How to Get a Passport in El Salvador

Published on November 1, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Obtaining a Salvadoran passport may seem like a complex task, but this guide aims to simplify the process by outlining the essential steps and providing practical tips for a successful application.

From gathering required documents to scheduling appointments at Salvadoran consulates, including anticipating processing times, this article will guide you step by step to make your experience as smooth as possible.

Perfect for travelers wanting to explore this beautiful Central American country or for those of Salvadoran origin planning to visit, this guide will provide all the necessary information to obtain your passport with peace of mind.

Steps to Obtain a Salvadoran Passport

Detailed Steps to Obtain a Salvadoran Passport

1. Preparing Required Documents

• Recent original birth certificate (partida de nacimiento).
• Valid identification (national ID card or DUI for adult Salvadorans; birth certificate and legal guardian’s ID for minors).
• Proof of residence in El Salvador (utility bill, rental contract, etc.).
• Photocopies of all original documents submitted.
• For renewal, the old passport must be included in the application.

2. Scheduling an Appointment

Appointments can generally be made online through the official website of the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería or, for Salvadorans living abroad, at the nearest consulate.

In some regions, walk-in appointments are also possible, but it’s advisable to check the specific procedure for each office to avoid unnecessary trips.

3. Submitting the Application

For residents in El Salvador: applications are submitted at a Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería office.

For Salvadorans abroad: applications are processed at the relevant Salvadoran consulate.

Present all original documents and their copies, complete the application form on-site or online as per instructions.

Photo, fingerprints, and electronic signature are taken during the appointment.

4. Associated Fees

Passport Type	Validity	Approximate Fees (USD)
Standard passport	5 years	25 to 35
Emergency passport	1 year	40 to 50

Fees vary depending on the submission location (in El Salvador or abroad) and the requested processing speed.

Payment is generally made by card or cash, according to the office or consulate’s procedures.

5. Processing Times

Standard passport: typically 5 to 10 business days.

Emergency passport: issued within 24 to 72 hours, only in cases of loss, theft, or proven necessity (supporting documents required).

Processing times may extend during peak periods or if the application is incomplete.

6. Passport Pickup

Pickup is at the same office or consulate where the application was submitted, upon presentation of the receipt issued during submission.

For minors, the legal guardian must be present during pickup.

Practical Tips for Applicants

• Verify the validity of all your documents before scheduling an appointment.
• Scan and keep digital copies of your important documents.
• Prepare proof of payment to expedite your application processing.
• For urgent travel, inquire about emergency passport availability and prepare necessary supporting documents.
• Regularly check the official website of the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería or the consulate for the latest updates on procedures and hours.
• Arrive early for your appointment and allow sufficient time for the entire process.

Required Document	Original	Copy	Remarks
Birth certificate	Yes	Yes	Recent, certified
ID (DUI)	Yes	Yes	Valid card for adults
Proof of residence	Yes	Yes	Recent bill, rental contract, etc.
Old passport (if applicable)	Yes	Yes	For renewal
ID photo	Sometimes	–	Depending on consulate/office

Remember to verify the exact list of required documents with the relevant office or consulate, as additional requirements may apply depending on the applicant’s situation.

Costs Associated with Obtaining an El Salvador Passport

Types of Fees for Obtaining a Salvadoran Passport

Passport Type / Service	Standard Fees	Expedited Service Surcharge	Potential Additional Fees
Ordinary passport (standard processing)	Varies by category (generally low for citizens)	Usually available with surcharge (amount varies by urgency)	Photo fees, mail service fees, possible administrative processing fees
Investment passport (“Freedom Passport”)	1,000,000 USD (USDT/BTC accepted)	Fast processing included (8-13 weeks)	Application fee 999 USD (included in contribution), due diligence and legal fees (~30,000 USD)
Passport renewal	Generally similar to new passport cost	Expedited service available with surcharge	Photo fees, mail fees, etc.

Accepted Payment Methods

• Cash payment at consular offices and government agencies.
• Bank cards (debit/credit) at most application centers.
• Cryptocurrencies (USDT, Bitcoin) only for investment passports.
• Bank transfer for certain special services or remote applications.

Discounts and Exemptions

Full exemptions are offered under specific programs: for example, 5,000 free passports for highly qualified scientists, engineers, doctors, artists, and philosophers (by selection and presidential invitation).

For standard passports, discounts or exemptions may be granted to certain categories (seniors, students, low-income individuals), according to current legislation and upon presentation of proof. Policies vary by period and government decisions.

Children and students under 25 (under the investment program) can be included as family members without major additional fees, as can dependent parents over 65.

Renewal Fees

Passport renewal fees are equivalent or very close to those applied for first-time issuance. The same surcharges apply for expedited requests or additional services (photo, secure mail, etc.).

