Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced Digital Entry System
El Salvador is implementing a streamlined digital entry form for all international arrivals, requiring online submission of basic travel details up to 72 hours before arrival. This free process helps expedite customs and immigration, reducing wait times at airports like San Salvador International.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from El Salvador, with multiple blank pages for entry and exit stamps to comply with Central American border regulations.
Always verify with your issuing country's guidelines, as some nationalities face additional scrutiny for regional travel.
Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry notarized consent letters to avoid delays at immigration.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of over 90 countries, including the US, EU nations, Canada, UK, Australia, and most of Latin America, can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays up to 90 days under the CA-4 agreement shared with Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
This allows seamless multi-country travel within the region, but the 90-day clock starts upon first entry into any CA-4 nation.
Proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket, is often checked at borders to confirm your intent to depart within the limit.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, such as some Asian and African countries, apply at a Salvadoran embassy or consulate with documents including a valid passport, application form, photos, proof of funds (around $50/day), and a letter of invitation if applicable; fees range from $20-160 depending on nationality.
Processing times vary from 5-30 days, so apply at least two months in advance to account for holidays or backlogs.
Business visas may require additional company sponsorship letters, while student or work visas demand more extensive paperwork like enrollment proofs.
Border Crossings
Air arrivals at Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport in San Salvador are straightforward with modern facilities, but land borders with Guatemala (e.g., Valle Nuevo) and Honduras (e.g., El Amatillo) may involve longer waits and vehicle inspections for drivers.
Under the CA-4 agreement, no internal border checks occur between member countries, but always carry your passport for spot verifications.
Private shuttles or buses are recommended for safe, hassle-free crossings, especially at night when some borders close.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuation (crucial in remote areas like volcano trails), trip delays, and adventure activities such as surfing or hiking in national parks.
Policies should include at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage, starting from $1-2 per day from global providers.
Ensure coverage for dengue or other tropical illnesses, and keep digital copies of your policy accessible during your trip.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended up to 30 additional days by applying at the General Directorate of Migration in San Salvador before your initial 90 days expire, providing reasons like medical needs or extended tourism with a fee of about $25.
Overstays result in fines of $5-10 per day plus potential deportation, so plan extensions early with supporting documents like hotel bookings.
For longer-term stays, consider temporary residency options for retirees or investors, which offer renewable permits beyond tourist limits.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
El Salvador uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency. For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to San Salvador by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during the dry season peak.
Consider flying into nearby San Pedro Sula in Honduras for cheaper regional connections under CA-4.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at comedores for pupusas, yuca frita, and baleadas under $5 per meal, avoiding tourist traps in areas like El Tunco to save up to 60% on food expenses.
Visit markets like Mercado Central in San Salvador for fresh fruits, seafood, and home-cooked options at bargain prices.
Opt for set lunch menus (almuerzos) which often include drinks and are priced 20-30% lower than à la carte.
Public Transport Passes
Use affordable chicken buses for intercity travel at $1-5 per leg, or invest in a weekly shuttle pass for beach routes around $20-30 to cut costs on frequent trips.
Apps like Moovit help plan routes, and buying multi-ride cards for urban buses in San Salvador saves time and money.
For eco-friendly options, rent bikes in Santa Ana for $5/day to explore colonial streets without fuel expenses.
Free Attractions
Explore public beaches like El Zonte, hike volcanoes such as Izalco, and visit Mayan ruins at Joya de Cerén, all at no cost for authentic cultural immersion.
National parks like El Imposible offer free entry on weekdays, with optional guided tours adding value without breaking the bank.
Join free walking tours in Suchitoto organized by local communities to learn history while supporting grassroots initiatives.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops, but carry USD cash for markets, buses, and rural areas where ATMs may be scarce.
Withdraw from bank ATMs for the best rates, avoiding airport exchanges which charge high fees up to 10%.
Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks, and use apps like Revolut for fee-free international spending.
Attraction Bundles
Purchase combo tickets for sites like Ruta de las Flores at $10-15, granting access to multiple towns, coffee tours, and beaches in one package.
It pays for itself after 2-3 stops, and many include transport discounts for budget travelers.
Look for seasonal passes during festivals like Fiestas Agostinas, which bundle events, entry fees, and local transport savings.
Smart Packing for El Salvador
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the tropical heat, including quick-dry shirts and shorts for beach days, plus long sleeves for sun protection during hikes.
Include a light rain jacket or poncho for sudden showers, and modest attire like covered shoulders for visiting churches in places like San Miguel.
