El Salvador Visa Information

Passport/Visa

	Passport Required?	Visa Required?	Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes	No	Yes
Australian	Yes	No	Yes
Canadian	Yes	No/1	Yes
USA	Yes	No/1	Yes
Other EU	Yes	No/1	Yes

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months after day of departure required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above.

Visas
Not required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 30 days.
1. Nationals of Canada, Greece and the USA must buy a Tourist Card for US$10, valid for 30 days, upon entry.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).

Warning
The threat from terrorism is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

The rainy season in El Salvador normally runs from May to October, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean.

On 12 October 2006, the local authorities issued a yellow alert warning for persons within a 4km (2.5-mile) radius of the Chaparrastique volcano, located approximately 12km (7 miles) southwest of the city of San Miguel. Visitors are advised to avoid the volcano and monitor local media reporting for further updates on the latest volcanic activity.

There are very high crime rates in El Salvador. Travelers should take great care if traveling alone or at night.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health

	Special Precautions	Certificate Required?
Yellow Fever	No	1
Cholera	2	No
Typhoid and Polio	3	N/A
Malaria	4	N/A

Health Care
Medical facilities are limited outside San Salvador. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment. Travelers are advised to carry a copy of their insurance document as hospitals may not provide treatment otherwise. State-run hospitals are basic and visitors are advised to use private clinics where possible.

Note
1
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over six months of age coming from infected areas.

2
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry into El Salvador. However, cases of cholera were reported in 1996 and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.

3
Typhoid is common and vaccination against typhoid and polio is advised.

4
Very low malaria risk, predominantly in the benign vivax form, exists all year in Santa Ana Province and in rural areas of migratory influence.



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