El Salvador entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 30, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

From 2026, Ivory Coast passport holders need an eVisa to visit El Salvador. Apply online before you fly — there's no visa on arrival. Processing can take several days, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Required before travel
Apply for an El Salvador eVisa at the General Directorate of Migration website. Processing takes 5–10 business days, so submit your application at least 2 weeks before departure. You'll need a digital photo, passport scan, and proof of travel plans.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your Ivory Coast passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in El Salvador. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Recommended to carry proof
Immigration officers at San Salvador airport may ask to see a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready — they've turned people away for not having one.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry proof
Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from your host in El Salvador can speed up the immigration process. Officers sometimes ask where you're staying — having a printed reservation avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry proof
Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can support yourself during your stay. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you'll need to show at least $500 USD or equivalent for a short visit.Recommended
eVisa required — no exceptions
Ivory Coast passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Airlines check this at check-in.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in El Salvador, not from your departure date. Double-check before you apply.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official El Salvador eVisa portal (if available) or the nearest embassy website. Fill in the application form, upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (if any) and submit. Processing typically takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with the eVisa document. Print at least two copies — one to present at check-in and one for immigration on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport check-in counter, show your printed eVisa, passport, and return ticket. The airline may also ask for proof of accommodation.
4
Arrive at El Salvador International Airport (SAL)
After landing, follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). Join the queue for foreign visitors. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport — keep the eVisa copy with you in case of follow-up checks.
Download El Salvador Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. 24,000 XOF)

Apply at El Salvador embassy; requires passport, photos, itinerary.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$70 USD (approx. 42,000 XOF)

Good for frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.

Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF)

Requires proof of income, background check, and local sponsor.

retirement visa
Residencia Temporal por Pensionado
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF) plus monthly pension proof
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires background check and local address.
digital nomad visa
Residencia Temporal por Teletrabajo
1 year, renewable
$250 USD (approx. 150,000 XOF)
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Must show $1,500 USD monthly income.
investor visa
Residencia Temporal por Inversión
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XOF) plus investment proof
For investors putting at least $50,000 USD into local business or real estate.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for Ivory Coast passport holders applying online.$30 USD (approx. 18,000 XOF)
Tourist visa (single entry) – if applying at embassyAlternative if eVisa not used; may vary by embassy.$40 USD (approx. 24,000 XOF)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.$70 USD (approx. 42,000 XOF)
Overstay fine (per day)Charged for each day overstay; no official cap but may lead to deportation.$10 USD per day (approx. 6,000 XOF)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through El Salvador

No transit visa needed

Ivory Coast passport holders transiting through El Salvador do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid US, Canada, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsMonseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL)

Health & vaccines for El Salvador

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Ivory Coast is endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; present year-round, especially in urban areas.

Zika virusLow risk

Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.

ChikungunyaLow risk

Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks occur.

Malaria risk: low

Low risk in rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for urban travel.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

San Salvador
Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería
Alameda Juan Pablo II, San Salvador
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and residency applications.

San Miguel
Oficina Regional de Migración
Calle San Miguel, San Miguel
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Regional office for eastern El Salvador; less crowded.

Practical information for CI travellers

Country basics
CapitalSan Salvador
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
updated May 30
Time zone
Local timeUTC-6
vs New York+1h
vs Los Angeles+3h
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BTwo flat parallel pins (Type A) or two flat pins with a round grounding pin (Type B).
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or purified water.
Emergency numbers
Police911
Medical911
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Yes. You must apply for an eVisa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Ivory Coast citizens.
Processing usually takes 3–7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
The official fee is not listed in the database, but typically eVisa fees for El Salvador range from $30 to $50 USD. Check the official portal for the exact amount.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the authorized stay expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and re-apply.
Renew your passport first. El Salvador requires at least 6 months of validity from your entry date. Airlines may deny boarding if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
The database does not list a specific proof of funds requirement, but it's wise to carry a credit card or some cash (USD) to show you can support yourself if asked.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Ivory Coast passport holders.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.