Do you have questions about the El Salvador visa for Indian citizens? If you’re a citizen of India and wish to explore the many wonders of El Salvador, this visa guide for Indian nationals will be all you will need to make your way into the country to experience its volcanoes, jungles, and beaches.
El Salvador Visa for Indian Citizens
Citizens of India do NOT need a visa for El Salvador if they enter the country for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days. Some websites will tell you otherwise, but that’s only because they are visa agencies trying to sell you their services.
If you are a genuine traveler or business person wanting to visit El Salvador for a valid reason, you will have no problems acquiring almost 3 months of stay with a tourist card on arrival at the airport, for just 12 USD.
So, don’t waste your hard-earned money by paying these agencies.
How much does it cost for a visa in El Salvador?
If you’re a citizen of India or of one of the other countries that are exempt from a visa for El Salvador, you don’t have to pay anything for a visa. You just need to purchase a tourist card for 12 USD at the airport in El Salvador.
How to get a tourist card after landing in El Salvador
You will most likely enter El Salvador by landing in the country’s capital – San Salvador.
After you disembark, walk towards immigration. There should be a board with signage showing flags of different countries. Behind it, you will find people queuing up for their interviews.
You will see that India is listed on this board, among the countries whose citizens need to purchase a tourist card. Join one of the lines and keep a change of 12 USD ready. Share your passport with the officer and explain the reason for your visit. You may also be asked to present the following:
- COVID-19 vaccination certificate or a PCR test taken within 72 hours
- Proof of funds for your stay in El Salvador
- Flight ticket leaving El Salvador
The officers will for sure ask you for an address in El Salvador. It can be a hostel/hotel booking or a friend’s invitation to stay in their home. Make sure that one of these is on your person.
If all looks good, they will ask you for the money for the tourist card and stamp your passport.
That’s all! They will hand over a tourist card, which you should securely keep on you, even when you explore El Salvador.
El Salvador Tourist Card Explained
The most important thing you must understand is that “a tourist card” is not the same as a tourist visa. India is one of the countries exempt from a visa for El Salvador. But for entry into the country, Indian citizens do have to pay for a tourist card.
The tourist card for El Salvador issued on arrival costs 12 USD. This card isn’t valid for employment or work purposes. It’s only for tourists or business travelers.
This card gives up to a 90-day permit to stay in El Salvador with a single entry. But don’t mistake this for three months, because they are strict about the exact 90 days.
Extending Your Stay In El Salvador As A Tourist
In some cases, non-residents may extend their stay beyond these 90 days in El Salvador. To get this extension, visit the website below and complete the necessary steps listed: https://www.migracion.gob.sv/servicios/prorroga-de-permanencia-para-turistas/
Once you get an appointment, you must go to Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería office in San Salvador, to finish the process for the extension.
How to Apply for an El Salvador visa from India?
You don’t need to do anything in India for the El Salvador visa. Make sure you land in the country with a valid and unexpired passport and 12 USD in cash, and accommodation or tour booked.
Safety Tips for El Salvador
The version of El Salvador in the media differs from what you will experience as a tourist. Does that mean everything on the news is a lie? No. But most of the crime is internal, amongst the locals, and rarely affects tourists.
It will only impact your travels if you end up at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Some things that helped me – a solo female traveler – stay safe in El Salvador
Don’t flash your bling, money, or expensive electronics
Avoid carrying expensive jewelry on your trip to El Salvador. If you must, keep it in the locker at the hotel when you go sightseeing. I made it a habit to scan my surroundings closely before getting my phone or camera out of my bag for a shot. I recommend you do the same.
There’s also some petty theft, so keep your valuables close at all times, as you would in any other country
Don’t walk alone at night
The nightlife in El Salvador is super fun but only go to clubs and bars in groups. If you’re a solo traveler, consider making friends in your hostel and going with a few people.
Arrive in the country during the day
Book a flight that arrives in El Salvador during the daytime. Avoid traveling after dark, especially as soon as you land.
Prebook a taxi to travel from the airport to the city centre
I pre-booked a taxi a day before my arrival. When I exited the airport, the taxi driver was there with a sign with my name on it. It was easy to coordinate with him using WhatsApp. Not only is it cheaper than local taxis, but it is also convenient not to have to haggle with the crowd of airport taxi drivers.
Don’t take random buses to unfamiliar places
I don’t mean to kill your adventurous spirit, but it’s best not to end up in bad neighborhoods by flagging a bus that you’re not sure where it leads. Take an Uber whenever possible and stick to touristy places.
Where To Stay in San Salvador, El Salvador
Book one of these top-rated budget-friendly hostels on Agoda.
So, To Conclude: Do Indian passport holders need a visa for El Salvador?
Quick answer – No, if you are a citizen of India, you do not need a visa for El Salvador. So, instead of looking for El Salvador visa requirements for Indian citizens, you should be researching the list of documents you need for a tourist card.
For the tourist card, you need a valid passport, reason for visit, proof of stay, 12 USD for the card, a return flight ticket, and sufficient funds for your stay.
Travelers that can look beyond the media reports of violence and crime, in the tiny Central American country called El Salvador will surprise you in the best ways.
This article is updated regularly to reflect the latest requirements for an El Salvador visa for Indian Citizens. However, rules may change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with an official source, before your travels.
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This Post Has 3 Comments
Hi, I’m Mr Phool from INDIA . Your site is very good information share to your site Page for all visitors at EI Salvador country. I’m interested for vist to your country and being planned for vist too EI Salvador. Thankyou so much…..
Hii good information from u I like to visit in Salvador e I need to faver by your side I will give commission plz help me how can I come in salvadore
Now India citizens without visa entered in el silvador