El Salvador visas
Whether you need a visa to enter El Salvador depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip: many visitors enter visa-free for tourism, while nationals of certain countries need a consular visa, a consulted visa, or a Special Entry Permit (PEI) issued online. Longer stays for work, study, family or investment run through temporary residence, which can lead to permanent residence and eventually naturalisation. All of this is administered by the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME), with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE) handling consular visas and the Ministry of Labour (MTPS) involved in work authorisation.
Salvadoran visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in El Salvador — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.3 visas
- Work visasComing to El Salvador to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in El Salvador — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in El Salvador.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to El Salvador as a highly skilled individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in El Salvador long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Salvadoran visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
El Salvador — key facts
- Visa authority
- Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Time zone
- Central Standard Time (CST, UTC−6)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.