Explore: El Salvador - Formalities
Clearance
COVID-19: Entry protocols for yachts have been affected by the pandemic. See the Biosecurity section for details.
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES
Ports of Entry:
El Salvador has closed Barrilas marina as a port of entry.
Bahia Del Sol is especially cruiser friendly.
La Union and Acajulta are the other ports of entry but they are commercial ports without infrastructure to support recreational boats.
General process:
Clearing into and out of El Salvador is a quick process. It will include a variation of these steps:
- Immigration: For entry into the country
- Port Captain: Payment of port fees.
CLEARING OUT
Request an international zarpe from the Port Captain before departing El Salvador for your next country of visit. If you plan to cruise within El Salvadoran waters, request a national zarpe.
Last updated: March 2020
Immigration
Immigration Procedure:
Upon arrival in El Salvador a tourist must present a passport that is valid for six months. The Central America-4 Free Mobility Agreement (CA-4; Spanish: Convenio Centroamericano de libre movilidad) allows for movement across the borders of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua without restrictions or checks. Tourists who enter one of the four countries can also travel to the other countries.
The length of stay (normally 90 days) applies to the four countries and only one extension of 30 days will usually be granted. To remain in the region longer, a visit to a country outside the CA-4 area must be made and a new visa will be issued on re-entry.
No prior visa is required by nationals of Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Uruguay.
All other nationalities require a visa which must be purchased on entry.
Visa Extensions:
You can obtain an extension by applying at the immigration office in San Salvador and paying $25. When the extension expires you have to leave the four-country (CA-4) area.
Be aware that you can only apply for a visa extension +/- 7 days either side of expiry date only and you must provide a separate original passport sized photo. You will also be fingerprinted.
Last updated: April 2019
Customs
There are no customs requirements for recreational boats arriving in El Salvador and boats are not inspected by officials. However, customs and agricultural rules are enforced at the airport.
Last updated: April 2019
BioSecurity
With the continual change in protocols due to the pandemic, we outline the last-known situation below for yacht arrivals. Skippers should follow the recommended links in “resources” to confirm the latest protocols. Always check with your intended port of arrival before getting underway to be 100% certain of what is required. Please e-mail [email protected] if you find protocols have changed.
COVID-19: OPEN
Yachting Protocols:
- As of November 2011, all foreigners entering the country no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test.
- See the announcement by Immigration.
- Despite the lifting of official restrictions, the communique still urges travelers to El Salvador to comply with biosafety measures, including mask use, vaccination, and hand hygiene. It then goes on to remind travelers that the door is open for them to get vaccinated against Covid in El Salvador if they want.
Thanks to Bill and Jean, organizers of the El Salvador Rally, for keeping Noonsite informed during the Pandemic.
History:
- 12 March, 2020, a ban on all foreign arrivals was implemented.
- 16 June, a phased re-opening commenced.
- 19 September 2020, El Salvador airports and maritime borders opened with vaccination or testing requirements.
- 18 November, 2021, all restrictions were removed.
Resources:
Ministry of Health (MINSAL) website
El Salvador Rally: [email protected]
Health
State-funded, public hospitals located in large cities have basic facilities and tend to be substandard. Public clinics (unidades de salud) are located throughout the country, but their resources, hours of operation and services are limited. Tourists typically use private clinics and hospitals; these can offer good emergency and advanced care services.
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:
Visitors should be up-to-date with immunizations. Hepatitis A is endemic in El Salvador, and all travelers should be immunized. Typhoid and rabies are also a risk.
Food and Water Concerns:
Food and water illnesses that are a risk in El Salvador include amebiasis, cysticercosis, brucellosis, listeriosis, and infections with Mycobacterium bovis and traveler’s diarrhea. Tap water in Mexico is often not potable. Visitors should avoid consuming raw dairy products, undercooked meat or fish and unwashed leafy greens, fruit and vegetables.
Mosquito-borne Diseases:
Dengue is endemic throughout El Salvador and should be considered a risk year-round.
Malaria risk has dropped but is present. Chikungunya was first reported in 2014, and Zika virus was first reported in 2015.
Because of the risks to pregnancy, travelers should consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website for the most current recommendations for Zika.
Prevention:
Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to manufacturer’s directions.
Wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
Pre-soak or spray outer layer clothing and gear with permethrin.
Ensure that hatch and window screens work properly.
Parasitic Infections:
Diseases transmitted by sand flies are found in coastal areas. Travelers to beach areas may be at risk for cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) and can be prevented by wearing shoes.
Last updated: April 2019
Documents
Documents you will receive (all provided by authorities):
- Acta de Visita: Initial acknowledgement of your arrival.
- Importacion Temporal: A temporary importation permit for your vessel.
- Certificado de Permanencia: A cruising permit which is for stored boats as well. Initially for 2 months from issue and can be renewed by the Port Captain.
Last updated: April 2019
Fees
Port Fees:
$1/day payable in 30-day increments. There are unlimited renewals. If you leave your boat for an extended period you can pay your fees in arrears.
Immigration Fees:
$10 for a 30-day tourist card. (Visitors can also ask for a 90-day card when entering the country.) and $25 for a 30 day extension. EU is free.
Exit Fees:
An International Exit Zarpe costs $40.
If leaving by air, you will pay an exit tax of about $28 in cash. There is an ATM at the airport.
Last updated: March 2020
Restrictions
Literature that may be regarded as subversive may be confiscated or refused entry.
Military style clothing is also confiscated.
Local Customs
Pets
There is no inspection of pet health certificates for animals arriving by recreational boat however, it is best to keep everything up-to-date because other ports-of-call may require inspection.
If arriving by land or air:
Dogs and cats traveling to El Salvador must have an import permit issued by the General Director of Plant and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of El Salvador. The import permit can be obtained either prior to travel or at the moment of its arrival at the port of entry.
- The accompanying health certificate should be made out at least in duplicate.
The rabies vaccination certificate should accompany the health documents.
Personal pet dogs and cats must obtain a quarantine permit at the port of entry upon arrival in El Salvador.
Last updated: April 2019
Related Businesses
Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería
Address: Final 1a. Avenida Norte, 13 Calle Oriente y Av. Manuel Gallardo. , Santa Tecla, La Libertad ,
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of El Salvador... Read More