank.
Option C, Simplified E-Money Accounts
E-money issuers can open simplified wallets with a passport. Practical caveat, some apps still ask for a Peruvian DNI or CE. These are useful for daily payments and transfers, they may not give you a full bank CCI in your name.
Permit to Sign Contracts
How to get it for free, official process
- Enter the Migraciones Digital Agency and select “Permiso para firmar contratos”.
- Apply with your passport and a valid tourist stay, download the PDF when approved, often immediate, typically valid up to 30 days.
Get help from DR DOCUMENTS
Service Fee: US$20
Contact DR DOCUMENTS on WhatsApp
Tips to Improve Approval
- Visit a large flagship branch and ask specifically for a cuenta básica, reference the March 2025 SBS update.
- Bring originals, passport, printed permit PDF, address proof, and a local phone number.
- If one branch declines, try another branch or manager, policy application can vary.
Common Outcomes by Bank, October 2025
- Standard savings account: commonly needs CE, exceptions depend on branch or product.
- Basic account: can be opened with a passport where implemented.
- Foreign-currency niche accounts: some list passport, Migraciones letter or stamp, and utility bill as acceptable for non-CE clients.
- E-money wallet: passport allowed by regulation, app onboarding may still ask for DNI or CE.
FAQs
Can I open it 100% online?
Usually no for tourists, most banks require you to appear in person for onboarding.
Do I need the Carné de Extranjería?
For many standard products yes, for basic or certain accounts a passport can work if the bank implemented the SBS rule.
Is the permit mandatory?
Not a universal law for all accounts, however many branches request it to let tourists sign account contracts, it is free and quick, or DR DOCUMENTS can assist for US$20.
Useful Links
SBS 2025 ID options Migraciones, contract permit Scotiabank savings Scotiabank Euro account Interbank checking BBVA for foreigners
Last checked, October 7, 2025, Lima. Bring originals and copies, banks may ask for extra KYC.