Last year, almost 84,000 Peruvians obtained a non-immigrant visa -intended for travelers to the United States who wish to visit, work or study for a temporary period, reported the U.S. embassy in Lima.
The Embassy also granted more than 5,100 immigrant visas to residents of Peru. According to the diplomatic mission, most of the visa applicants that they interview there each day receive a visa to the United States.
“We have granted visas to Peruvians from every region and we are thrilled that the many tourist destinations, business opportunities, and cultural experiences found in the United States continue to attract so much interest,” the Embassy’s spokespersons pointed out.
According to U.S. Consul General Elizabeth C. Power, the consular section aims to review each visa application in accordance with immigration laws and regulations, and to treat each visa applicant efficiently and with respect.
The National Migration Superintendent's office reports that a total of 185,645 Peruvians traveled to the United States between January and August 2014. Meanwhile, 175,833 came back home from America in the same period.
On the one hand, the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI) estimated that one out of ten travelers departing from the Jorge Chavez International Airport heads to the American nation; which shows the strength of economic, cultural and family bonds between the two nations.
On the other hand, Foreign Minister Gonzalo Gutiérrez claims that in September this year his office started the process to allow Peruvian citizens to travel to the United States without a visa.
He said the process runs in parallel to the government’s efforts to eliminate the visa requirement for Peruvians to visit the Schengen Area in Europe.
(END) LZD/RRC/RMB
Published: 10/6/2014