El Salvador customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

El Salvador uses the US dollar as its currency. For 2026, the duty-free allowance for personal goods is up to USD 800, with alcohol and tobacco limits strictly enforced. Cash or negotiable instruments over USD 10,000 must be declared.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 liter of alcoholic beverages (spirits over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Traveller must be 18+.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Cash or monetary instruments (checks, money orders, etc.) exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form (DUA).

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 in total value are duty-free. Items over that value are subject to 30% duty on the excess.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with medical prescription and prior authorization)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (unless with special permit from the Ministry of Defense)
Counterfeit currency and goods infringing intellectual property rights
Pornographic material (including digital media)
Endangered species and products (CITES-listed, e.g., sea turtle shells, jaguar pelts)
Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines for personal use: require a medical prescription in Spanish or English; quantity must be for up to 3 months' treatment
Plants, seeds, and agricultural products: require a phytosanitary certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture
Pets (dogs and cats): require a health certificate, rabies vaccination proof, and import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture
Drones: require prior authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority (AAC); registration may be needed
Satellite phones: require a permit from the Superintendencia General de Electricidad y Telecomunicaciones (SIGET)

Rules worth knowing

Duty-Free Allowance is Per Person

The USD 800 duty-free allowance applies to each adult traveller. Family members cannot combine allowances. Children under 18 have a reduced allowance of USD 400.

Temporary Import of Vehicles

Non-residents can bring a vehicle for up to 90 days without paying duty, but must present a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a refundable bond or credit card guarantee at the border.

Strict Enforcement on Tobacco and Alcohol

Customs officers routinely check for over-limit tobacco and alcohol. Exceeding the allowance results in seizure and a fine of 100% of the duty owed.

No Duty-Free Shop Exemption for Arrivals

El Salvador does not have duty-free shops for arriving passengers at its airports. All goods must be declared upon arrival; purchases from departure-side duty-free shops are subject to the same allowances.

Frequently asked questions

Electronics are included in the USD 800 personal goods allowance. If you bring a laptop worth USD 1,200, the first USD 800 is duty-free, and you pay 30% duty on the remaining USD 400 (USD 120).

Yes, for personal consumption. Commercial quantities are restricted. Meat and dairy products from countries with foot-and-mouth disease are prohibited. Always declare food items to avoid fines.

Yes, declare all medicines. Carry a doctor's prescription in Spanish or English, and keep medications in original packaging. Quantity should not exceed a 3-month supply.

Failure to declare cash over USD 10,000 can result in seizure of the entire amount and a fine of up to 50% of the undeclared value. You may also face criminal charges.

Yes, but you need prior authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority (AAC). Apply at least 15 days before travel. Drones over 250 grams require registration. Without a permit, the drone may be confiscated.

Yes, the allowance is 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine/beer. If you buy a 1.5-liter bottle of whiskey, the excess 0.5 liter is subject to duty and taxes. You must be 18 or older.

Official source

Dirección General de Aduanas de El Salvador