Interpol –
Ficha de Canje Internacional

All foreigners applying for a temporary or resident visa in Peru must first complete the Interpol background check and obtain the Ficha de Canje Internacional. You cannot start any Cambio de calidad migratoria whether from a tourist stay, a temporary visa, or one resident visa type to another until this step is done.

What is it?

Ficha de Canje Internacional

The Ficha de Canje Internacional is a document issued by Interpol confirming that a person is not an internationally wanted fugitive and does not have an International Wanted Persons Notice.

Despite common belief, getting the Ficha de Canje is usually a straightforward process as long as you know how it works, can access the online appointment system, and manage to find an available time slot.

Please note: The Ficha de Canje issued by Interpol in Peru is different from the criminal background checks (antecedentes policiales, penales, y judiciales) issued in your home country. Migraciones requires both documents when applying for residence visas in Peru. 

Interpol Locations:

• Interpol office in Lima: Av. Manuel Olguin block 6, Monterrico, Surco
• Interpol office in Arequipa: Seguridad de Estado, Calle San Francisco 214, Arequipa
• Interpol office in Chiclayo: Segunda Macro región Policial, Calle Manco Capac 205, Chiclayo
• Interpol office in Cusco: Complejo Policial 6 de Diciembre, Av. 28 de Julio, Wanchaq, Cusco
• Interpol office in Piura: Division de Investigación Criminal, Complejo Policial Carretera Panamericana Piura-Sullana km 2.5
• Interpol office in Trujillo: Com. Policial Cap, Calle Toribio Mogrovejo 370, Urb. San Andres, Trujillo

Required documents for your Interpol clearance

• Application form (provided at the Interpol office)
• Printed appointment confirmation
• Passport
• Photocopy of the passport photo/information page (1 copy)
• Entry stamp or printed TAM Virtual.
• Passport photos (taken for free at Interpol)
• Payment receipt for Interpol clearance.
  
  • Code 08141}
  • Fee: S/ 31.50 (as of 2025)
  • Bring the printed receipt and a copy
  • Black pen (dont forget one)
    

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Extra documents if applying for a family visa

• If married to a Peruvian:
  • Copy of Peruvian marriage certificate
  • Copy of spouse’s DNI
  • Bring originals if possible
    
• If married to a foreigner with residency:
  • Marriage certificate with Apostille + Spanish translation
  • Copy of spouse’s carné
  • Bring originals if possible
    

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Extra documents sometimes requested for other visa types

• Work visa: copy of work contract
• Retirement visa: copy of pension letter
• Student visa: enrollment certificate or official university letter
• Any document proving the basis of your visa application
  

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Additional requirements by nationality

For U.S. citizens

Bring ONE of the following:

• International money order (“Giro sobre el exterior” or “Giro Miami”)
  • Amount: USD $18.00
  • Payable to: “The Treasury of the USA”
    Get it at any BCP branch + bring a copy (by any branch, I mean technically ALL BCP branches should be able to do this, but you will spend a lot of time trying to find one with an employee trained in this particular process or one that is even willing to do it. You also need to take someone who has a BCP Dollars account)
    OR
    
• FBI background check with Apostille + Spanish translation + copy
  

For Canadian citizens

Bring ONE of the following:

• International money order (“Giro sobre el exterior”)
  • Amount: CAD $26.75
  • Payable to: “The Receiver General for Canada”}
  • Get at BCP + bring a copy  (by any branch, I mean technically ALL BCP branches should be able to do this, but you will spend a lot of time trying to find one with an employee trained in this particular process or one that is even willing to do it. You also need to take someone who has a BCP Dollars account)
    
    OR
    
• RCMP certified background check with Apostille + translation + copy
  

For Australian citizens

Bring ONE of the following:

• International money order (“Giro sobre el exterior”)
  • Amount: AUD $99.00
  • Payable to: “The Australian Federal Police”
  • Get at BCP + bring a copy  (by any branch, I mean technically ALL BCP branches should be able to do this, but you will spend a lot of time trying to find one with an employee trained in this particular process or one that is even willing to do it. You also need to take someone who has a BCP Dollars account)
    
    OR
    
• AFP National Police Clearance Certificate (NPC)
  
  • Must cover ALL states/territories

With Apostille + translation + copy

The Money Order Mystery (aka: Peru’s Greatest Side Quest)

Please note: Technically, the money order is still listed as a requirement for Interpol.
But since July 2024, the Interpol offices in Lima and Arequipa have relaxed a bit and will often accept
or even prefer your:

• FBI Criminal Record Check
• RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check
• AFP National Police Clearance Certificate (NPC)
  

…as long as they’re apostilled, translated, and copied.
(Which you have to do for your visa anyway, so hey two birds, one stressful errand.)

