El Salvador
El Salvador visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish citizens do not need a visa for tourism stays of up to 90 days in El Salvador. You need a passport valid for at least six months and proof of onward travel. Check the latest rules before flying, as entry requirements can change.
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GuideEl Salvador
Key facts
- Visa required
- No for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens (tourism, up to 90 days)
- Maximum stay
- 90 days (extensions possible)
- Passport validity
- At least 6 months beyond arrival
- Onward ticket
- Proof of onward travel may be requested
- Entry fee
- None for tourism
- Electronic authorisation
- Not required for these citizens
Quick answer
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish citizens do not need a visa for tourism in El Salvador. You can stay up to 90 days. You need a passport valid for at least six months and proof of onward travel. Entry rules can change, so check with the nearest El Salvador embassy or consulate before you book.
Visa requirements by passport
The table below summarises the visa requirements for the main English-speaking markets. All entries are for tourism; working, studying or staying longer than 90 days needs a different permit.
| Passport | Visa required | Max stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | No | 90 days | Passport valid 6 months (check) |
| United Kingdom | No | 90 days | Passport valid 6 months (check) |
| Canada | No | 90 days | Passport valid 6 months (check) |
| Australia | No | 90 days | Passport valid 6 months (check) |
| New Zealand | No | 90 days | Passport valid 6 months (check) |
| Ireland | No | 90 days | Passport valid 6 months (check) |
Rules can change; confirm with the nearest El Salvador embassy or consulate before travel.
Entry details
You will need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket or a bus ticket out of the country. Have a printed copy or a phone screenshot ready.
There is no entry fee for tourism. You may be asked to show where you are staying, so have your hotel or hostel address handy. The immigration process at San Salvador airport is usually straightforward, but queues can build up at peak times.
Extensions and overstay
If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you can apply for an extension at the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería in San Salvador. Overstaying can lead to fines and problems at the border, so sort it out before your 90 days run out.
FAQ
Sources and verification date
This page was last updated in September 2026. Entry rules can change without notice; always check with the nearest El Salvador embassy or consulate and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Questions people ask
Do US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens need a visa for El Salvador?
No, for tourism. Citizens of these countries can enter El Salvador without a visa and stay up to 90 days. You need a passport valid for at least six months and proof of onward travel. Check with the nearest embassy before you go.
How long can I stay in El Salvador without a visa?
Up to 90 days for tourism. If you want to stay longer, apply for an extension at the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería in San Salvador before your 90 days run out. Overstaying can lead to fines.
Do I need an electronic travel authorisation before flying to El Salvador?
No, not for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ or Irish citizens. There is no electronic travel authorisation requirement for these passports. Just have your passport, proof of onward travel and accommodation details ready for immigration.
Can I work or study in El Salvador with this visa‑free entry?
No. The visa‑free stay is for tourism only. Working, studying or any paid activity requires a separate permit or visa obtained before arrival.
What documents should I have ready at immigration?
Bring a passport valid for at least six months, a printed or electronic copy of your onward ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or address), and any required visas for onward destinations.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialUS State Department – El Salvador travel advice
- officialUK Foreign Travel Advice – El Salvador
- officialGovernment of Canada – El Salvador travel advice
- officialAustralian Government – Smartraveller El Salvador
- officialNew Zealand SafeTravel – El Salvador
- officialIrish Department of Foreign Affairs – El Salvador
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialUS State Department – El Salvador travel advice
- officialUK Foreign Travel Advice – El Salvador
- officialGovernment of Canada – El Salvador travel advice
- officialAustralian Government – Smartraveller El Salvador
- officialNew Zealand SafeTravel – El Salvador
- officialIrish Department of Foreign Affairs – El Salvador
Ask about El Salvador
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