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

For citizens of India planning a journey to El Salvador—whether to experience the world-class surf of "Surf City," explore the breathtaking volcanic highlands, or engage with the country's innovative Bitcoin-integrated economy—securing an official electronic travel permit is a mandatory requirement. As El Salvador enhances its 2026 digital immigration infrastructure, Indian passport holders can now manage their entry requirements online, ensuring a compliant departure from South Asia toward Central America.

Visa Policy and Mandatory Entry Fees for Indian Travelers

Under current 2026 immigration regulations, India is classified as a country whose citizens require a visa for entry. However, a significant travel shortcut may exist for seasoned international travelers: 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.

Important Note: Since late 2023 and continuing through 2026, the Salvadoran government has implemented a mandatory Airport Improvement Fee of USD $1,130 (inclusive of VAT) for travelers holding passports from India. This fee must be paid before boarding your flight or upon arrival at the international airport and is part of the country's measures to manage migration flows.

Document Readiness and Long-Haul Logistics

The journey from India to San Salvador (SAL) is an extensive transcontinental trip, typically exceeding 26 to 34 hours of travel time depending on layovers. 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 India 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 India to El Salvador involves multiple connections as there are no direct flights. Common routes for Indian travelers involve transiting through New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), or Toronto (YYZ) if holding a transit visa, or through Istanbul (IST) with Turkish Airlines. A confirmed flight itinerary is a mandatory requirement for authorities to verify your arrival and departure dates.

Currency and Financial Information

Planning your finances is crucial when traveling from the Rupee-based economy of India to Central America. The Indian Rupee (INR) 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 widely used in major urban hotels in San Salvador, cash remains the most practical way to pay for local transportation and dining in traditional "pupuserías."

Final Approval and Port of Entry

The standard processing fee for the e-visa for India citizens is $100 (separate from the $1,130 entry fee), 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 national territory.