El Salvador entry requirements for Canadian passport holders (2026): visa and passport validity

Central America-4 Border Control Agreement (CA-4)

Under the terms of the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement (CA-4), Canadian tourists may travel freely within any of the following CA-4 countries:

• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Nicaragua

You can travel between these countries for up to 90 days without having to undergo entry and exit formalities at border immigration checkpoints. However, 90 days are not automatically granted. The immigration officer at your first entry point into the CA-4 region will determine the exact length of your authorized stay.

You must still check in at immigration counters when you enter or exit these checkpoints.

Make sure you receive an entry or exit stamp in your passport each time you cross a checkpoint to avoid fines and problems with immigration authorities.

Salvadoran immigration authorities may grant you a stay of up to 180 days. However, other CA-4 countries may only recognize the first 90 days. Keep this in mind when travelling within the CA-4 region to avoid problems with immigration authorities.

If you wish to extend your stay beyond 90 days within the CA-4 region, you must request an extension and pay the required fee at the designated immigration office in one of the other CA-4 countries before the 90-day limit expires. Immigration authorities will determine the exact length of the extension.

Once your total authorized stay expires, you must either:

• change your migratory status
• leave the CA-4 region
• return to El Salvador, where you may be granted a stay of up to 180 days

If you fail to do so, you will be fined and given 5 days to leave.

Once you leave the CA-4 region, you may attempt to return and restart the process without delay. However, the immigration officer could deny your re-entry.

If you get a new Canadian passport in El Salvador, you must obtain a new entry stamp from immigration authorities before exiting the country and travelling within the CA-4 region.

Each CA-4 country interprets and enforces the agreement differently. Ensure you carefully read the Travel Advice and Advisories for each destination you plan on visiting before travelling.

Immigration and Foreign Affairs – Government of El Salvador (Spanish only)

Work or study

If you intend to work or study in El Salvador for longer than 180 days, you must apply for residence from inside the country. The documentation required to obtain Salvadoran residence is extensive.

Make sure you have all the required documents before you leave Canada.

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them:

• a return or onward ticket
• proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of your stay.