El Salvador Visa Handbook 2023

El Salvador Visa

Irsa GulJune 14, 2023Last Updated: June 14, 2023

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Welcome to the El Salvador Visa Handbook 2023. If you’re planning to visit El Salvador in the coming year, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the visa requirements and procedures. This handbook provides comprehensive information and guidance to help you navigate the process of obtaining a visa for El Salvador. Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure, or visiting family and friends, this handbook will equip you with all the necessary knowledge to make your visa application smooth and hassle-free. From understanding the different types of visas to knowing the documents required, this handbook covers everything you need to know about obtaining a visa for El Salvador in 2023. So let’s dive in and explore the visa process together.

Who must have a El Salvador Visa to enter El Salvador?

The visa requirements for El Salvador depend on the nationality of the traveler. Citizens from some countries are exempt from obtaining a visa for tourism and short-term business purposes, while others require a visa.

As of 2023, citizens from the following countries are exempt from obtaining a visa to enter El Salvador for tourism or short-term business purposes for up to 90 days:

All EU Citizens
Iceland
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Albania
India
San Marino
Andorra
Israel
Sao Tome and Principe
Antigua and Barbuda
Japan
Saudi Arabia
Argentina
Kuwait
Singapore
Australia
Liechtenstein
Solomon Islands
Bahamas
Madagascar
South Africa
Bahrain
Malaysia
South Korea
Barbados
Marshall Islands
Switzerland
Belize
Mexico
Turkey
Brazil
Monaco
Trinidad and Tobago
Brunei
New Zealand
Tuvalu
Canada
Nicaragua
Ukraine
Chile
North Macedonia
United Arab Emirates
Colombia
Norway
United Kingdom
Costa Rica
Panama
United States
Dominican Republic
Paraguay
Uruguay
Ecuador
Qatar
Vanuatu
Fiji
Russia
Vatican City
Guatemala
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Honduras
Saint Lucia

Individuals having the valid passport or valid visas from the following mentioned countries do not need an El Salvador Visa to enter and stay in El Salvador;

Any Schengen Country.
United States
Canada

Individuals having diplomatic passports from the following mentioned countries do not need an El Salvador Visa to enter and stay in El Salvador;

Belarus
Bolivia
Cuba
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Egypt
Grenada
Guyana
Haiti
Indonesia
Jamaica
Jordan
Kenya
Montenegro
Morocco
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Peru
Philippines
Serbia
Suriname
Thailand
Venezuela
Vietnam

Documents Required to apply for an El Salvador Visa

The documents required to apply for an El Salvador visa may vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for and your nationality. However, in general, you’ll need to prepare the following documents:

Valid passport with at least six months validity beyond your planned stay in El Salvador
Completed visa application form
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Proof of travel arrangements (flight itinerary, hotel booking, etc.)
Proof of financial means to cover your expenses during your stay in El Salvador (bank statements, proof of employment, etc.)
Criminal record certificate issued by the relevant authority of the country of origin or residence (this may not be required for all types of visas)
Proof of purpose of the visit (invitation letter, business or conference invitation, etc.)

Application Procedure

The application procedure for an El Salvador visa typically involves the following steps:

Determine the type of visa you need and prepare the required documents.
Submit your visa application and supporting documents to the nearest Salvadoran embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
Pay the visa application fee, if required.
Wait for the visa processing time to be completed, which may take several days or weeks depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications.
Once your visa is approved, collect your passport from the embassy or consulate and check that your visa details are correct.
Travel to El Salvador and present your passport and visa to the immigration authorities upon arrival.

Validity of El Salvador Visa

The validity of the visa varies depending on the type of visa and can range from a few weeks to several years.

The length of stay allowed in El Salvador is typically determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry, and may not exceed the validity of the visa.

If traveler plans to stay in El Salvador for an extended period, they may be required to obtain a temporary residence permit from the immigration authorities.

Costs of El Salvador Visa

Here are the costs associated with obtaining a visa for El Salvador:

Tourist visa fee: $30 USD
Business visa fee: $60 USD
Work visa fee: $100 USD
Student visa fee: $80 USD
Transit visa fee: $5 USD
Visa extension fee: $25 USD per month
Multiple entry visa fee: $60 USD

Interesting information about El Salvador

Here are some interesting facts and information about El Salvador:

El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America, with a population of approximately 6.5 million people.
The official language of El Salvador is Spanish, and the country’s currency is the US dollar.
El Salvador is known for its beautiful beaches, surfing spots, and stunning natural landscapes, including volcanoes, mountains, and forests.
The country has a rich history and cultural heritage, with influences from the Maya, Pipil, and other indigenous peoples, as well as Spanish colonialism and modern-day globalization.
El Salvador has faced significant challenges in recent decades, including civil war, natural disasters, economic inequality, and high levels of crime and violence.
Despite these challenges, the country has made progress in areas such as education, healthcare, and human rights, and has a growing economy with a focus on trade, manufacturing, and technology.
Some famous people from El Salvador include artist Fernando Llort, footballer Jorge “Mágico” González, and Archbishop Óscar Romero, who was assassinated in 1980 and later canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.