San Salvador Entry Requirements

Children traveling with both parents require no special documentation beyond a valid passport. A child traveling with only one parent, or with a guardian who is not the legal parent, must carry a notarized letter of authorization from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian, ideally authenticated by the Salvadoran consulate or with an apostille. This requirement is strictly enforced to prevent child abduction. The letter should state the child's full name, passport number, travel dates, destination, and the consenting parent's contact information. Children under 18 who are Salvadoran nationals or dual nationals may be subject to additional regulations. Consult the Salvadoran consulate for guidance.

Dogs and cats may be imported into El Salvador with the following documentation: a valid rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before travel; a general health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 14 days of travel. And an official health certificate endorsed by the government veterinary authority of the country of origin (USDA-APHIS endorsement for US travelers, CFIA for Canada, etc.). All documentation must accompany the animal at the point of entry and will be reviewed by the Ministry of Agriculture's animal health inspectors. Microchipping is strongly recommended. Import requirements can change. Verify current requirements with the Organismo Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (OIRSA) or the Salvadoran Ministry of Agriculture before travel.

Travelers wishing to remain in El Salvador beyond their initial 90-day CA-4 authorization have several options. First, a single extension of up to 90 additional days may be applied for at the DGME offices in San Salvador before the original authorization expires. This requires a fee (approximately USD $30), passport photos, a completed application form, and documentation of the reason for extended stay. Second, some travelers exit the CA-4 zone entirely (for example, by crossing into Panama or Belize) for a minimum period, then re-enter, though immigration officers are empowered to deny entry to travelers who appear to be using this method to circumvent residency requirements. Third, long-term legal residency options include pensioner (rentista) visas for those with guaranteed income, investor visas, spouse/family reunification visas, and employment permits. Each has specific income, investment, or documentation thresholds. Consult an immigration lawyer in El Salvador for guidance on the option best suited to your circumstances.

Salvadoran law requires Salvadoran nationals to enter and exit using their Salvadoran passport, regardless of any other citizenship they hold. Dual nationals who enter on a foreign passport may face complications at departure or when interacting with authorities. If you have Salvadoran nationality, including by descent, confirm your obligations with the DGME or the nearest Salvadoran consulate before traveling.

Foreign journalists covering news in El Salvador should register their presence with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, where possible, coordinate with the Salvadoran press freedom organization APES (Asociación de Periodistas de El Salvador). While tourist visas technically cover journalistic activity, obtaining accreditation reduces complications with authorities. Researchers engaging in fieldwork should obtain written approval from their host institution in El Salvador and may require additional permits depending on the subject matter (e.g., archaeological work, wildlife research).

El Salvador reserves the right to deny entry to persons with serious criminal convictions, for drug trafficking, violent crimes, or crimes against children. If you have a criminal record, consult the Salvadoran consulate in your home country before booking travel to determine whether your specific circumstances affect your eligibility to enter.