COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in El Salvador (28 June Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents can enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes

• Non-resident foreign nationals, approved diplomats, permanent residents of the country, and foreigners with extenuating circumstances are permitted to enter the country.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes

• Transit is allowed.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No, with exceptions

• Health screening measures are in place at all entry points, including airports; however, a test is not required on arrival.

• Arrivals without the pre-departure test certificate may be required to go through the COVID-19 test on arrival.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Original PCR test results issued outside of El Salvador are accepted. The test result must be printed. In addition, the NAAT, LAMP tests with a negative result are authorized for entry into Salvadoran territory, as long as they have been issued within a period of no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Accredited diplomats are exempted from this requirement.

Test certificate required?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Travellers aged two and older are required to present a printed original negative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test result issued within 72 hours of the scheduled arrival at El Salvador. The 72 hours are counted from the date and time of the reception of the test result, NOT from the time a sample is collected. The printed lab report must state that the test is RT-PCR. In addition, the NAAT, LAMP tests with a negative result are authorized for entry into Salvadoran territory, as long as they have been issued within a period of no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.

• The government of El Salvador has announced that passengers who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination course will no longer be required to present a negative RT-PCR test for entry but can present proof of vaccination instead. Travellers are advised to verify with the airline about the specific documentary requirements. However, it is advisable for everyone to still get a PCR negative report taken within 72 hrs as the airline or rule of some countries may require the same for outbound travel.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• No, with exceptions

• Quarantine is not required for travellers who meet the entry requirements, including presenting proof of pre-departure test results.

• Based on the above restrictions, incoming travellers will not be required to enter quarantine unless they fail to meet the entry requirements or test positive for COVID-19 after arrival in El Salvador.

Entry form required? (health or other)

• No

• Travellers are not required to complete entry forms.

Vaccination required?

• No, with exceptions

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not mandatory for entry into the country. However, travellers who have received a COVID-19 vaccine may seek exemption from testing requirements by presenting proof of having received a completed COVID-19 vaccination course.

Insurance required?

• No

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Recommended Border App

• No

• Currently, there is no recommended national COVID-19 contact tracing app.

Airline restrictions

• Minimal

• Commercial passenger flights are operating.

• The El Salvador International Airport (MSLP/SAL) is open for international flights. Air cargo, humanitarian flights, and other special flights are operating.

Border restrictions

• Minimal

• Borders are open.

• There are no exit restrictions in place.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• No curfew is in effect.

• The Salvadoran Ministry of Health can place municipalities under special quarantine with little or no prior notice when a high number of COVID-19 cases is detected.

Social restrictions

• Moderate

• Social distancing measures must be followed.

• Supermarkets, pharmacies, food delivery services, medical offices, and other essential services are open with entry controls and temperature checks.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• Inter-municipal and local public transport services are operating.

• Intercity or interstate travel is permitted.

• Masks are required.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Key services and shops, banks, and petrol stations are open.

Accommodations open?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Some hotels are open. Since few hotels and private rentals have not yet resumed operations, travellers are advised to verify the availability of accommodation before travelling.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are allowed to provide in-house dining services.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Some tourist visitor facilities remain closed.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• No

• Museums and theatres are closed.

*Personal care services open? *

• Yes

• Most non-essential businesses are operating.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Churches and other places of worship have resumed services.

Events allowed?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Sporting events are allowed.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Wearing face masks is mandatory in public places and on public transports.

Other

• Public parks are closed.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.