This is great news because obtaining the money order in Peru has always been like trying to catch a rare Pokémon.. possible, but only if the stars align and you have incredible luck.

What It’s Supposed to Be Called (and What It’s Actually Called)

If you want to be extra safe or if the Interpol office insists, you can still try to get the money order.

Official name: Giro sobre el exterior
BCP name: Giro Miami
Real-life name: Good luck, you’ll need it.

The BCP Adventure (A Choose-Your-Own-Despair Story)

According to official sources, you can get this money order at any BCP branch.

This is adorable. And false.

Here’s what actually happens:

• Some branches: “We have never heard of this in our lives.”
• Other branches: “We only issue that for VIP clients with dollar accounts and maybe a blood sacrifice.”
• Lima branches: “Money order? In this economy? No.”
  (Because Lima Interpol stopped requiring it so no one wants to deal with it anymore.)

The two BCP branches I have had success at were 

• Av. Jose Prado 425 Miraflores 
• C. Morelli 185 San Borja

Either way you go, be prepared for confused looks and calling for a supervisor. I recommend showing them the photo of the check in this document. You may have to visit multiple branches to find success. You will also need to take someone who has a BCP dollars account. 

But travelers have reported rare sightings:

• Cusco: One brave adventurer successfully summoned a money order at the BCP on Av. del Sol.
• Trujillo: The BCP on Av. Larco (across from UCV) reportedly issues them if you bring someone who has a BCP account… like a magical key that unlocks the service.

How to pay for your appointment

Before booking your appointment or submitting your application in Peru, you must pay the required fee. You can do this in person at any Banco de la Nación branch or online through pagalo.pe  either on a computer or using the pagalo.pe app on a smartphone or tablet.

For the Ficha de Canje Internacional (Interpol) payment, use code 08141 (listed under Policía Nacional del Perú on pagalo.pe).
The cost is S/ 31.50 

Once you’ve paid, keep the receipt. You’ll need it to book your appointment.

How to Make an Appointment at Interpol (a.k.a. The Peruvian Hunger Games)

Once you’ve paid the application fee at Banco de la Nación or on pagalo.pe, you must book your appointment online through the Interpol website.
Gone are the days when you could simply walk in and charm your way into a time slot. Interpol has gone fully digital, whether we like it or not.

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Technical Issues: Level 1 Boss Fight

If the Interpol page freezes or refuses to load (and trust me, it will), hit reload.
Just be warned: anything you typed may magically disappear like it never existed.

A few things that help:

• Try a different browser
• Clear your cache
• Sacrifice a cookie to the internet gods (optional but recommended)
  

Also:

• The Interpol page usually only works if you’re physically in Peru.
  
  • If you’re here but using a VPN set to another country  turn it off
  • If you’re abroad and want to book ahead set your VPN to Peru and pray
    (Sometimes it works. Sometimes it laughs at you.)
    

And one more thing:
Turn off auto-translation, ad blockers, and incognito mode.
Interpol apparently likes your browser plain and vulnerable.

Appointment Availability: Level 2 Boss Fight (Lima Edition)

Getting an appointment in Lima has become something like winning concert tickets to a world tour pop star.

Here’s the secret:
New appointments drop only on Saturdays, between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm.

This means:

• Wake up early
• Have coffee ready
• Prepare your clicking finger
• Enter full warrior mode
  

Appointments go fast.. very fast.
If any are left after noon, you might catch one later in the week…
…but honestly, that almost never happens. It’s been a Saturday scramble for years

Pro tip..
“If the page to select your office and time doesn’t load, just reselect the office or date. Don’t refresh the whole page,  that wipes everything, and you will cry.”

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Appointment Availability: Level 3 Boss Fight (Provincial Edition)

Now for the good news:
If you’re willing to travel, the provincial Interpol offices are the promised land.

