Tourist Visa (Short-Stay Visa): Allows stays of up to 90 days, part of the CA-4 agreement (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua), which allows free movement between these countries.
Temporary Resident Visa: Typically valid for 1 to 2 years, renewable, with options for work, study, investment, and family reunification.
Permanent Resident Visa: Grants indefinite stay, but requires renewal every 5 years.
Visa cost
Tourist Visa: Around $12, required for certain nationalities (e.g., U.S. citizens pay upon arrival). Some nationalities require a consular visa, costing $30 to $60.
Temporary Resident Visa: Costs range from $150 to $300, depending on the visa type.
Permanent Resident Visa: Costs approximately $400 to $500.
Visa extension
Tourist Visa: No formal extensions, but travelers can leave and re-enter after 72 hours outside of the CA-4 region to reset their stay.
Temporary Resident Visa: Yes, typically renewable every 1 to 2 years.
Permanent Resident Visa: Not applicable; grants indefinite stay, but must be renewed every 5 years.
Visa processing time
Tourist Visa: Issued on arrival or processed within 5 to 15 days if required.
Temporary Resident Visa: Processing time ranges from 2 to 4 months, depending on the category.
Permanent Resident Visa: Can take 4 to 6 months for approval.
Who can apply?
Tourist Visa: Citizens of most countries can enter visa-free for 90 days, while others require a visa in advance.
Temporary Resident Visa: Available to employees, investors, students, digital nomads, retirees, and individuals with family ties in El Salvador.
Permanent Resident Visa: Open to those who have lived in El Salvador for a certain period on a temporary visa or have Salvadoran family connections.
Where to apply?
Visa applications are submitted at Salvadoran embassies or consulates abroad, or at the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners in El Salvador.
How to apply:
Determine Visa Type: Choose between a Tourist, Temporary Resident, or Permanent Resident Visa.
Gather Required Documents:
Tourist Visa: Valid passport, proof of onward travel, and financial proof (if required).
Temporary Resident Visa: Additional documents such as a background check, employment contract, proof of investment, or university acceptance letter.
Permanent Resident Visa: Proof of legal residency for the required period, financial stability, and family ties (if applicable).
Submit Application: Apply at the Salvadoran consulate or the immigration office in El Salvador.
Pay the Visa Fee: Fees vary depending on visa type.
Attend an Interview (if required): Some applicants may need to provide additional documents or attend an interview.
Await Processing: Processing times vary, and additional documents may be requested.
Minimum income requirements
Tourist Visa: No specific income requirement, but travelers may need to show proof of sufficient funds (typically around $50 per day).
Temporary Resident Visa:
Work Visa: Requires proof of employment with a minimum salary (varies by job but generally around $1,000 per month).
Investor Visa: Requires a minimum investment of approximately $40,000 in Salvadoran businesses.
Retiree Visa: Requires proof of pension or passive income of at least $1,500 per month.
Permanent Resident Visa: Applicants must demonstrate financial stability or employment in El Salvador.
Popular cities
San Salvador: The capital and economic hub of the country.
Santa Ana: A colonial city known for its architecture and coffee production.
San Miguel: A major commercial and cultural center.
La Libertad: Popular for its beaches and surf culture.
Suchitoto: A scenic town known for its arts and cultural heritage.
Minimum income requirements
Official Language: Spanish.
Other Languages: Some indigenous languages are spoken, but Spanish is dominant. English is spoken in tourist areas and among younger populations.
Average internet speeds
Fixed Broadband: Average download speed of approximately 60 Mbps.
Mobile Internet: Average download speed of around 25 Mbps.
