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

For citizens of Tanzania planning an ambitious journey to El Salvador—whether to explore the stunning volcanic landscapes, the archaeological wonders of Joya de Cerén, or the world-class surf along the Pacific coast—securing an official electronic travel permit is a mandatory requirement. As El Salvador enhances its 2026 digital immigration infrastructure, Tanzanian passport holders can now manage their entry process online, ensuring a compliant transition from East Africa to Central America.

Visa Policy and Mandatory Entry Fees for 2026

Under current 2026 immigration regulations, Tanzania 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 for 2026: El Salvador has implemented a mandatory Airport Improvement Fee of USD $1,130 (inclusive of VAT) for travelers holding passports from over 50 African nations, including Tanzania. This fee is separate from the standard visa cost and must be paid before boarding your flight or upon arrival at the transit hub. This measure is part of the government's initiative to modernize the San Oscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport and manage regional migration flows.

Document Readiness and Long-Haul Logistics

The journey from Dar es Salaam (DAR) or Kilimanjaro (JRO) to San Salvador (SAL) is an extensive transcontinental trip, typically exceeding 28 to 36 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 Tanzania 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 Tanzania to El Salvador involves multiple connections through major global hubs. Common routes involve transiting through Addis Ababa (ADD) with Ethiopian Airlines, Istanbul (IST) with Turkish Airlines, or through European gateways like Frankfurt (FRA) or Amsterdam (AMS). Providing a confirmed flight itinerary is mandatory for authorities to verify your intended arrival and departure dates.

Currency and Financial Information

Planning your finances is crucial when traveling from the Shilling-based economy of Tanzania to Central America. The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) 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, 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 Tanzania citizens is $100 (separate from the mandated $1,130 airport 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. Upon arrival at the international airport, you will present this document to the immigration officials for the final entry stamp, which typically permits a stay of up to 90 days.