Passport and documents
Migration allows visitors from Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua to present a valid national ID or passport. Other nationalities must present a passport.
Source: www.migracion.gob.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Information from official sources, checked on the dates shown. It may change; confirm each detail with its source before travelling.
Names and logos identify their owners and do not imply sponsorship.
Before arrival
Visa requirements
In 2024, the United States, Guatemala and Honduras were among the most frequent visitor nationalities. US nationals are listed as visa-exempt; Guatemalans and Hondurans may enter with an ID card or passport.
Source: www.migracion.gob.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Visa requirements
The migration authority says the maximum tourist stay is up to 90 calendar days.
Source: www.migracion.gob.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Visa requirements
Migration lists a 100 US dollars fee for its Special Entry Permit; it is not a general charge for all visitors.
Source: www.migracion.gob.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Customs and baggage
Customs does not charge duties on personal travel belongings; other personal and family goods may enter up to 500 US dollars under its stated conditions.
Source: sitio.aduana.gob.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Entry requirement
Declare cash, securities or negotiable instruments valued at 15,000 US dollars or more when entering or leaving the country.
Source: sitio.aduana.gob.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Prepaid SIM and eSIM
Tigo
SIM cardTigo lists shops and other sales points. Its activation guide asks customers to provide a DUI and register the line; we have not confirmed whether visitors may use a passport. A minimum top-up of fifty US cents unlocks initial benefits.
Source: ayuda.tigo.com.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Claro
SIM cardClaro lists a welcome package with a first top-up from 1.25 US dollars; confirm visitor ID with the operator. The line must be registered.
Source: www.claro.com.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Movistar
SIM cardMovistar asks for a DUI or passport for activation. It lists the #Libre prepaid package for 1.25, US dollars valid through 31 December 2026.
Source: movistar.com.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Digicel
SIM cardDigicel lists a 4 GB prepaid package for 1.25 US dollars for two days. It accepts a passport, residence card or national ID for registration.
Source: www.digicelgroup.com · Checked on 11 Nov
Claro
eSIMClaro offers eSIM for prepaid and postpaid service in El Salvador.
Source: www.claro.com.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Movistar
eSIMMovistar lists eSIM for new line activations; its order flow includes prepaid activations.
Source: esim.movistar.com.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Digicel
eSIMDigicel allows eSIM activation with prepaid packages from 1. US dollars
Source: www.digicelgroup.com · Checked on 11 Nov
Tigo
eSIMTigo publishes eSIM guides; we could not confirm whether prepaid new activations are included on the page checked.
Source: ayuda.tigo.com.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Airports
El Salvador International Airport San Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez
San Luis Talpa, La Paz
Authorized taxi
CEPA lists three authorised taxi providers and their contact numbers. We do not have the fare or pickup instructions in the information checked.
Car rental
CEPA lists authorized rental companies; prices depend on the company and booking.
Source: www.cepa.gob.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Money and currency
Currency and cash
The Central Reserve Bank says the US dollar is unrestricted legal tender; check with each bank which cash it accepts.
Source: www.bcr.gob.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Exchange rate
The Central Reserve Bank documents the historic fixed conversion of 8.75 colones per dollar; this is not a daily tourist exchange rate.
Source: www.bcr.gob.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
ATMs and fees
The SSF table for May 2026 lists foreign-card withdrawal fees of up to six US dollars per transaction at Banco Agrícola. The fee current in November was not confirmed.
Source: ssf.gob.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Taxes
The Ministry of Finance lists a general VAT rate of 13%.
Source: www.mh.gob.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Exchange rate
SSF listed Prosegur Exchange as an authorized exchange house in its January 2022 list; current authorization needs confirmation.
Source: ssf.gob.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Transport
San Salvador
VMT allows passengers to check the authorized fare by bus route or plate.
Santa Ana
VMT’s fare tool looks up public transport fares by route; we did not find one urban fare for Santa Ana.
Source: tarifariociudadano.vmt.gob.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Emergencies and help
National Civil Police / emergency services
Source: www.pnc.gob.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Ambulance, Emergency Medical System
Source: asp.salud.gob.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Fire Service
Source: www.bomberos.gob.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Tourist Police (POLITUR)
Source: www.mitur.gob.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Consumer Ombudsman
Source: www.defensoria.gob.sv · Checked on 11 Nov
Destinations
Suchitoto
From San Salvador · 47 km
The tourism authority gives 47 km from San Salvador; confirm public transport and the exact route before travelling.
Source: elsalvador.travel · Checked on 11 Nov
Parque Recreativo Cerro Verde
From San Salvador · 77 km
The tourism authority gives 77 km from San Salvador and about 1 hour 40 minutes by car.
Source: elsalvador.travel · Checked on 11 Nov
El Tunco
From San Salvador
From San Salvador, the official route goes to Puerto de La Libertad, then via the Camino a Surf City bypass and the coastal highway.
Source: elsalvador.travel · Checked on 11 Nov
Los Cóbanos
From San Salvador
From San Salvador, take the Pan-American Highway toward Sonsonate, turn toward Acajutla and follow the Kilo 5 turnoff.
Source: elsalvador.travel · Checked on 11 Nov
Costa del Sol
From San Salvador
The published route leaves San Salvador via the Comalapa highway and continues along the coastal road and La Herradura road.
Source: elsalvador.travel · Checked on 11 Nov
El Palmarcito
From San Salvador
From San Salvador, travel toward Puerto de La Libertad, take the Camino a Surf City bypass and continue along the coastal highway.
Source: elsalvador.travel · Checked on 11 Nov