Peru has declared compensable non-working days for Pope Leo XIV’s visit on 11 to 16 November 2026. Workers in Lima, Callao and other regions get time off, but must make the hours up later.
The rule came in Supreme Decree No. 020-2026-TR, published on 23 October 2026 in the official gazette El Peruano. It covers private employers in every listed region, and public offices in most of them.
For US readers, the rules matter to pilgrims, travellers and firms with Peruvian staff. Hotels, financial firms and transport operators are among the essential activities that may keep staff on duty.
Key Facts
—Who. Peru’s government, in Supreme Decree No. 020-2026-TR, published on 23 October 2026.
—What. Compensable non-working days for Pope Leo XIV’s visit; workers must make up the hours later.
—Where. Lima, Callao, Cajamarca, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Piura; Cusco and Ucayali for private firms only.
—When. 11 to 16 November 2026, with the days and hours differing by region.
—As of. 23 October 2026, 12:15 GMT
What the Decree Says
The decree makes the days compensable, which means the hours lost must be worked back later. It states its aim as helping people attend events linked to the visit, “an event of special spiritual, historical and social significance”.
The decree applies to the public and private sectors in most regions. In Cusco and Ucayali, only the private sector is covered.
For tax purposes, the days still count as business days. Public entities must ensure that indispensable services continue.
Private firms in essential activities may designate positions that are excluded from the day off. The decree lists health, transport, communications, electricity, water, security, lodging, restaurants and financial entities, among others.
In Plain English
A “compensable non-working day” is a day off that workers must make up later.
The hours are still owed, so each employer or public office decides when they are worked back.
Which Regions and Hours
Days Off by Region
—Lima and Callao. Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 November from 1:00 pm to midnight, and all of Monday 16 November. Public and private sector.
—Cajamarca, La Libertad, Lambayeque and Piura. Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November, full days. Public and private sector.
—Cusco and Ucayali. Sunday 15 November, full day. Private sector only.
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November fall on a weekend. The decree still lists them as days off for the regions concerned.
The pope arrives at Callao at about 5:30 pm local time on 11 November and holds Lima events on 12 November. RPP reported this itinerary, and our earlier guide to the trip in Lima and Cusco covers the programme.
He then visits Chiclayo in Lambayeque on 13 and 14 November, and Cusco and Pucallpa on 15 November. On 16 November he visits a Callao elderly home, then a 10:30 am closing Mass at Las Palmas air base.
How the Hours Are Made Up
In the private sector, employer and workers agree how the hours are recovered. Without an agreement, the employer decides.
Public servants must recover the hours within the ten days that follow. Alternatively, the head of each entity sets the arrangement according to its needs.
Both sectors therefore have a recovery rule, but the details differ. Private firms negotiate it, while public offices follow the ten-day window or their head’s decision.
What Is Not Known
It is not known how many workers the decree affects. The sources we reviewed give no official figure.
Our earlier report said the government had warned that the visit dates may shift. The decree now fixes the days off, but whether the dates could still change is not known.
Exact travel and security closures are not yet known. It is also unknown whether any region may add more days.
What It Means for Travelers and US Readers
Hotels, restaurants, financial firms and transport operators fall under the essential-activity list, so they may keep staff on duty. The list is open-ended, and the decree says it covers these activities among others.
Visitors to Lima should plan around the afternoon and evening of 11 and 12 November, and all of 16 November. Those heading to Chiclayo, Piura or Cusco should confirm local arrangements with hotels and tour operators.
US companies with Peruvian teams should expect staff absences on the listed days, with the hours made up later. How the hours are recovered is for employer and workers to settle.
Chiclayo, which hosts the pope on 13 and 14 November, expects 1.5 million visitors, according to our earlier coverage. Employers in Lambayeque now have fixed days to plan around.
The rules are now fixed, and the open questions are practical ones for employers and local authorities. More is on our Peru page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which days are non-working days in Lima and Callao?
Lima and Callao have 11 and 12 November off from 1:00 pm to midnight, and all of 16 November. The rules cover both the public and private sectors.
Does the decree cover Cusco?
Cusco and Ucayali have 15 November off, full day. The day off there applies to private employers only.
Do workers have to make up the hours?
Yes. In the private sector, employer and workers agree how, and without agreement the employer decides. Public servants recover the hours within ten days, or as their entity head sets.
Which services keep running?
Public entities must ensure indispensable services. Private firms in essential activities, such as health, transport, communications, utilities, security, lodging, restaurants and financial entities, may designate positions excluded.
Sources
El Peruano · Andina · RPP · La República. Earlier Rio Times coverage: Pope Leo XIV in Lima and Cusco · Peru warns visit dates may shift · Chiclayo expects 1.5 million.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief