El Salvador E-Visa for Chad Citizens: 2026 Entry Requirements

For citizens of Chad planning a journey to El Salvador—whether to explore the dramatic volcanic landscapes, the pristine beaches of "Surf City," or the world's first Bitcoin-integrated economy—securing an official electronic travel permit is a mandatory requirement. As El Salvador continues to modernize its digital entry systems for 2026, Chadian passport holders can now manage their visa requirements online, ensuring a compliant transition from Central Africa to Central America.

Visa Policy and Exemptions for Chadian Travelers

Under current 2026 immigration regulations, Chad is classified as a country whose citizens require a visa for entry. However, a significant travel shortcut exists for those with extensive international travel history: if you possess a valid, multiple-entry visa from the United States, Canada, or any member of the Schengen Area, you may be exempt from the Salvadoran e-visa requirement. If you do not hold one of these specific third-party visas, you must obtain your official electronic permit before departing from N'Djamena International Airport (NDJ).

Document Readiness and Long-Haul Logistics

Traveling from N'Djamena to San Salvador (SAL) is a major transcontinental trip, typically exceeding 30 hours of travel time and requiring multiple connections. To ensure your application is processed without administrative delays, all digital submissions must be high-resolution and meet official immigration standards.

The foundation of your request is the Chad specific document checklist, which includes a clear scan of your passport’s bio-page (valid for at least 6 months) and a professional digital photograph. Logistically, flying from Chad to El Salvador involves several connections. Common routes for Chadian travelers involve transiting through Addis Ababa (ADD) with Ethiopian Airlines, Istanbul (IST) with Turkish Airlines, or Paris (CDG) with Air France, followed by a final leg through major hubs like Bogota, Panama City, or North American cities. A confirmed flight itinerary is a mandatory requirement for authorities to verify your intended arrival and departure dates.

Currency and Financial Information

Planning your finances is crucial when traveling from the CFA-based economy of Chad to Central America. The Central African CFA Franc (XAF) is not accepted or exchangeable in El Salvador. The Salvadoran economy operates on a unique dual-currency system where the United States Dollar (USD) and Bitcoin are both recognized as legal tender.

Before you begin the application process, you can review the current visa fees and accepted payment methods to ensure your digital transaction is successful. For your daily expenses in El Salvador, we recommend carrying USD in cash—specifically in small denominations like $1, $5, and $10. While credit cards are accepted in major urban hotels in San Salvador, cash remains the most practical way to pay for local transportation and dining in traditional village markets.

Final Approval and Port of Entry

The standard processing fee for the e-visa for Chad citizens is $100, and most applications are finalized within 5 to 9 business days. Once your approval is delivered via email, you must print a physical copy of the document. Upon arrival at the San Oscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport, you will present this paper copy to the immigration officials. They will provide the final entry stamp, which typically permits a stay of up to 90 days in the country.