All About Visas in El Salvador

Visa to El Salvador - the first step to traveling to this amazing country, where you will find Pacific beaches and colonial cities! A visa is required for various purposes - tourism, business trips, or long stays. Depending on the purpose of the visit, the corresponding type of visa is issued, and the requirements may vary. Therefore, it is important to understand in advance which documents are necessary in your case.

Do I Need a Visa to El Salvador? For citizens of some countries, it is mandatory even for a short stay, while others can take advantage of visa-free entry. However, rules may change, and it is essential to verify the current requirements before submitting documents.

In this section, we have gathered basic information about a visa to El Salvador - from a list of required documents to the application processing times. If understanding all the nuances seems difficult, we offer our professional assistance: fast, reliable, and with a high chance of approval. With us, visa processing will become a simple and clear process!

El Salvador offers foreign citizens various types of visas depending on the purpose of the trip. Each type of visa has its own characteristics, requirements, and processing times. The main categories include tourist, work, student, business, and transit visas. There are also visas for medical treatment, family reunification, participation in cultural programs, and long-term stays. Before submitting an application, it is important to determine the appropriate type of visa and gather the necessary documents.

• Diplomatic and service visa: for holders of diplomatic passports
• Student visa: studying at accredited educational institutions in El Salvador
• Humanitarian visa: for entry in emergency situations (medical treatment, assistance, disasters)
• Investment visa: granted to foreign investors upon confirmation of investments
• Family and marriage visa: for family reunification or visiting relatives
• Cultural and educational exchange: participation in official international programs
• Work + vacation: limited programs for young travelers with the possibility of temporary work
• Permanent Residency: for those planning long-term stay for work, family, or investment reasons

If you are not sure which type of visa is suitable for your situation, or do not know where to start preparing documents - contact our specialists. We will suggest the optimal option, prepare a document package, and provide support at all stages of visa acquisition.

El Salvador does not have an official list of countries whose citizens are completely banned from entering. However, entry may be restricted for individuals who pose a security threat, have a criminal history, or have provided false information in documents. There may also be restrictions for citizens of countries with which El Salvador does not have diplomatic agreements. 

Generally, visa denial may be related to the following factors:

• Security concerns: If the applicant poses a threat to El Salvador's national security.
• Immigration violations: If the applicant has previously violated El Salvador's immigration laws or those of another country.
• False information: If the applicant has provided false or misleading information in their visa application.
• Criminal record: Having certain convictions may result in visa denial.
• Health issues: In some cases, serious health problems may be a reason for refusal.
• Insufficient funds: If the applicant cannot prove sufficient funds to cover expenses during their stay in El Salvador.

For more precise information, we recommend contacting our specialists.

When applying for an electronic visa to El Salvador, two mandatory fees are charged: consular and service. The first depends on nationality and the purpose of the visit, while the second is fixed and related to the use of the online platform.

Additionally, you can order paid services: assistance in filling out the form, arranging medical insurance, and expedited application review for urgent trips. These options are especially useful for first-time visa applicants.

To calculate the exact cost of the visa taking into account all travel parameters, it is convenient to use the online calculator on the website.

Requirements may vary depending on the type of visa and other factors. For confidence in the correctness of document submission and compliance with all requirements, our managers will be happy to assist you in preparing and submitting the application. We will ensure the correct preparation of all documents in the shortest possible time so that you can easily get a visa to El Salvador.

​Vaccination is not a mandatory requirement for obtaining a visa to El Salvador. Since November 15, 2021, the country has lifted all COVID-19 related sanitary restrictions, including the need to present a vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test upon entry.

However, there are exceptions:

• Yellow fever: If you are arriving from a country at risk of yellow fever transmission, you must provide an International Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. The certificate must be valid and issued no more than 10 days before entering El Salvador.
  
  

Although vaccination is not required for obtaining a visa, it is recommended to be vaccinated against the following diseases:​

• Hepatitis A: recommended for all travelers, especially when visiting rural areas or consuming local food and water.
• Hepatitis B: recommended for long trips or close contact with the local population.​
• Typhoid: recommended when visiting rural areas or consuming food and water from unreliable sources.​
• Rabies: recommended for extended stays or when at risk of animal contact.
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis: recommended for all travelers.
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella: recommended for all travelers.​
• Flu: recommended during flu season.
  
  

Before traveling to El Salvador, it is recommended to consult a doctor or visit a vaccination center for up-to-date information and vaccination recommendations.