El Salvador Visa Requirements 2026Entry Rules & Visa-Free Access by Passport

Visa-free nationalities
40
Visa on arrival
0
eTA / e-Visa
0
Total streamlined
40
Visa required in advance
158

El Salvador's visa policy is selectively open relative to other destinations worldwide. If your nationality is not listed as visa-free, you will need to apply for an El Salvador tourist visa in advance at an embassy or consulate.

Visa-free

Countries Whose Citizens Can Visit El Salvador Visa-Free (40)

Passport holders from these countries can enter El Salvador without a visa - no embassy appointment, no advance fee.

Show all 40

Fees

El Salvador Visa Fees (updated 2 Jul 2026)

  • Tourist card (tarjeta de turismo) on arrival

    90 or 180 days depending on passport validity/purpose; single entryofficial sourcetravel.state.gov ↗

    USD 12

  • Special Entry Permit (Permiso Especial de Ingreso, PEI)

    official sourcemigracion.gob.sv ↗

    USD 100

Compare official tourist-visa fees across every destination →

Transit

El Salvador Transit Visa

El Salvador publishes a transit visa product for travellers passing through to another destination. Whether you need one depends on your nationality and whether you stay airside - see how transit visas work.

Permiso Especial de Ingreso/Tránsito/Salida para Marineros (Special Permit for Sailors)

Special entry, transit, or exit permit for foreign sailors arriving by sea or air for crew purposes.

Form F50. Specific fees and duration not published on official page. Applied for through the DGME.

Apply here ↗

FAQ

El Salvador Visa Requirements FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit El Salvador?

It depends on your nationality - the lists above show every nationality that can enter El Salvador visa-free. If your country is not listed, you will likely need to apply for an El Salvador tourist visa in advance at an embassy or consulate.

Which countries can visit El Salvador without a visa?

40 countries can visit El Salvador without a visa in 2026, including: Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados. Use Earth Visa to check whether your specific passport grants visa-free access to El Salvador.

How do I apply for an El Salvador tourist visa?

If your nationality is not eligible for visa-free entry to El Salvador, you typically need to apply at an El Salvador embassy or consulate in your home country. Requirements generally include:

  • Valid passport
  • Completed application form
  • Passport-sized photos
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Proof of onward travel
  • Travel insurance
  • Proof of sufficient funds

Processing times and fees vary by nationality and visa category - see the visa types and fees on this page for the exact figures.

How long can I stay in El Salvador without a visa?

The maximum visa-free stay duration in El Salvador varies by nationality. Common allowances are 30, 60, or 90 days. See the visa-free country list above for specific stay durations per nationality.

By nationality

El Salvador Visa Guides by Nationality

Step-by-step El Salvador visa requirements, fees and document checklists for travellers from these countries. Nationalities in the access lists above link straight to their own guides.

Show all 158

Check your specific visa requirements for El Salvador

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