Get Your El Salvador Visa Online
Fast, secure visa processing for tourism, business, and adventure travel in Central America
TrustpilotHow to Get Your El Salvador Visa
Simple 4-step process - most applications approved within 24-72 hours
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our streamlined application form with your personal details, travel plans, and purpose of visit. Our intelligent validation system guides you through each section, checking for common errors and ensuring your application meets El Salvador's visa requirements.
2
Upload your documents
Submit your passport scan (bio page clearly visible), a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of accommodation. Our visa specialists review every document against El Salvador Immigration standards before submission, significantly reducing the risk of rejection or delays.
3
We submit to El Salvador Immigration
Your verified application is transmitted directly to El Salvador's official immigration portal. We monitor processing status in real-time and proactively communicate any updates, requests for additional documentation, or status changes via email and SMS.
4
Receive your visa by email
Your approved El Salvador visa arrives as a PDF document. Print it clearly on A4 paper and present it at Salvadoran immigration along with your passport. Welcome to El Salvador - the land of volcanoes awaits!
El Salvador Visa Requirements & Entry Information
Tourist Visa
Up to 90 days
Single or multiple entry for tourism, beaches, and volcanic exploration
Business Visa
Up to 90 days
For commercial activities, meetings, and investment opportunities
Transit Visa
Up to 72 hours
For travelers passing through to other Central American destinations
Student Visa
Duration of study
For academic programs at Salvadoran educational institutions
Essential Requirements
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- Passport photo 35x45mm, white background
- Hotel booking or invitation letter from host
- Return flight or onward travel itinerary
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- Completed visa application form
Visa Policy
El Salvador maintains a welcoming visa policy for international travelers, with many nationalities enjoying visa-free access as part of the CA-4 Central American agreement. The country actively promotes tourism and has streamlined its immigration processes.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, European Union countries, Canada, Australia, and many other nations can enter El Salvador without a visa for stays up to 90 days. As part of the CA-4 agreement, this 90-day period is shared between El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Visa Required Countries
Travelers from countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for an El Salvador visa before arrival. The visa application process can be completed online or through a Salvadoran embassy or consulate. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days.
Visa Requirements
Essential Documents for All Applications
All El Salvador visa applicants must meet these fundamental requirements:
Passport validity: Minimum 6 months beyond your intended arrival date with at least two blank pages for entry stamps.
Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo (35x45mm) with white background, taken within the last 6 months.
Accommodation proof: Hotel booking confirmation, surf camp reservation, or invitation letter if staying with friends or family.
Travel itinerary: Flight bookings showing entry and exit from El Salvador.
Financial evidence: Bank statements showing approximately $50 USD per day of stay, or credit card statements demonstrating sufficient funds.
Additional Business Visa Requirements
Business travelers must provide an invitation letter from a Salvadoran company, employer support letter, and details of business activities planned during the visit.
Application Process
Online Application Steps
The El Salvador visa application process is designed to be straightforward and efficient:
Step 1: Gather Documents - Collect all required documents including passport scans, photographs, travel bookings, and financial proof before starting your application.
Step 2: Complete Application Form - Fill out the visa application with accurate personal information, travel dates, and accommodation details. Double-check all information for accuracy.
Step 3: Submit and Pay - Upload all documents and pay the visa fee through secure payment processing. Keep your payment confirmation for reference.
Step 4: Track and Receive - Monitor your application status through our tracking system. Once approved, your visa will be emailed as a printable PDF document.
Processing Times
Standard processing takes 5-10 business days. Express processing may be available for urgent travel needs. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure date.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
El Salvador has a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. The dry season from November to April offers the best weather for beach activities and hiking volcanoes. The wet season from May to October brings afternoon showers but also green landscapes and excellent surfing conditions.
Currency and Payments
El Salvador uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency, and Bitcoin is also legal tender. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments. ATMs are widely available in cities. Carry cash for smaller vendors, markets, and rural areas.
Health and Safety
No vaccinations are required for entry, but hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations are recommended. El Salvador has made significant safety improvements in recent years, particularly in tourist areas. Standard travel precautions apply.
Getting Around
Domestic buses connect major cities affordably. Rental cars are available for exploring at your own pace. Organized tours are excellent for volcano hikes and surf trips. Uber operates in San Salvador and surrounding areas.
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
2,100+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.7Customer rating
97%Approval rate
"Fantastic service for my El Salvador surf trip! Got my visa approved quickly and the support team was incredibly helpful with all my questions about visiting El Tunco."
"Good experience overall. Processing took about a week which was as expected. The document checklist was very useful and immigration at San Salvador was smooth."
"Visited Santa Ana and Ruta de las Flores. The visa process through DoVisa was seamless. Highly recommend for anyone planning an El Salvador adventure!"
"Business visa for investment meetings in San Salvador processed without any issues. Professional service from start to finish. El Salvador exceeded my expectations!"
"Straightforward process and helpful customer service. Applied for my tourist visa and received it within the expected timeframe. The volcanoes were incredible!"
"Family vacation to explore beaches and Mayan ruins. DoVisa handled all four of our applications efficiently. Loved paying with Bitcoin in El Salvador!"
"Second time using DoVisa for Central American trips. Consistently reliable service. El Salvador's pupusas and surf were amazing!"
"Excellent service! The team answered all my questions promptly and my visa was approved faster than expected. El Salvador is an underrated gem!"
El Salvador Visa FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit El Salvador?
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, European Union countries, Australia, and New Zealand can enter El Salvador visa-free for stays up to 90 days under the CA-4 agreement. Visitors from other countries may need to apply for a visa before travel. Check the El Salvador Immigration website or contact DoVisa support to confirm requirements for your specific nationality.