Swimwear and cover-ups are musts for Pacific coast surfing spots, while versatile layers suit cooler highland evenings in Santa Ana.
Electronics
Bring a Type A/B adapter for 110V outlets, a portable power bank for long beach days without charging, and a waterproof phone case for surfing or waterfall visits.
Download offline maps via Google Maps or Maps.me for rural areas with spotty signal, and include a GoPro or action camera for volcano adventures.
Translation apps like Google Translate with Spanish offline packs are invaluable, alongside a VPN for secure Wi-Fi at hostels.
Health & Safety
Carry proof of vaccinations for hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and rabies if hiking; include a comprehensive first-aid kit with motion sickness meds for winding bus rides.
Pack DEET-based mosquito repellent and hydrocortisone cream to combat dengue risks in wet seasons, plus antidiarrheal for street food sampling.
Travel insurance docs, personal medications in original packaging, and a reusable water filter bottle for safe hydration beyond bottled sources.
Travel Gear
A durable daypack is essential for volcano treks and market explorations, paired with a lightweight backpack rain cover for wet season protection.
Include a RFID-blocking wallet or money belt for urban areas, copies of passport and insurance scanned to your phone, and a universal sink plug for laundry.
Reusable shopping bags help with eco-friendly market hauls, and a headlamp is useful for power outages in remote eco-lodges.
Footwear Strategy
Choose waterproof hiking sandals or boots for muddy trails at El Boquerón volcano and rugged coastal paths, ensuring good traction for safety.
Comfortable flip-flops or water shoes for beach hopping in La Libertad, and closed-toe sneakers for city sightseeing in San Salvador's historic center.
Pack extra socks and blister treatments, as long walks on uneven terrain are common; opt for breathable materials to handle humidity.
Personal Care
High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen (50+), aloe vera gel for sunburn relief, and biodegradable soap for eco-sensitive areas like Montecristo cloud forest.
Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and wet wipes for off-grid spots, plus a compact umbrella or hat for intense tropical sun exposure.
Feminine hygiene products may be limited in rural zones, so pack accordingly; include lip balm with SPF and nail clippers for self-maintenance.
When to Visit El Salvador
Dry Season Start (November-February)
Perfect for comfortable weather with temperatures of 25-30°C, low humidity, and minimal rain, ideal for beach relaxation in El Tunco and surfing without crowds.
Whale watching peaks in the Pacific, and cultural festivals like Independence Day add vibrant energy to cities like Santa Ana.
Accommodations are reasonably priced before peak holiday rushes, making it great for budget-conscious volcano hikes.
Peak Dry Season (March-April)
Hottest months with 28-32°C days, sunny skies for optimal outdoor adventures like zip-lining in Ruta de las Flores and diving at Los Cóbanos.
Semana Santa (Holy Week) brings processions and beach parties, though expect higher crowds and prices in coastal areas.
Clear conditions enhance photography of Mayan sites and coffee plantations, with extended daylight for full-day explorations.
Wet Season Onset (May-July)
Lush greenery from afternoon rains, temperatures around 26-30°C, perfect for waterfall chasing in El Salvador's rivers and birdwatching in biosphere reserves.
Fewer tourists mean deals on eco-lodges, and the landscape transforms into a verdant paradise for nature lovers.
Surfing swells improve with rains, but pack for sudden showers; festivals like San Juan Bautista add local flavor.
Late Wet Season (August-October)
Heavy rains taper off by October (24-28°C), offering dramatic scenery for hiking in Cerro Verde National Park and harvest-time coffee tours.
Budget-friendly stays as tourism dips, ideal for immersive experiences like homestays in indigenous communities.
Turtle nesting season begins on beaches, providing unique wildlife viewing opportunities despite occasional downpours.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: United States Dollar (USD). No local currency; ATMs dispense USD. Cards accepted in cities but cash essential for rural areas.
- Language: Spanish is official. English spoken in tourist hubs like beaches and hotels; basic phrases help in markets.
- Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST), UTC-6 (no daylight saving)
- Electricity: 115V, 60Hz. Type A/B plugs (North American two/three-pin flat blades)
- Emergency Number: 911 for police, medical, or fire assistance (recently unified)
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% at restaurants, $1-2 for porters or guides
- Water: Tap water not safe; drink bottled or purified. Avoid ice in rural spots.
- Pharmacies: Farmacias are widespread; look for blue or red cross signs. Many open late.