Peru declares compensatory non-working days for Pope Leo XIV visit

The Peruvian government has declared compensatory non-working days for public and private sector workers due to the visit of Pope Leo XIV, scheduled from November 11 to 16, 2026. The measure covers Lima, Callao, Cajamarca, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Piura, Cusco, and Ucayali under Supreme Decree No. 020-2026-TR.

In Lima and the Constitutional Province of Callao, non-working days are November 11 and 12 from 1:00 p.m. until midnight, and November 16 for the entire day. In Cajamarca, La Libertad, Lambayeque, and Piura, they fall on November 13 and 14.

“The sole government declaration of a non-working day does not imply that private personnel have guaranteed rest.”

For the private sector, Cusco and Ucayali also observe November 15 as a non-working day. Unlike public servants, private employees do not receive automatic time off; implementation requires an agreement between employer and worker.

If no consensus is reached, the company may decide whether to suspend operations. Workers who continue their duties receive ordinary pay and are not entitled to holiday surcharges because missed hours must be recovered later.

The decree does not force all companies to halt activities. Employees must verify whether their employer adopted the measure before staying away from the workplace.

Essential services are subject to a particular provision under the decree.