What is the CA-4 agreement and how does it affect my stay?
The CA-4 agreement is a border control arrangement between El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Under this agreement, visitors receive a single 90-day authorization to travel freely between all four countries. The 90-day period is cumulative across all CA-4 nations, not 90 days per country. When your 90 days expire, you must leave the CA-4 region for at least 72 hours before re-entering.
How long can I stay in El Salvador with a tourist visa?
The initial tourist visa or visa-free entry permits stays of up to 90 days within the CA-4 region. Extensions can be requested at the El Salvador Immigration Department for an additional fee, though approval is not guaranteed. If you need more time, the recommended approach is to leave the CA-4 region for at least 72 hours and re-enter for a fresh 90-day period.
What documents are required for an El Salvador visa application?
Essential documents include: Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages; recent passport photo (35x45mm, white background); completed application form; proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter); return flight itinerary; and proof of sufficient funds ($50 USD per day recommended). Business visas require additional documents including an invitation letter from a Salvadoran company.
How long does El Salvador visa processing take?
Standard visa processing takes 5-10 business days. Processing times may vary depending on your nationality, the completeness of your application, and current processing volumes. We recommend applying at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure to allow adequate time for processing and any potential requests for additional documentation.
Is El Salvador safe for tourists?
El Salvador has made significant safety improvements in recent years, particularly in tourist areas. Popular destinations like El Tunco, Suchitoto, Ruta de las Flores, and Santa Ana are generally safe for visitors. Exercise standard travel precautions: avoid displaying expensive items, stay in well-lit areas at night, and use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps. Most tourists enjoy safe, incident-free trips.
What currency is used in El Salvador?
El Salvador uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency since 2001. In 2021, Bitcoin became legal tender, and you can pay with cryptocurrency at many businesses using the government's Chivo wallet. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments. ATMs dispense US Dollars and are widely available. Carry cash for markets and smaller vendors.
Can I pay with Bitcoin in El Salvador?
Yes, Bitcoin is legal tender in El Salvador. Many businesses, especially in tourist areas, accept Bitcoin payments through the Chivo wallet or other cryptocurrency wallets. Government-sponsored Bitcoin ATMs are available throughout the country. However, cash (USD) remains the most widely accepted payment method, especially in rural areas and small businesses.
What vaccinations are required for El Salvador?
El Salvador does not require any mandatory vaccinations for entry from most countries. However, yellow fever vaccination is required if traveling from a yellow fever endemic country. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine immunizations. Consult your healthcare provider or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before departure for personalized advice.
What is the best time to visit El Salvador?
The dry season from November to April offers the best weather with sunny skies and minimal rain, ideal for hiking volcanoes and beach activities. The wet season from May to October brings afternoon showers but also lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and excellent surfing conditions with larger swells. The coffee harvest season (November-February) is perfect for visiting coffee plantations on the Ruta de las Flores.
Can I work in El Salvador with a tourist visa?
No, tourist visas do not permit employment in El Salvador. Working without proper authorization is illegal and can result in deportation and future entry bans. If you wish to work in El Salvador, you must obtain a work permit through a Salvadoran employer. Digital nomads should note that remote work for foreign companies falls into a legal gray area.
What are the main entry points into El Salvador?
The main entry point is Monsenor Oscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL) near San Salvador, with direct flights from the US, Mexico, and Central America. Land borders include crossings from Guatemala at La Hachadura and Las Chinamas and Honduras at El Poy and El Amatillo. Cruise ships occasionally dock at the port of Acajutla.
Do children need their own visa for El Salvador?
Yes, every traveler including children requires their own valid travel document and visa (if applicable). Children must have their own passport. When traveling with minors, especially if only one parent is present, carry a notarized consent letter from the absent parent translated into Spanish to avoid potential issues at immigration.
What is El Salvador famous for?
El Salvador is famous for its world-class surfing with consistent Pacific swells, dramatic volcanic landscapes including the stunning Santa Ana and Izalco volcanoes, and its delicious pupusas (traditional stuffed corn tortillas). The country is also known as the first nation to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, its beautiful Ruta de las Flores coffee region, and important Mayan archaeological sites like Tazumal and Joya de Ceren.
Can I extend my stay in El Salvador?
Extensions may be requested at the El Salvador Immigration Department in San Salvador before your current authorization expires. However, approval is not guaranteed and requires supporting documentation. A more common approach is the "visa run" - leaving the CA-4 region (to Costa Rica, Panama, or Mexico) for at least 72 hours and re-entering to receive a fresh 90-day stamp.
What happens if I overstay my visa in El Salvador?
Overstaying your visa in El Salvador results in fines payable when departing. Extended overstays may lead to detention, deportation, and future entry restrictions. If you realize you need more time, either apply for an extension before your current authorization expires or plan a trip outside the CA-4 region. Always keep track of your permitted stay duration across all CA-4 countries.
Is there a visa on arrival option for El Salvador?
El Salvador does not offer a traditional visa on arrival system. Most visitors either enter visa-free (for eligible nationalities) or must obtain a visa before arrival. If you require a visa, apply in advance through a Salvadoran embassy, the Immigration Department, or through DoVisa. Arriving without proper documentation may result in denied entry.
What is the Ruta de las Flores?
The Ruta de las Flores (Flower Route) is a scenic 36-kilometer stretch of road in western El Salvador connecting charming mountain towns including Nahuizalco, Salcoatitan, Juayua, Apaneca, and Ataco. The route is famous for its coffee plantations, colorful weekend food festivals, artisan crafts, and beautiful flower-covered landscapes. It's one of El Salvador's most popular tourist attractions, easily visited as a day trip from San Salvador or with overnight stays.
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