El Salvador

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in El Salvador. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to El Salvador may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend conferences
• Attend training workshops
• Develop professional business contacts
• Negotiate business contracts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for El Salvador?

Many European and Latin American, as well as US nationals and Canadians do not require a visa to enter El Salvador to conduct business activities. If your nationality is not found on the list of visa-waivered nationals, you must obtain either a Consulted Tourist Visa or a Consular Tourist Visa prior to travel. Nationals who would otherwise require a visa, but who hold a valid US, Canadian or Schengen visa, do not require a visa to enter El Salvador.

El Salvador is a signatory of the Central America 4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement along with Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala. Foreign nationals who enter any one of the CA-4 countries are free to travel to any of the other CA-4 countries without obtaining additional documentation.

Working in El Salvador

What sorts of activities require a work permit?

In El Salvador, the requirement for a work permit is generally determined by the duration and the nature of the work assignment. Visa-waivered nationals may conduct many unremunerated activities for up to 90 days without a work permit; however, an assessment is recommended prior to travel.

If I am traveling to El Salvador for work, what type of work permit do I need?

The type of work permit required for remunerated activities depends on the nature and duration of your work. The most common El Salvadorian work permits are:

• Temporary Residency Work Permit (direct hire work permit)
• Temporary Residence, No Remunerated Activities (assignee work permit)

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

There are no nationals who are exempt from the work permit requirement in El Salvador.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.