A political protest in Lima and southern Peru could extend to other parts of the country, the Foreign Office warned.
Planned for today (Wednesday), the action, called ‘Toma de Lima’, will restrict access to the centre of the South American country’s capital city.
Some train services in southern Peru, including Cusco and Puno, will be suspended as a precautionary measure, according to the updated travel advice.
More: Peru protest warning triggers new state of emergency
More airports shut as Peru protests spread [January 20]
“Access to the airport in Cusco will be restricted to passengers on foot only. Travel may be disrupted in different parts of Peru,” the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cautioned.
The FCDO reiterated that protests in Lima often have a focus in the historic centre, but can also spread to other areas. Other regions that have seen recent protests include Cusco, Arequipa and Puno.
“Political protests in Peru can lead to road blockades, suspension of train services, disruption in immigration services of land borders and airport closures – often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines, “ it added.
“Protests can be unpredictable, can include violence, and can spread and escalate quickly.
“Clashes between protestors and the security forces have resulted in casualties in the past, which included significant violent civil unrest in the Puno and Apurimac regions in December 2022 and January 2023.
“Local police and emergency services do not have the same capacity to respond to traveller emergencies in these regions as elsewhere in Peru.
“Where protests or criminal activity result in travel disruption or damage to infrastructure, the British government’s ability to provide consular support will be limited, as may that of local authorities, especially if infrastructure such as airports, roads and railroads are affected.”