El Salvador entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Kenyan passport holders need an eVisa to enter El Salvador in 2026. You apply online before traveling, and show the approved eVisa at immigration upon arrival.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Kenyan passport holders need an eVisa to enter El Salvador. Apply online at the official migration portal — processing takes a few business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in El Salvador. No specific 6-month validity rule for this destination, but airlines may enforce their own policy — check with your carrier. | 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 your departure from El Salvador. | 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 during entry questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for your stay. No fixed minimum amount is published, but showing at least $500 USD for a short trip is safe. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
There is no visa-on-arrival option for Kenyan passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight to El Salvador.
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 when you leave. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official El Salvador immigration website or the designated eVisa portal. Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes a few business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. Immigration at San Salvador airport (SAL) will ask to see it.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you land, have your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and first-night accommodation confirmation ready. Keep them in your hand luggage, not checked bags.
4
Go through immigration at San Salvador Airport
At the immigration counter, hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer questions clearly. They'll stamp your passport and you're in.
Download El Salvador Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 eVisa option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$60 USD
For frequent visitors; requires additional documentation.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Residencia Temporal)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For remote workers with proof of income. Requires monthly income of at least $1,500 USD. Allows stay and work in El Salvador.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Residencia Permanente)
Permanent, after 2 years temporary
~$500 USD processing fee
For retirees with a pension of at least $1,000 USD per month. Requires proof of pension and background check.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeStandard single-entry tourist eVisa fee. | $30 USD (approx. 3,900 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the authorized stay. | $10 USD per day (approx. 1,300 KES) |
| Overstay maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | $200 USD (approx. 26,000 KES) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Kenya passport holders transiting through El Salvador do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsMonseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL)
Health & vaccines for El Salvador
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common from contaminated food or water; practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travelers.
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 inquiries.
San Miguel
Oficina Regional de Migración
Calle San Miguel, San Miguel
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for eastern El Salvador.
Practical information for KE 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 typically takes 3–5 business days, but can be longer during peak travel periods. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The official fee is around $30–$50 USD, depending on the current rate. Pay online with a credit or debit card. There may be a small processing fee added.
No, the eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before the authorized stay expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and re-enter.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your application has errors or missing documents. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the nearest Salvadoran embassy if you need help.
No, El Salvador does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry from Kenya. But check if your next destination requires it.
Yes, you can enter El Salvador by land with the same eVisa. At the border, present your passport and eVisa. The process is similar to the airport, but may take a bit longer.
Overstaying can result in a fine and potential issues with future travel to El Salvador or other countries. Leave before your authorized stay ends.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.