Lima Airport – Updated Information 2018

 

If you are planning to travel to Peru, then we are sure that you will find this page to be very helpful. We have put together the most relevant information about the Lima airport to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Lima Airport general information

Jorge Chávez International Airport is the main one in Peru. Since 2001 it has been managed by the company Lima Airport Partners. Although it might be considered small compared to international airports in America and Europe (it has only one terminal), it is still one of the most modern, well organized and awarded of the region. “Best South American Airport Staff 2013” and “Best Airport in South America 2014” by Skytrax World Airports Awards and “South American Leading Airport 2013” by the World Travel Awards just to name a few. In 2001 it was privatized and given to Lima Airport Partnersand is now managed by Lima Airport Partners (LAP).

 

Where is Lima International airport?

It is located in the district of Callao, 7 miles (11 km) from the center of Lima and about 14 miles (22 km) from the most important districts. Because of the traffic in the city, it might take an average of 50 minutes by car from your hotel in Miraflores, San Isidro or Barranco.

Lima Airport arrivals

During your flight you will be given two forms to fill out.

1. “Andean Migration Card” (TAM): Fill out your personal data and after disembarking hand it together with your passport to the immigration checkpoint. Peru does not require a visa for most countries, although there are a handful of exceptions and it is better if you double check at your local consulate. The upper part of the TAM card stays with immigrations; the slip will be handed back to you. Make sure to keep it in a very safe place as you will need it to leave the country. If you lose your TAM card, you can go to the Peru’s Immigration Office to get a duplicate or you can also pay a fee for the loss of it when you are leaving Peru.

2. Baggage Declaration Form: You will receive one form per family. After picking up your luggage, you should head towards customs. You will see one line forming right in front of the only exit gate to the arrival area. Upon handing over your customs form you will be asked to press a button that randomly turns red or green. Green indicates you are good to go. Red indicates you will be sent to secondary inspection.

The whole procedure, from landing until leaving the airport should take between 40 to 120 minutes depending on how busy the airport is when you arrive.

 

Where can I exchange money?

It is always recommendable to exchange or withdraw some money upon arrival for your first days in Lima. Money exchange service is available 24/7 for the following currencies:  American Dollar, Peruvian Sol, Sterling Pounds, Euro, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, among others. However, exchange rates are often a bit better in Miraflores area.

Getting from Lima airport to Miraflores

If this will be your first time in Peru we highly recommend arranging a transfer in advance. This way, your driver will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it. If you do not have a pick-up arranged you will find a few private transportation options. However, official taxis are recommended, since taxis outside the airport are informal and not the safest option. Within the arrival area you the different taxi companies available.

 

Leaving the country

Once you have passed through customs, you will move onto the arrival area. This is probably the most confusing part of the entire process of leaving the airport. Depending on the time of the day, you are likely to find hundreds of people waiting for their relatives and friends as well as a good number of taxi drivers and travel agency representatives doing the same with their passengers.

1. Check-in. Approach the check-in desks in the center of the first floor right after entering the terminal. For international flights make sure to be there 3 hours in advance. If you are taking a domestic flight, be there 2 hours in advance.

2. Security control & Customs. After your check-in you can proceed to the second level where you can find the public shopping area and food court. This area is free to anyone. Behind the food court, you will arrive to the security control for both international and domestic flights. Make sure you allow up to 30 minutes to pass through security as it can get busy. Once you make it through customs, check the screens for your flight find your gate and wait within that area.