Check your passport-specific visa exception
El Salvador’s Ministry classifies travel documents as A (visa-exempt), B (consular visa) or C (consulted visa). Its checker also asks whether you hold a valid US, Canadian or Schengen visa and whether you legally reside in another country. Check your exact passport and circumstances before booking or applying; these factors can change the route.
Check whether your passport meets the exception
El Salvador’s Ministry classifies travel documents as A (visa-exempt), B (consular visa) or C (consulted visa). Its checker also asks whether you hold a valid US, Canadian or Schengen visa and whether you legally reside in another country. Check your exact passport and circumstances before booking or applying; these factors can change the route.
If you do not qualify, apply for the required visa before travel
This online route is for some travelers who need a consular or consulted visa but do not hold one, or cannot use the ordinary consular process in the circumstances listed by Migration. Create an account, submit the form and supporting documents, and wait for approval before travel. Check your visa category first; approval is not automatic.
Check the stay and entry conditions
A visa or visa waiver does not guarantee admission. Follow the dates and conditions set by the destination’s immigration authority.
What to prepare for your trip
Check each item as you prepare it. Labels show which documents are required, conditional, or recommended.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Costs & timing
Government charges and decision times for this route. Check the official service for your final fee.
Government fee
Migration lists a US$100 fee for a PEI application. This is the fee for that special online route; it does not establish the fee for an ordinary consular or consulted visa. Check which procedure applies to your passport and circumstances.
Read the official fee guidanceArrival paperwork is a separate step
PEI passport endorsement
If Migration approves your PEI application, the Directorate says the permit is stamped physically in your passport when you enter through an air, sea, or land border.
Open PEI passport endorsementDetails that can change your plans
Check the visa category for your exact circumstances
El Salvador’s Ministry classifies travel documents as A (visa-exempt), B (consular visa) or C (consulted visa). Its checker also asks whether you hold a valid US, Canadian or Schengen visa and whether you legally reside in another country. Check your exact passport and circumstances before booking or applying; these factors can change the route.
Official guidanceAn approved PEI may authorize up to 180 days
Migration says an approved PEI can authorize up to 180 days, including for tourism. This is the ceiling for the PEI route, not a guaranteed stay or a shared limit for every consular visa. Follow the period stamped in your passport; confirm the stay granted for the specific visa you receive.
Official guidanceCA-4 border crossings may share one stay allowance
If you enter El Salvador after Guatemala, Honduras, or Nicaragua, Migration says to carry the time remaining from your first CA-4 entry. Crossing a regional border does not automatically restart your stay allowance. Canada’s current advice says other CA-4 countries may recognize only the first 90 days even when El Salvador grants up to 180; check each country in your itinerary.
Official guidanceEl Salvador at a glance
- Capital
- San Salvador
- Currency
- USD
- Calling code
- +503
Questions for this route
Do travelers with an ordinary passport from Gabon need a visa for El Salvador?
Check the visa category for your exact circumstances. El Salvador’s Ministry classifies travel documents as A (visa-exempt), B (consular visa) or C (consulted visa). Its checker also asks whether you hold a valid US, Canadian or Schengen visa and whether you legally reside in another country. Check your exact passport and circumstances before booking or applying; these factors can change the route.
Do I need to complete PEI passport endorsement?
Required only when the stated conditions apply. If Migration approves your PEI application, the Directorate says the permit is stamped physically in your passport when you enter through an air, sea, or land border. It does not replace a required visa or travel authorisation.
How long can I stay in El Salvador with a visitor visa?
Migration says an approved PEI can authorize up to 180 days, including for tourism. This is the ceiling for the PEI route, not a guaranteed stay or a shared limit for every consular visa. Follow the period stamped in your passport; confirm the stay granted for the specific visa you receive.
What fees apply for a El Salvador visitor visa?
Migration lists a US$100 fee for a PEI application. This is the fee for that special online route; it does not establish the fee for an ordinary consular or consulted visa. Check which procedure applies to your passport and circumstances.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official websites
Use these government websites to confirm requirements and complete any application.
Open Special Entry Permit (PEI)
This online route is for some travelers who need a consular or consulted visa but do not hold one, or cannot use the ordinary consular process in the circumstances listed by Migration. Create an account, submit the form and supporting documents, and wait for approval before travel. Check your visa category first; approval is not automatic.
Open PEI passport endorsement
Check El Salvador’s official visa checker
Check your nationality, passport type, other visas and legal residence before choosing a visa route.
About this guide
This guide covers short tourist visits on an ordinary passport. Your nationality, residence, travel document and purpose can affect the entry conditions. Check the linked official guidance before travel; the border authority decides admission and your permitted stay.
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