Visit entry: visa-exempt, consular visa, visa consultada or online Special Entry Permit
PEI
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.
1 entry rule for El Salvador based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (WHO list)
Travellers aged 1 year and over arriving from a yellow fever risk country (or after more than 12 hours' airport transit in one) need a valid yellow fever certificate.
WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
Visiting El Salvador
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Life in El Salvador
Money
3
Currency
US Dollar
USD
US Dollar
Cost of living
47
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
10–30%
Income tax (national)
VAT (IVA) 13%
Annual income up to about USD 4,064 exempt; 30% above about USD 22,857.
Living
1
Happiness
#35 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Tourists, business visitors, family visitors and other short-term travellers to El Salvador.
Eligibility
CA-4 nationals
Citizens of Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua can enter with a valid national identity document or passport.
Other nationals
Must show a valid passport in good condition and check the official visa list to see if their country needs a visa.
Visa consultada (Category C)
Have a sponsor in El Salvador file your visa consultada request with DGME at least four weeks before you arrive.
- Applies to nationals of Category C countries in the CA-4 classification
- The visa is stamped at the Salvadoran consulate you choose
- With a US, Canadian or Schengen visa valid at least six months before arrival, contact the Foreign Ministry for a consular visa instead
Official wording
For nationals of Category C countries in the CA-4 classification. A sponsor in El Salvador files the request with DGME at least four (4) weeks before arrival; the visa is then stamped at the Salvadoran consulate chosen. People with a US, Canadian or Schengen visa valid at least six months before arrival are told to contact the Foreign Ministry for a consular visa instead.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementSpecial Entry Permit (PEI)
- Document checklistVisa consultada request (form F-46) signed by the sponsor
- FeesVisa consultada, single entry
The full requirements are for members
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- 1 more requirement
- 5 documents
- 3 fees
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in El Salvador
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to El Salvador
- Work permitsResidencia temporal con autorización para trabajar
- Permanent residenceResidencia definitiva
