Discover El Salvador
El Salvador, a gem in Central America, offers stunning volcanoes, Pacific beaches, and vibrant culture. As of March 2025, citizens from 89 countries, including the USA, Canada, UK, EU, and most Latin American nations, can enter visa-free for up to 180 days with a $12 USD tourist card, valid under the CA-4 agreement with Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Others must obtain a consular visa, with simplified procedures for holders of valid U.S., Canadian, or Schengen visas.
Required Documents
Valid Passport
Must be valid for 6+ months beyond entry; CA-4 nationals (Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua) can use ID cards.
Tourist Card or Visa
Visa-free with $12 USD tourist card (180 days) for 89 countries; consular visa (~$30-$50 USD) for others.
Passport Photo
1 recent photo (2 x 2 inches, white background) for consular visa applications.
Travel Itinerary
Proof of return or onward ticket within 180 days, required at entry.
Accommodation Proof
Hotel booking or host details, recommended for entry.
Travel Insurance
Recommended; covers medical emergencies (not mandatory).
Proof of Funds
Evidence of sufficient funds (~$50 USD/day), may be requested unless CA-4 national.
Visa Fee (if applicable)
Tourist card: $12 USD; consular visa: ~$30-$50 USD depending on nationality.
How to Apply
Application Steps
Check Eligibility
Gather Documents
Apply for Visa (if needed)
Submit & Pay
Processing
Receive Visa
Enter El Salvador
Check Eligibility
Gather Documents
Apply for Visa (if needed)
Submit & Pay
Processing
Receive Visa
Enter El Salvador
1. Check Eligibility
Confirm if visa-free with tourist card (e.g., USA, EU: 180 days) or consular visa required (e.g., Afghanistan, Nigeria).
2. Gather Documents
Prepare passport, itinerary, funds proof, and photo if applying for a consular visa.
3. Apply for Visa (if needed)
Submit at Salvadoran consulate or embassy, 2-4 weeks prior; visa-free requires tourist card purchase at entry.
4. Submit & Pay
Pay $12 USD at entry for tourist card (cash); consular visa fees (~$30-$50 USD) vary by consulate.
5. Processing
Consular visa: 5-15 business days; tourist card: immediate at air/land/sea borders.
6. Receive Visa
Collect consular visa from embassy or get tourist card/entry stamp at border (e.g., El Salvador International Airport).
7. Enter El Salvador
Present passport, tourist card or visa, and docs at entry; CA-4 allows 90-day regional travel.
Visa Fees
- Tourist Card (up to 180 days): $12 USD for visa-free countries (e.g., USA, Canada, EU).
- Consular Visa (up to 90 days): ~$30-$50 USD for visa-required nationalities (e.g., India, China).
- Extension (additional 90 days): Apply at Migration Office, fees vary (~$25-$50 USD).
- Transit Fee (Indian/African nationals): $1,130 USD if transiting without CA-4 entry.
*Fees subject to change. Confirm details at migracion.gob.sv.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for El Salvador in 2025?
89 countries (e.g., USA, EU) enter visa-free with a $12 USD tourist card for 180 days; others need a consular visa.
What’s the CA-4 agreement?
Allows 90-day travel across El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua with one entry stamp.
Can I extend my stay?
Yes, apply for a 90-day extension at the Migration Office before your initial stay expires (~$25-$50 USD).
Why the $1,130 USD transit fee?
Applies to Indian/African nationals transiting without entering CA-4 countries, per 2024 policy.
Is a yellow fever vaccine required?
Yes, if arriving from a risk country (e.g., Brazil, Uganda), per entry rules.
References
- General Directorate of Migration and Immigration: migracion.gob.sv
- U.S. Embassy in El Salvador: sv.usembassy.gov
- El Salvador Tourism: elsalvador.travel