Despite this, and so far, Peruvian tourists do not consider the United Kingdom among their top destinations. According to immigration data, in 2019 – before COVID-19 – this destination received 3,464 tourists from Peru only. In 2021, their number was only 28 people. So far in 2022, the number has reached 72.
There are two reasons why – so far – most Peruvian tourists do not frequent this part of Europe: the cost of the suitcase and the visa process. “You have to provide economic solvency, accommodation reservation, among other documents,” says Francisco Basile, president of the Association of Specialized Tourism Agencies (Aptae).
But these requirements will be in the past. From November 9, Peruvians will no longer need a visa to travel to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Provided that it does not exceed six months. In other words, the requirement to pay, submit biometric data, attend the Visa Application Center and hand over your passport before canceling your flight.
Thus, “London, Belfast, Edinburgh, Cardiff and other cities are opening up as tourist destinations for thousands of Peruvians who dream of visiting Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey, places made famous thanks, in particular, to British royalty, to the extraordinary life of Peruvians. I remembered Queen Elizabeth II‘,” the United Kingdom Embassy in Peru stated.
Read also: Peruvians will be able to enter the UK without a visa: How much does it cost to travel to England?
The United Kingdom, an accessible destination?
To get to Great Britain from Peru, travel time is required at least 15 hours. There are currently no direct flights to the UK from Peru, Basile notes in an interview with management; Therefore, most stops take place in a Latin American country or one of the most important airports in the European Union – which does not require a visa for Peruvians – such as Madrid (Spain) or Frankfurt (Germany).
In this sense, it separates that a A plane ticket For an EU country it averages between 800 USD to 1200 USD in economy class. From that point on, the value of a call to the UK is estimated to be between an additional $350 and $650. According to the Kayak portal, a ticket to Birmingham or Manchester is valued at more than S/4100.
“After the announcement, there is an expectation that the demand for this destination will increase, but not this year, but with the beginning of 2023 because at the moment the northern hemisphere is entering winter. The best season to travel starts in May with the beginning of spring until September‘, recommends a representative of Aptae.
If I go in low season, will I find better prices? Basile counters that the UK is an expensive destination for Latin American travelers because of its currency: the Sterling pound. Although you can buy a plane ticket at 20% cheaper between October and March than in the high season, the baggage allowance in the UK countries is high compared to the US.
However, Carlos Gutierrez, director general of the Association of Air Transport Companies International (AETAI), told management that in the context of the dollar’s strengthening against the euro, Europe in general has become an attractive destination for travelers who save with US currency.
He also mentions that after the announcement, the British Airways It can resume its direct flights lima londonRather, make it permanent and no longer seasonal as it was until 2019.
“It is likely that we will see more traffic of flights to countries with links to the UK, and if an airline comes in with a direct flight offer like British Airways, maybe the rest (of the airlines) will have to improve their fares for the traveler,” he said.
For his part, Basile adds that Tourism agencies in Peru They will start resuming contact with local operators in the UK to evaluate offers and travel packages that may be offered, with the possibility of being included with the popular operators package. euro trip.
to consider
Basile noted that although Peruvians should not offer a visa To enter the European Union, it was announced From November 2023, you will have to submit an online application for an exemption from ETIAS visaa program launched by the European Union to contribute to a better and safer travel experience within the Schengen area.
Applications can be processed from a smartphone, tablet or PC. To register, the passenger must have passport Valid for three months from the date of arrival specified; Payment method such as credit card and email address.
Reality
- For lovers of literature and cinema, recommended destinations in the UK are the famous junction of Abbey Road, immortalized thanks to the Beatles, platform 9 ¾ of Kings Cross Station, the famous stop for Harry Potter Head out to Hogwarts, or fly from Belfast to the Giant Causeway, the magical place where the popular fantasy drama Game of Thrones was filmed.
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