In Arequipa, Chiclayo, Cusco, Piura, and Trujillo:

• New appointments are released on the 30th of each month
• They’re usually abundant
• You can book nearly any day
  

So if Lima becomes a digital battlefield and you’re running out of time on your tourist stay…
a weekend trip to another city might just save your residency dreams.

Step-by-Step: How to Book Your Interpol Appointment (Ficha de Canje)

1. Go to the Interpol Peru website.
Click “Registre su cita” to start.

Step 1: Enter Basic Information

You’ll land on the first form. Complete:

• Nacionalidad: Select your country (names are in Spanish and NOT alphabetical). Example: U.S. = Estados Unidos (EEUU).
• Tipo de documento: Usually Pasaporte.
• Número de documento: Passport number.
• Apellido paterno: Your last name.
  

Click Ingresar.

Step 2: Datos Personales

Most fields auto-fill. Complete the rest:

• Calidad Migratoria: Select the visa type you will apply for (e.g., Cambio a inmigrante por familiar residente, Cambio a rentista, etc.).
• Apellido materno: Leave blank if you don’t have a second last name.
• Nombre(s): As in your passport.
• Sexo, Fecha de nacimiento, Estado civil.
• Estatura / Peso: Height (meters) and weight (kg).
• Nombre de padre / madre: First names only.
• Conyuge / Empresa: Optional.
  

Double-check accuracy, then click Siguiente.

Step 3: Address Information

Enter your current Peruvian address exactly as it appears on a recibo (utilities bill), just in case they ask for proof:

• Departamento, Provincia, Distrito
• Urbanización (optional)
• Dirección (street + number)
  

Then enter your last address in your home country (city/state + street).

Click Siguiente.

Step 4: Payment Verification + Appointment

Under Comprobante, select where you paid (Banco de la Nación or pagalo.pe) and enter:

• Número de secuencia
• Fecha de comprobante
• Número de cajero
  

Then choose:

• Sede: Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Chiclayo, Piura, or Trujillo
• Fecha: Available date
• Hora: Available time
  

Click Generar cita.

If successful:
Download the confirmation, print it, and keep it safe.

Common Issues to Expect

1. Technical Problems

• The page freezes often reload or reselect the sede/date.
• Using a VPN set outside Peru will usually block the page.
  
  • If you are in Peru → turn VPN off.
  • If outside Peru → VPN with Peru location sometimes works.
    
• Avoid automatic translators, ad blockers, and incognito mode, as they can break the page.
  

2. Lima Appointment Availability

• Lima appointments are released ONLY on Saturday mornings, roughly 8:00 am–12:00 pm.
• They disappear fast, so expect to sit at your computer refreshing.

If the page shows “no appointments available” or stops loading, try reselecting the sede or the date (don’t hit F5, this clears your data).

nterpol Visit – What to Expect

• Arrive early:
  
  • Be at the office 15–30 minutes before your appointment.
  • No companions allowed unless you have a disability (one assistant permitted).
    
• Atmosphere:
  
  • Lima can look chaotic outside, but inside the staff is usually friendly and helpful.
  • Some officers speak basic English.
  • The process is decently organized.
    

Check-In Process

• Go straight to the gate.
• A guard:
  
  • Verifies your appointment confirmation.
  • Hands you a form to fill out.
    
• You’ll be directed to the waiting area.
  

Waiting Procedure (Lima)

(Provincial offices may differ)

• Sit in the first available seat.
• Each time someone at the front finishes, everyone moves forward one seat.
• When your turn comes, hand your documents to the officer.

Inside the Appointment

The officer will:

1. Review your paperwork.
2. Send you to have your photo taken.
3. Do a quick visual check of your teeth.

Take your fingerprints. (this process is now digital. If you need a physical copy for your FBI background check make sure you tell them)

After the Appointment

• Once you have your Ficha de Canje Internacional, you can begin your temporary or resident visa application.

Interpol will process your Ficha and send the results to Migraciones for you. You will not receive any email confirmation from Interpol if you passed or not. It typically only takes a few days for them to process it, and send over the results. You do not need to have your FBI background check before going to interpol, however it is helpful. This would save you the stress of trying to get the money order. My recommendation is to have your FBI background check done and apostilled before coming to Peru.. unless you have lots of money and time to waste.