El Salvador
United States
United States visa for Salvadoran citizens
Entry requirement
Salvadoran citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at sv.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
For the tourist visa, the United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in El Salvador
- Embassy of the United States in San Salvador
Boulevard Santa Elena, Antiguo Cuscatlán
The United States has 1 mission in El Salvador, with its embassy in San Salvador.
US visas issued to citizens of El Salvador
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 51,955 | 54,298 |
| Student (F, M) | 351 | 245 |
| Exchange (J) | 311 | 181 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 8,990 | 8,571 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 652 | 381 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 953 | 712 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 483 | 339 |
| Other | 175 | 141 |
| Total | 63,870 | 64,868 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 52.7% | 58.2% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 64,868 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of El Salvador, the 22nd highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 84%, work and treaty visas 13%. The total was about the same in fiscal year 2024.
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of El Salvador received 16,189, 41% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 58.2% for citizens of El Salvador in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 52.7%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of El Salvador anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in El Salvador.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to El Salvador
United StatesEl Salvador Visa-free, 180 days El Salvador visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
For a trip from El Salvador to the United States, the published travel advice reads as follows: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026).
Good to know
How long Salvadoran citizens can stay in the United States
How long Salvadoran citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Salvadoran citizens apply
In El Salvador, applications go to the US embassy in San Salvador, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Salvadoran citizens
Canada and Mexico require Salvadoran citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to El Salvador
US citizens do not need a visa for El Salvador: stays of up to 180 days are visa-free.
Frequently asked questions
Do Salvadoran citizens need a visa for the United States?
Salvadoran citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
Where is the US embassy in El Salvador?
The US embassy in El Salvador is in San Salvador.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for El Salvador?
US citizens do not need a visa for El Salvador: stays of up to 180 days are visa-free.
Can Salvadoran citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Salvadoran citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.