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El Salvador visas

El Salvador tourist visa

Many nationalities can visit without a visa for up to 180 days. Bolivian citizens get up to 90 days. Other travellers may qualify through an existing visa or need a Special Entry Permit.

Ways to get a El Salvador tourist visa

  1. Visa-free visit for up to 180 days

    No visa needed

    Citizens of all European Union member states and the other countries and territories listed for the 180-day exemption.

    Stay
    Up to 180 days.

    Passports that qualify (87)

  2. Visa-free visit for up to 90 days

    No visa needed

    Citizens of Bolivia can enter without a visa for up to 90 days.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days.

    Passports that qualify (1)

  3. Visa-free entry with a Canadian, Schengen or US visa

    No visa needed

    Travellers who would normally need a visa can qualify if they hold a valid visa from Canada, the United States or a Schengen Area member state, unless their nationality is excluded.

    Stay
    Up to 180 days.

  5. Special Entry Permit (PEI)

    Other permit

    Citizens of other countries who do not qualify for visa-free entry need a Special Entry Permit.

Who needs it

Travellers who do not qualify for a visa exemption need a Special Entry Permit.

Who doesn't

Citizens of the listed visa-exempt countries and territories can visit for up to 180 days, except Bolivian citizens, who can visit for up to 90 days. Some holders of foreign visas or diplomatic and official passports also qualify.

What to bring

  • Proof of enough money for your stay, unless you are a citizen of Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua or Panama.
  • Documents required for your next destination, unless you are a citizen of Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua or Panama.

Good to know

  • Under the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement, a visa issued by Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras or Nicaragua is accepted by all four countries.
  • The visa's permitted stay covers the total time spent across those four countries without leaving the shared area.
  • An ID card may be accepted when arriving from a country covered by the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement. The eligible nationalities are not identified in the supplied details.
  • The visa exemption agreement signed with Kuwait on 26 September 2026 for diplomatic, official and special passports has not yet been ratified.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for El Salvador?

Travellers who do not qualify for a visa exemption need a Special Entry Permit. Citizens of the listed visa-exempt countries and territories can visit for up to 180 days, except Bolivian citizens, who can visit for up to 90 days. Some holders of foreign visas or diplomatic and official passports also qualify.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for El Salvador?

There are 5 options: Visa-free visit for up to 180 days (no visa at all); Visa-free visit for up to 90 days (no visa at all); Visa-free entry with a Canadian, Schengen or US visa (no visa at all); Visa-free entry with a diplomatic or official passport (no visa at all); Special Entry Permit (PEI) (a special permit).

Who can go to El Salvador without a tourist visa?

Citizens of all European Union member states and the other countries and territories listed for the 180-day exemption. Citizens of Bolivia can enter without a visa for up to 90 days. Travellers who would normally need a visa can qualify if they hold a valid visa from Canada, the United States or a Schengen Area member state, unless their nationality is excluded. Holders of diplomatic or official/service passports from the listed countries can enter without a visa, in addition to travellers covered by the general exemptions.

How long can I stay on a El Salvador tourist visa?

Up to 180 days for most listed visa-exempt nationalities.

What documents do I need for a El Salvador tourist visa?

Proof of enough money for your stay, unless you are a citizen of Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua or Panama.; Documents required for your next destination, unless you are a citizen of Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua or Panama..

What rules do I have to follow on a El Salvador tourist visa?

Under the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement, a visa issued by Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras or Nicaragua is accepted by all four countries. The visa's permitted stay covers the total time spent across those four countries without leaving the shared area.

Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for El Salvador?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the El Salvador visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a tourist visa for El Salvador be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest El Salvador tourist visa rules?

On El Salvador's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my tourist visa once I am in El Salvador?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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