UK tourists warned after 'state of emergency' declared by Foreign Office at holiday spot

Daily Record

6 days ago

The FCDO has updated the travel advice for the regions of Lima and Callao.
British tourists have been warned after a 'state of emergency' was declared in Peru following security issues. The Foreign Office issued the serious caution for the regions of Lima and Callao.
The FCDO said it will be in place until June 17, with holidaymakers being told to reconsider their travel plans.
‌
Posting on their website, the FCDO advised: "The Peruvian government has declared a State of Emergency until 17 June in the regions of Lima and Callao following security issues.
‌
"In Lima the measure applies to the following districts: Ate, Carabayllo, Comas, Puente Piedra, San Martín de Porres, San Juan de Lurigancho, Villa María del Triunfo and Villa El Salvador.
"This will see the police and army working together, and permit the restriction of some constitutional rights."
‌
The warning comes after weeks of escalating violence and crimes across Lima and its port city counterpart, Callao. This has been blamed on criminal groups who are known to target businesses such as transport companies, reports Birmingham Live.
With over 549 killings reported between January and mid-March, the country has reached a crisis point.
The FCDO has told travellers visiting Peru that the country's army and police are working together and are permitting the restriction of some constitutional rights.
‌
'For example, the police will be able to detain people without a judicial order if they deem it necessary,' the FCDO said.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The state of emergency was announced on Monday after President Dina Boluarte's government published a decree applying to Lima and neighbouring Callao.
‌
Travel and Tour World advised: "Peru is still a dream destination for many. But as British tourists consider their summer plans, realism must match the romance. Until conditions stabilise, avoiding Lima and Callao is not just recommended—it's essential.
"Stay tuned for updates. Monitor official channels. And if you're traveling to Peru, make your itinerary work for you—not against your safety."
Yesterday, a British tourist who was robbed and assaulted before vanishing in Peru was found.
‌
The fashion graduate travelled to Peru in March on a yoga retreat to "find herself," friends say.
However, Hannah lost contact with her friends there and thugs allegedly burned her possessions. She lost her phone, passport and was left penniless after she was attacked in the city of Cusco.
However, before she flies home, it is thought she will require psychiatric care. She initially refused to accept assistance, with psychosis triggered by the trauma of being violently robbed leaving her too frightened to engage closely with officials or locals.
A friend said: "It is a huge relief that she has been found, when she stopped contacting people we were worried she had been trafficked and we would never hear from her again."