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Country guideLast checked October 17, 2026

Visas and immigration in El Salvador

3 routes from official government sources, grouped by type. Each guide covers who it's for, the requirements and where to apply.

Visit & tourism 1
Work permits 1
Permanent residence 1

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Visiting El Salvador

Short-stay rules by passport, from official sources. Last checked October 17, 2026.

88 passports visa-free
161 passports need a visa

Passports that can visit without a visa

Visit & tourism1 pathway

Visit entry: visa-exempt, consular visa, visa consultada or online Special Entry Permit
El Salvador uses the shared Central American (CA-4) visa classification. Nationals of Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua can enter with their national ID card; everyone else needs a valid passport and must check whether their nationality needs a visa. Category C nationals need a 'visa consultada' authorised in advance by the migration directorate (DGME), and Category B and C nationals can instead apply online for a Special Entry Permit (Permiso Especial de Ingreso, PEI). Foreigners already in the CA-4 region enter on the days left from their first CA-4 entry.
Temporary only
Last checked October 17, 2026
View requirements

Work permits1 pathway

Residencia temporal con autorización para trabajar
Foreign nationals who will work in El Salvador apply to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) for temporary residence with permission to work. The request is normally filed by the future employer. The Ministry of Labour gives a favourable report as part of the process. Depending on the subcategory, residence is granted for up to one or two years and can be extended.
Can lead to permanent residence
Last checked October 17, 2026
View requirements

Permanent residence1 pathway

1 more pathway for members
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Official sources

Government pages behind these routes.

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