El Salvador
General visa requirements for travelling to El Salvador. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Business visa (Visa-Free Business Entry)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- $12 USD tourist card
- Validity
- 180 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Visa-exempt nationals can conduct business activities including meetings, conferences, and exhibitions without a business visa. No work permit required for short-term business activities.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Citizens of USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, EU member states, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Mexico.
Eligible countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America
-
Purpose of visit
Business meetings, conferences, negotiations, exhibitions, and market research.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements or corporate sponsorship letter; Minimum amount: Not specified
-
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No
-
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter from host company in El Salvador including company details, purpose of visit, and duration
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash; Amount: $12 USD
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Obtain invitation letter from host company and prepare supporting documents including employer letter confirming business purpose and proof of funds.
-
Fee payment
Pay tourist card fee upon arrival at port of entry.
Business visa (Business Visa for Visa-Required Countries)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 30 business days
- Fee
- $80 USD
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Business visa does not authorize employment. For work activities, a work permit is required.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Citizens of China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Ghana.
Eligible countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Viet Nam
-
Purpose of visit
Business meetings, conferences, trade missions, and exhibitions.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Color photos, white background
-
Bank statement
Minimum balance: $3,000 USD; Months required: 3
-
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No
-
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Hotel booking confirmation; Must cover full stay: Yes
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
-
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Official invitation letter from host company in El Salvador with company registration details, purpose, and duration of visit
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Business Visa Application Form; Form url: Available at Salvadoran embassy or consulate
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, money order; Amount: $80 USD
-
Company registration
Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Collect all required documents including passport, photos, invitation letter from Salvadoran company, employer letter, company registration documents, bank statements, flight reservations, and accommodation proof.
-
Appointment booking
Schedule appointment at Salvadoran embassy or consulate.
-
Document submission
Submit application and documents in person at embassy.
-
Fee payment
Pay visa fee at embassy. Fee varies by embassy location.
-
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing.
-
Visa collection
Collect passport with visa from embassy.