Visa requirements

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.

Student visa (Student Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

• Maximum stay: 365 days
• Processing time: 60 business days
• Fee: $100 USD
• Validity: Duration of study program, typically 1 year renewable
• Entry: Single entry

Student visa valid for duration of academic program, typically issued for 1 year and renewable. Students may work part-time with separate work authorization. Must maintain full-time enrollment to keep visa status.

Eligibility

• Nationality

  All foreign nationals with acceptance from accredited educational institution in El Salvador.

• Purpose of visit

  Bachelor degree, master degree, doctoral degree, language study, and vocational training.

  Includes

  • Bachelor degree
  • master degree
  • doctoral degree
  • language study
  • vocational training
• Financial

  Must demonstrate ability to pay tuition and living expenses. Minimum $10,000 USD for full academic year.

  Minimum funds: $10,000 USD

Documents you need

• Passport

  Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

• Photo

  Count: 4; Specifications: Recent color photos, white background

• Bank statement

  Minimum balance: $10,000 USD; Months required: 12

• Proof of funds

  Accepted forms: Scholarship letter, sponsor letter, or personal funds; Minimum amount: $10,000 USD

• Admission letter

  Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: No

• Police clearance

  Validity months: 6

• Medical certificate

  Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

• Application form

  Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

  Form name: Student Visa Application Form; Form url: Available from Salvadoran embassy or online

• Birth certificate

  Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

• Academic transcript

  Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.

  Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes

• Proof of enrollment

  Provide proof of enrolment or admission from the school, university or training provider.

  Must be current: No; Must be original: No

How to apply

1. Document gathering

   Obtain admission letter from accredited educational institution and gather required documents: valid passport, 4 passport photos, admission letter confirming full-time enrollment, previous academic transcripts (authenticated and translated to Spanish), bank statements showing $10,000 USD for full academic year, proof of financial means (scholarship letter, sponsor letter, or personal funds), police clearance (apostilled), medical examination certificate, valid health insurance coverage in El Salvador, application form, and birth certificate (apostilled and translated if necessary).

2. Online application

   Complete student visa application form available from Salvadoran embassy or online.

3. Appointment booking

   Schedule appointment at Salvadoran embassy or consulate.

4. Document submission

   Submit application and supporting documents at embassy.

5. Fee payment

   Pay student visa fee at embassy.

6. Processing wait

   Wait for visa processing. Processing typically takes up to 60 business days.

7. Visa collection

   Collect passport with student visa from embassy.

This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.