El Salvador entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders must obtain an eVisa before traveling to El Salvador for tourism or business. The eVisa allows stays up to 90 days. As of 2026, the application is fully online, with processing typically taking a few business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for an El Salvador eVisa 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 your entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in El Salvador. No specific 6-month rule applies, but airlines may enforce their own policies. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers 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 from your host in El Salvador. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready. Officers may ask for evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, though this is not always enforced. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing can be slow
While the eVisa is usually processed in 3–5 days, delays happen. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip. If you're travelling during holidays or peak season, allow even more time.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa, passport, and travel documents as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose the printed copies, you can still show them on your phone at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa
Go to the official El Salvador immigration website and complete the eVisa application. You'll need to upload a digital photo, a copy of your passport bio page, and your travel itinerary. Pay the fee online (around $30 USD). Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
2
Receive and Print Your eVisa
Once approved, you'll receive an email with your eVisa document. Print a copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show this at airline check-in and to immigration officers upon arrival.
3
Prepare Your Documents for Departure
Before heading to the airport, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket, and first-night accommodation confirmation. Keep them in a folder you can access quickly.
4
Arrive at El Salvador International Airport (SAL)
After landing, follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). Join the line for foreign visitors. Have your passport, eVisa, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport and may ask a few questions about your stay. The process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
5
Collect Your Luggage and Exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any items if required. Once through, you're free to enter El Salvador.
Download El Salvador Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam 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 date
Cost$40 USD
Apply at El Salvador embassy in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$150 USD
Requires proof of income or investment. Apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Residencia Temporal por Jubilación
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD application fee
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of pension and background check.
digital nomad visa
Residencia Temporal para Teletrabajo
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For remote workers with income of at least $1,500 USD per month. Requires employment contract and proof of income.
investor visa
Residencia Temporal por Inversión
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in local business or real estate. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for Vietnam passport holders applying online. | $30 USD |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but processed at embassy if not using online system. | $30 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $50 USD |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstay to prevent fines and bans. | $10 USD per day |
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
Vietnam passport holders transiting through El Salvador do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, or Schengen visa 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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease, common in urban and rural areas.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne, risk to pregnant women.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne, occasional outbreaks.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but present in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended for rural 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 José Simeón Cañas, San Miguel
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for eastern El Salvador.
Practical information for VN 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 it can take up to 10 days during peak periods. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to avoid last-minute stress.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave El Salvador and re-apply for a new visa from outside the country.
If your eVisa is denied, you'll receive a reason. Common issues include incomplete applications, invalid passport, or criminal history. You can reapply after addressing the issue, but there is no formal appeal process. Consider contacting the nearest El Salvador embassy for guidance.
No, El Salvador does not require yellow fever vaccination for travellers from Vietnam. However, if you have recently visited a country with yellow fever, you may be asked for proof of vaccination.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all official border crossings, including land borders from Guatemala and Honduras. The same document is accepted at airports and land ports.
You may be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by immigration. Airlines are required to check for onward travel. If you don't have a ticket, buy a refundable one before you fly.
No, the eVisa fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Make sure your documents are correct before submitting to avoid losing the fee.
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.