El Salvador visa for United States citizens

El Salvadoran passport holders will require a visa for entry into the United States, with seven distinct visa types available, including options for tourism, business, and study, catering to a wide range of travel purposes. Planning your trip requires considering the standard 180-day maximum stay allowed for many tourist visas and budgeting for the typical $185 application fee. Given the proximity, flights are frequent, but remember you'll be crossing into a different time zone, and understanding basic English phrases will greatly enhance your experience, particularly when navigating the extensive American landscape.

Visa-free180d stay· verified 2026-05-27

Entry requirements

Passport validity
6+ months
Onward ticket
Required
Funds proof
Required
Health insurance
Not required
Yellow fever cert.
Required

Visa options

TouristTourist Card
90d$12valid 3mo
TouristConsular Visa (Tourism / Family Visit)
90dvalid 3mo
Apply
TouristConsulted Visa (Tourism / Family Visit)
90dvalid 3mo
Apply
BusinessBusiness Entry (Visa‑Exempt, Tourism or Business)
180d$0multiple-entryvalid 6mo
BusinessConsular Visa (Business)
90dvalid 3mo
Apply
BusinessConsulted Visa (Business)
90dvalid 3mo
Apply
BusinessSpecial Entry Permit (Business)
Apply
TransitTransit Without Visa (up to 48 hours)
2d$0valid 2d
OtherCategory A (Visa‑Exempt Entry)
90d$0multiple-entryvalid 3mo
Apply
OtherCategory B (Consular Visa or Without Consultation)
90dvalid 3mo
Apply
OtherCategory C (Consulted Visa)
90dvalid 3mo
Apply
WorkTemporary Residence with Work Authorization
730dmultiple-entryvalid 2y
OtherPermanent Residence (after Temporary Residence)
multiple-entry

Part of CA-4 Free Mobility Agreement. 90 days total for entire area.

Sources