El Salvador visa policy: Requirements, tourist card, entry rules, and travel tips

Traveling to El Salvador requires understanding the country’s visa policy to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

This comprehensive guide covers the El Salvador visa requirements, entry rules, and essential travel tips based on official regulations and personal traveler experiences.

Visa policy overview for El Salvador

El Salvador's visa policy defines the rules for international visitors based on their nationality, length of stay, and purpose of travel.

Visitors from over 86 eligible countries can enter without a visa for tourism or business for up to 90 days. Others must obtain a visa before traveling.

However, most travelers still have to buy a tourist card upon arrival, even if you don't need a visa:

"When I landed at San Salvador International Airport, I was asked to purchase a tourist card for USD 12. The process was straightforward, and they accepted cash. I recommend carrying small bills because they don't always have change." – David M., US traveler.

Key points at a glance

Visa-free entry to El Salvador

Citizens from the following countries can visit El Salvador for up to 90 days without a visa. However, they must still purchase a tourist card upon arrival.

North America

Central America

South America

Europe

Oceania

Asia & Middle East

Caribbean

Africa

About the El Salvador Tourist Card

The card is not a visa, so you don’t need to apply in advance.

Get it at the airport, land border crossings, or seaports when entering the country.

You’ll pay the $12 USD fee (usually in cash, in U.S. dollars). The officer will issue the card and stamp it into your passport.

The tourist card grants access to El Salvador and other CA-4 countries (Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua) for up to 90 days combined.

If you're transiting through El Salvador, some travelers may still be required to purchase the card, depending on the length of their stay.

Important considerations for entering El Salvador

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

• Be ready to present proof of funds, return flight tickets, and accommodation details when requested, as these documents may be checked randomly or under specific circumstances.

• Declare any amount exceeding USD 10,000 upon arrival or departure to avoid confiscation or legal penalties.

"Customs officers were polite but very strict about currency declarations. I saw another traveler being questioned for not declaring over USD 10,000. Be transparent if you’re carrying large amounts of cash to avoid fines." – Michael K., US Businessman

Central America-4 (CA-4) agreement

El Salvador is part of the CA-4 border control agreement with Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, which facilitates free movement across these countries for up to 90 days with a single entry stamp. This means:

• Free movement across these four countries for up to 90 days total.

• Overstaying the 90-day limit can result in fines or deportation.

"I crossed into Honduras after visiting El Salvador, thinking my 90-day stay would reset. It turns out that the CA-4 agreement covers all four countries collectively. I had to be mindful of how many days I’d already spent across all of them." – Luis G., Spanish traveler

El Salvador visa requirements for other nationals

Nationals from countries not listed under visa-free entry must obtain a visa before traveling to El Salvador. This includes travelers from the following countries where visa-free access is not granted based on Salvadoran immigration policies:

Africa: Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Vietnam, Yemen

Middle East: Israel (for certain categories), Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (for certain categories)

Europe: Belarus, Russia (for certain categories), Ukraine (for certain categories)

Travelers from these countries must apply for a visa at the nearest Salvadoran consulate or embassy before their trip.

Here's a breakdown:

Visa extensions for El Salvador

Before your 90-day period expires, you can apply for an extension at the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería in San Salvador.

"The extension process took a few hours, but the staff was professional. Ensure you bring all required documents and arrive early." – Carla F., Italian expat.

Need more info about traveling in Central America?

El Salvador’s visa policy ensures a smooth entry process for well-prepared travelers. Follow these guidelines, ensure you have the right documents, and enjoy a memorable trip.

Visa policies are subject to change. Always check with your nearest Salvadoran embassy or official government sources before traveling.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.