El Salvador
How long you can stay, how long your vehicle can, and what your dog or cat needs to cross. Every rule links to the official source.
- Last checked 28 Sep 2026
Your rules for El Salvador
You · American passport
90 days
Visa-free for short stays. Keep inside the limit and you don't need a visa.
migracion.gob.sv · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your vehicle · United States plates
Up to 180 days per visit
It comes in on a temporary import with the Permiso de ingreso temporal de vehículo de turista (DGA, digital QR registration).
sitio.aduana.gob.sv · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your dog or cat
Start at least 7 days out
El Salvador needs a MAG import authorisation (obtainable at the border), an official health certificate and a rabies shot within the last year. See the steps
mag.gob.sv · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026
Watch El Salvador.
We'll email you if El Salvador's rules change for your American passport, United States plates or your pet. That's the only email you'll get.
What your pet needs to cross into El Salvador.
Do these in order. Miss one and your pet can be held at the border.
- Before you go
Internal and external parasite treatment
Treated for endo- and ectoparasites with products approved in the origin country.
- Still valid the day you arrive
Rabies vaccine still valid on arrival
Your pet's rabies vaccine must still be valid on the day you cross. Check the 'valid until' date on the vaccination record and book a booster before it runs out.
- Within 365 days before you arrive
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccine for pets over 2 months old, given no more than 365 days before embarkation.
- Within 30 days before you arrive
Official zoosanitary certificate
Official zoosanitary certificate from the origin country (original or copy) with the pet examined within 30 days of departure.
- Within 30 days before you arrive
MAG import authorisation
Apply at MAG (Santa Tecla, by email) or directly at the airport, land border or port with the request form, vaccination card and zoosanitary certificate; pay the fee.
- At the border
Quarantine inspection
Pet and papers checked by MAG quarantine at the point of entry.
mag.gob.sv · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026. The app works these dates backward from your travel day and reminds you.
Every passport in El Salvador
| Passport | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Visa-free | 90 days, shared across the CA-4 | migracion.gob.sv · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Visa-free | 90 days, shared across the CA-4 | migracion.gob.sv · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Visa-free | 90 days, shared across the CA-4 | migracion.gob.sv · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Visa-free | 90 days, shared across the CA-4 | migracion.gob.sv · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Visa-free | 90 days, shared across the CA-4 | migracion.gob.sv · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Visa-free | 90 days, shared across the CA-4 | migracion.gob.sv · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Visa-free | 90 days, shared across the CA-4 | migracion.gob.sv · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Visa-free | 90 days, shared across the CA-4 | migracion.gob.sv · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
Every registration in El Salvador
| Registered in | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Temporary import | Up to 180 days per visit | sitio.aduana.gob.sv · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Temporary import | Up to 180 days per visit | sitio.aduana.gob.sv · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Temporary import | Up to 180 days per visit | sitio.aduana.gob.sv · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Temporary import | Up to 180 days per visit | sitio.aduana.gob.sv · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Temporary import | Up to 180 days per visit | sitio.aduana.gob.sv · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Temporary import | Up to 180 days per visit | sitio.aduana.gob.sv · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Temporary import | Up to 180 days per visit | sitio.aduana.gob.sv · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Temporary import | Up to 180 days per visit | sitio.aduana.gob.sv · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
A plain-language summary of the official rules, checked on the date shown. It isn't legal advice, and the officer at the desk always has the final word.
Planning a El Salvador leg?
We'll count it for you.
BorderRunner turns these rules into your exact exit date, for you, your vehicle and your dog, and reminds you well before it's close. The first week is on us.
