Do Salvadorans need a visa to visit the United States?

Yes, Salvadoran passport holders require a visa to enter the United States. You must apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa or appropriate visa category at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. does not offer visa-free access, visa on arrival, or ESTA eligibility for Salvadoran citizens. Processing times vary, so apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

Can I travel to Europe with a Salvadoran passport without a visa?

Yes, Salvadoran passport holders can travel visa-free to all Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business. This includes Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and 18 other Schengen states. You must have a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date and proof of sufficient funds and return tickets.

Do Salvadorans need a visa for Mexico or Canada?

Yes, Salvadoran passport holders need a visa for both Mexico and Canada. For Mexico, you must apply for a Mexican visa at a consulate unless you hold a valid U.S. visa or permanent residence in the U.S., Canada, Japan, UK, or Schengen countries, which allows visa-free entry. For Canada, you must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before travel through the Canadian visa application process.

Is military service mandatory for Salvadoran citizens?

Yes, military service is mandatory for male Salvadoran citizens aged 18-30 under the Salvadoran constitution. However, enforcement is inconsistent and many fulfill this requirement through registration rather than active service. The selective service registration (Solvencia de Servicio Militar) is required for obtaining certain government documents and services. Dual citizens living abroad are generally not actively conscripted.

Which countries offer visa on arrival for Salvadoran passport holders?

Salvadoran passport holders can obtain visa on arrival in 30 countries including: Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Jordan, Laos, Macao, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nepal, Niue, Palau, Rwanda, Samoa, St. Lucia, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Requirements and fees vary by country.

Can Salvadorans work in other countries with their passport?

Visa-free travel does not automatically grant the right to work. Salvadorans can work freely in other Central American countries (Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica) under the CA-4 agreement. For other countries, you need a work visa or permit even if tourist entry is visa-free. EU countries, for example, allow visa-free visits but require separate work authorization. Always verify work eligibility requirements with the destination country's immigration authorities.

How has the El Salvador passport ranking changed over the years?

The Salvadoran passport has significantly improved from rank 31 with 81 visa-free destinations in 2006 to rank 38 with 134 visa-free destinations in 2025. The most notable jump occurred between 2017 (rank 39, 120 destinations) and 2018 (rank 37, 137 destinations). The ranking has remained relatively stable between 37-41 since 2018, reflecting consistent diplomatic relations and visa waiver agreements.

Do I need a visa to visit Japan, South Korea, or Singapore with a Salvadoran passport?

Japan and Singapore offer visa-free access to Salvadoran passport holders (Japan: 90 days, Singapore: 30 days). South Korea requires an electronic travel authorization (K-ETA) which must be obtained online before travel, allowing stays up to 90 days. The K-ETA costs approximately $10 USD, is processed within 24-72 hours, and is valid for 2 years. All three countries require a passport valid for at least 6 months.

What documents do I need to renew my Salvadoran passport?

To renew a Salvadoran passport, you need: current or expired passport, original birth certificate (certificación de partida de nacimiento), DUI (national ID card), and passport photos meeting biometric standards. If renewing from abroad, contact the nearest Salvadoran consulate as requirements may include proof of residency and additional documentation. Processing time is typically 15-30 business days domestically. The passport is valid for 5 years and costs vary depending on processing speed and location.

El Salvador Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 134 Countries

The El Salvador passport currently ranks 38th globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 134 destinations worldwide. This Central American travel document provides moderate global mobility, allowing Salvadoran citizens convenient access to most countries in the Americas, along with select destinations in Europe, Asia, and other regions. The passport has shown steady improvement in travel freedom over the past two decades, rising from 81 visa-free destinations in 2006 to 134 in 2025, making it a valuable document for international business, tourism, and personal travel.

Global Rank

#38

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

134

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for El Salvador passport

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Salvadoran Citizens

Popular destinations where El Salvador passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
Guatemala	Up to 90 days	GT
Honduras	Up to 90 days	HN
Nicaragua	Up to 90 days	NI
Costa Rica	Up to 90 days	CR
Panama	Up to 90 days	PA

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for El Salvador passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

96 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

31 countries

🔐 ETA Required

7 countries

💻 E-Visa

36 countries

❌ Visa Required

56 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

El Salvador's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 7 positions from 2006 to 2025

Official El Salvador Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME)

🔗

Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de El Salvador

🔗

Pasaporte Electrónico - DGME

🔗

U.S. Embassy in El Salvador - Travel Information

🔗

Viceministerio de Salvadoreños en el Exterior

Compare El Salvador Passport with Other Passports

See how El Salvador's passport compares with other AMERICAS in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
El Salvador (You are here)	#38	134	42/100	62/100
Panama	#29	148	68/100	71/100
Costa Rica	#29	148	67/100	71/100
Paraguay	#32	145	65/100	68/100
Peru	#35	142	72/100	65/100
Guatemala	#39	133	42/100	61/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, Salvadoran passport holders can access 134 destinations visa-free or with visa on arrival. The passport ranks 38th globally on the Henley Passport Index. Visa-free access includes all Schengen countries, the UK (not included in current data), most of Latin America, Turkey, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Additionally, 30 countries offer visa on arrival, and 36 countries offer e-visas or electronic travel authorizations.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover El Salvador's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

El Salvador Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 134 Countries

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Historical Ranking Trend

El Salvador's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 7 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare El Salvador Passport with Other Passports

See how El Salvador's passport compares with other AMERICAS in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
El Salvador (You are here)	#38	134	42/100	62/100
Panama	#29	148	68/100	71/100
Costa Rica	#29	148	67/100	71/100
Paraguay	#32	145	65/100	68/100
Peru	#35	142	72/100	65/100
Guatemala	#39	133	42/100	61/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for El Salvador passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Salvadoran Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

El Salvador's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official El Salvador Passport & Travel Resources

Compare El Salvador Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Salvadoran passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Do Salvadorans need a visa to visit the United States?

Can I travel to Europe with a Salvadoran passport without a visa?

Do Salvadorans need a visa for Mexico or Canada?

Is military service mandatory for Salvadoran citizens?

Which countries offer visa on arrival for Salvadoran passport holders?

Can Salvadorans work in other countries with their passport?

How has the El Salvador passport ranking changed over the years?

Do I need a visa to visit Japan, South Korea, or Singapore with a Salvadoran passport?

What documents do I need to renew my Salvadoran passport?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for El Salvador passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Salvadoran Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

El Salvador's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official El Salvador Passport & Travel Resources

Compare El Salvador Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Salvadoran passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Do Salvadorans need a visa to visit the United States?

Can I travel to Europe with a Salvadoran passport without a visa?

Do Salvadorans need a visa for Mexico or Canada?

Is military service mandatory for Salvadoran citizens?

Which countries offer visa on arrival for Salvadoran passport holders?

Can Salvadorans work in other countries with their passport?

How has the El Salvador passport ranking changed over the years?

Do I need a visa to visit Japan, South Korea, or Singapore with a Salvadoran passport?

What documents do I need to renew my Salvadoran passport?

Explore More Passport Rankings