Salvadoran visa resources
How to Apply for a Salvadoran Visa or Residence
A step-by-step overview of the routes into El Salvador: visa-free entry, consular and consulted visas, the online PEI permit, and residence applications through the DGME.
Important
How you apply depends on your nationality and purpose. Visa-exempt nationals simply travel and are admitted at the border; nationals of visa-required countries obtain a consular visa at a Salvadoran embassy, a consulted visa where prior authorisation is needed, or the online Special Entry Permit (PEI) when a consulate is not accessible.
For stays beyond a short visit — work, study, family or investment — you apply for a temporary residence category with the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME). You identify the correct category, download the official form (which lists the requirements, timeframes and fees), gather apostilled or legalised documents translated into Spanish, submit the application and pay the fees.
Typical steps
- Confirm your nationality's visa status with the DGME
- Choose the correct visa or residence category for your purpose
- Download the official form and read its requirements and fees
- Prepare apostilled/legalised documents translated to Spanish
- Submit to the consulate (visas) or the DGME (residence) and pay
Next steps
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.