El Salvador visas
Whether you need a visa to enter El Salvador depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip: many visitors enter visa-free for tourism, while nationals of certain countries need a consular visa, a consulted visa, or a Special Entry Permit (PEI) issued online. Longer stays for work, study, family or investment run through temporary residence, which can lead to permanent residence and eventually naturalisation. All of this is administered by the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME), with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE) handling consular visas and the Ministry of Labour (MTPS) involved in work authorisation.
Salvadoran visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in El Salvador — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.3 visas
- Work visasComing to El Salvador to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in El Salvador — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in El Salvador.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to El Salvador as a highly skilled individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in El Salvador long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Salvadoran visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Who needs a visa to visit El Salvador?
A visa is not required for stays under 90 days, but you must purchase a tourist card for 12 USD upon arrival. The card is valid for 90 days. If your U.S. passport shows you were born in El Salvador, you do not need the tourist card.
Entry into El Salvador
San Salvador International Airport is accessible for regularly scheduled passenger flights. Additionally, land borders with neighbouring countries are open.
The government of El Salvador has eliminated entrance restrictions for COVID-19 testing and vaccination. However, visitors are recommended to bring proof of vaccination, since it may be required for admittance into specific El Salvador activities or sites.
El Salvador has regulations and restrictions for COVID-19. In public settings, face coverings are required, but additional, frequently stringent, requirements might be implemented on short notice. It is recommended that you consult official government sources for updates.
Eligibility to apply for a El Salvador visa
To visit El Salvador by air, land, or sea, U.S. citizens must have a valid passport and either a Salvadoran visa or a tourist card valid for a 90-day stay with a single entrance.
Visitors may be denied entrance if they cannot demonstrate sufficient funds for the duration of their stay and do not have the necessary documents for their next destination. The criteria list is below.
- A passport which is valid for at least another six months.
- Application form.
- Two photos.
- A health insurance policy valid in El Salvador.
- A hotel reservation or other accommodation proof.
- Criminal record.
Processing time for El Salvador visas
The usual processing period for a tourist visa for El Salvador is three to ten business days. It depends on your country of visa application. To guarantee everything goes properly and your visa arrives on time, you should apply for your visa well in advance of your trip.
Who can visit El Salvador without a visa?
Based on the El Salvador Visa Policy, nationals of around 86 countries and jurisdictions can visit the country and stay in the country for 90 Days without any visa. Citizens of other countries must apply for a tourist visa before their travel date to enter the country. They can apply for a visa by submitting a visa application to the nearest El Salvador embassy.
El Salvador — key facts
- Visa authority
- Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Time zone
- Central Standard Time (CST, UTC−6)
Salvadoran visas — people also ask
Avoid exhibiting signals of wealth in public, even upon landing at the international airport in El Salvador. Always ensure the safety of your stuff, including your passport and other travel papers. Avoid transporting big sums of cash. Be especially discrete when using an ATM.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.