El Salvador entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Iraqi passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to El Salvador for tourism or business. There is no visa-on-arrival option. This rule applies from 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Iraqi passport holders need an eVisa to enter El Salvador. Apply online at the official migration portal before you fly — processing times vary, so submit at least a week ahead. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in El Salvador. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by law, but airlines may check for at least 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit | Immigration officers at San Salvador airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave within your allowed stay. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in El Salvador. Officers may ask for it at the border, though enforcement varies. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a bank statement or enough cash to cover your stay — around $50–$100 per day is a safe benchmark. Officers rarely check, but it's better to have it. | Recommended |
eVisa Required — No Exceptions
Iraqi passport holders cannot enter El Salvador without an approved eVisa. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa waiver. Apply well in advance and keep a printed copy with you.
Passport Validity Counts from Entry Date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in El Salvador, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa Online
Go to the official El Salvador eVisa website and fill out the application form. Upload a digital copy of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the fee (around $30-50 USD) with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3-5 business days.
2
Receive and Print Your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show this at check-in and upon arrival in El Salvador.
3
Prepare Your Documents for Travel
Before heading to the airport, gather your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance (if you have it). Keep them together in a folder for easy access.
4
Arrive at El Salvador International Airport (SAL)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport and may ask about your stay. Answer clearly and briefly.
5
Collect Your Luggage and Exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter El Salvador. Keep your documents handy in case of spot checks.
Download El Salvador Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
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$30 USD
Standard option for tourism; apply at embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$50 USD
Ideal for frequent visitors; must leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visa (residence)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost$200 USD
Requires proof of income or investment; for longer stays.
retirement visa
Residencia Temporal por Pensionado
1 year, renewable
$200 USD application fee
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of pension and background check. Allows residency with work restrictions.
investor visa
Residencia Temporal por Inversión
1 year, renewable
$300 USD application fee
For investors with at least $50,000 USD in local business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency.
work visa
Residencia Temporal por Trabajo
1 year, renewable
$250 USD application fee
For those with a job offer from a Salvadoran employer. Requires work contract and company sponsorship. Allows full-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Iraqi passport holders applying online. | $30 USD |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but processed at embassy if eVisa not available. | $30 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $50 USD |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not standard for eVisa; check with immigration. | $20 USD per month |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $200 USD. | $10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Iraqi passport holders transiting through El Salvador do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
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 (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent.
ZikaModerate risk
Pregnant women should take precautions; mosquito-borne.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended, but consider in rural lowlands.
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 permits. Bring passport, eVisa printout, and proof of funds.
San Miguel
Oficina Regional de Migración
Calle José Simeón Cañas, San Miguel
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for eastern El Salvador; less crowded.
Practical information for IQ 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
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
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 3-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid delays. The fee is around $30-50 USD, paid online.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Iraqi passport holders. You must get an eVisa before you travel.
The eVisa typically allows a stay of up to 90 days. Check your approval letter for the exact duration. You cannot extend your stay beyond that.
You must renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your entry date into El Salvador.
Yes. You need a confirmed onward ticket showing you will leave El Salvador. It can be a flight to another country, not necessarily back to Iraq.
It is not officially required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers emergencies.
You can reapply, but first check the reason for rejection. Common issues include incorrect documents or passport validity. Contact the El Salvador embassy for guidance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.