El Salvador Visa Requirements
For 🇪🇸 Spain passport holders
Great news! Spain passport holders can enter El Salvador without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Spanish citizens can enter El Salvador visa-free for up to 90 days. El Salvador is part of the CA-4 agreement with Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, allowing combined travel of 90 days across these countries.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
1 page(s) required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Return or onward ticket may be requested. Proof of sufficient funds.
Overstaying results in fines and potential complications for future visits.
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid recommended. Dengue and Zika are present - use mosquito repellent.
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
El Salvador has improved significantly but caution is still needed. Avoid certain neighborhoods in San Salvador, don't flash valuables, use authorized taxis or Uber. Tourist areas like El Tunco beach and Ruta de las Flores are generally safe.
Money & Costs
Currency
$ US Dollar (USD)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $30 · Mid: $70 · Luxury: $180+
Tipping
Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants. Round up for taxis.
Practical Info
Power
Type A, B, 115V
Driving
Right side
Emergency
911 (all emergencies), 123 (Red Cross)
Getting There
Main Airports
San Salvador (SAL)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
November to April is the dry season with sunny skies and ideal beach weather. May to October is rainy but brings lush landscapes and world-class surfing swells. Temperatures are warm year-round (25-32°C).
Cultural Notes
Salvadorans are warm and proud of their country's progress. The civil war (1979-1992) shaped modern history. Coffee culture is strong - El Salvador produces excellent single-origin beans. Family and community are central values.
Insider Tips
El Salvador adopted Bitcoin as legal tender - many places accept it alongside USD. Surfing is world-class at El Sunzal and El Tunco. Learn basic Spanish as English is limited. Pupusas are delicious and cheap everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Spanish citizens need a visa for El Salvador?
No, Spanish citizens can enter El Salvador visa-free for up to 90 days. This 90-day allowance is shared across the CA-4 countries (Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador).
Is El Salvador safe for tourists?
Tourist areas like beach towns (El Tunco, El Zonte), the Ruta de las Flores, and major attractions are generally safe. Avoid certain areas of San Salvador, use registered taxis, and take standard precautions.
What is El Salvador known for?
World-class surfing, excellent coffee, the adorable pupusa, ancient Mayan ruins (Joya de Cerén, Tazumal), volcanoes, and now being a Bitcoin pioneer. The Ruta de las Flores is a scenic highland route with charming villages.
Can I use Bitcoin in El Salvador?
Yes, Bitcoin is legal tender alongside the US dollar. Many businesses in tourist areas accept it via the government Chivo wallet or other crypto wallets. However, cash USD remains the most widely accepted payment method.
How is the surfing in El Salvador?
Exceptional! El Tunco and El Sunzal offer consistent waves year-round, with larger swells May-October. The water is warm, beaches are uncrowded compared to other surf destinations, and prices are budget-friendly.