Potential Additional Costs

• ID photo fees (if taken on-site or specific format required).
• Express mail service fees for passport delivery to home or abroad.
• Administrative fees for document verification or legalization, depending on the application context.
• Translation fees for foreign documents (particularly for the investment program).

Salvadoran Passport Validity

Passport Type	Typical Validity Period
Ordinary passport	5 to 10 years
Investment passport	Permanent (lifetime citizenship)

Key Points to Remember

• The Salvadoran passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 130-136 countries.
• The standard validity period (5-10 years) allows amortizing the initial cost over several years.
• Special programs (investment, talent attraction) sometimes include full fee exemptions.
• Always verify conditions and required documents before applying, as procedures may change according to current legislation.

Average Processing Times for Applications

Current average processing times for Salvadoran passport applications:

Passport Type	Average Processing Time
Standard passport	2 to 4 months
Investment citizenship passport	2 to 4 months (after due diligence)
Emergency passport	5 business days minimum

Steps That May Affect Processing Times:

• Document verification (birth certificate, proof of address, ID photo, application form)
• Scheduling appointments (now available online, but slots may be limited during high-demand periods)
• Mandatory physical presence during application submission and pickup
• Payment of administrative fees in cash and USD
• Compliance check of supporting documents
• Due diligence (for investment citizenship)
• Passport delivery (in-person pickup)

Variations by Season or Application Volume:

Processing times may be longer during holidays, consular tours, or when application numbers are high.

Appointment slots are sometimes saturated at year-end or before summer.

Tips to Minimize Wait Times:

• Prefer applying outside school vacation periods and national holidays.
• Prepare all required documents and their copies in advance.
• Schedule appointments online as soon as the calendar opens.
• Check consular office availability and anticipate delivery times.

Emergency Processing or Express Service:

An emergency passport can be issued in cases of loss or theft, within a minimum of 5 business days.

This service is reserved for exceptional situations and requires justification (theft report, proof of urgent need).

Conditions for Emergency Passports:

• Present police report for loss/theft.
• Provide all required documents.
• Justify urgency to the embassy or consulate.

Important Points to Remember:

• Applicant’s presence is mandatory for submission and pickup.
• Fees must be paid in cash and USD.
• Processing times vary by season and application volume.
• Express service exists only for serious reasons (loss, theft, proven emergency).
• Allow 2-4 months for a standard passport, except in emergencies.
• Plan applications ahead to avoid peak periods.

Recommended Period for Applications:

January to March and September to November are generally the calmest periods.

Avoid June, July, December and days near national holidays to limit wait times.

It is recommended to start the passport application at least 4 months before the planned travel date to avoid any unexpected delays.

Benefits of Holding a Salvadoran Passport

Main benefits of holding a Salvadoran passport:

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel:
  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 135-137 countries, including most Latin American countries, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macao, EU (Schengen, for 90 days), Russia, Turkey, and South Africa.
  • Starting late 2025, ETIAS will be required for Schengen, slightly modifying travel ease to Europe.
  • Some major countries, like the United States, Australia, China, and India, still require prior visas.
• Facilitated access to business and immigration opportunities in Central America:
  • Thanks to the CA-4 agreement, the Salvadoran passport allows free movement between El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua for 90-day stays, facilitating business, investment, and regional mobility.
  • Holders benefit from a common regional market, cooperation agreements, and facilitated access to professional opportunities.
• Dual citizenship:
  • Salvadorans can legally hold dual citizenship, allowing them to accumulate benefits from both countries (mobility, security, consular protection).
  • Salvadoran citizens can also, under certain conditions, obtain Spanish citizenship after only two years of residence in Spain, thanks to preferential agreements for Latin American nationals.
• Access to consular services:
  • The Salvadoran passport entitles holders to consular assistance in many countries in case of document loss, emergencies, or legal needs, enhancing traveler security internationally.
• Sense of identity and belonging:
  • Holding a Salvadoran passport strengthens the sense of national belonging, enabling participation in civic life, elections, and access to specific citizen rights.
  • The passport is a symbol of national identity and facilitates integration into the Salvadoran community abroad.
• Recent updates to agreements or diplomatic relations:
  • Upcoming introduction of ETIAS for Schengen entry (late 2025).
  • El Salvador is developing investment citizenship programs, accelerating passport access for investors, particularly through Bitcoin or USDT investments.
  • Salvadoran diplomacy continues negotiating mobility and investment agreements, especially in technology and cryptocurrency sectors.

Benefit	Main Detail	Recent Evolution
Visa-free travel	135-137 countries, Schengen 90 days, UK, Canada, Asia	ETIAS required from late 2025
CA-4 regional	Free movement Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua	Agreement maintained
Dual citizenship	Combine passports, access to Spanish citizenship	Accelerated CBI program
Consular services	International protection and assistance	Consular network expansion
National identity	Access to civic rights, sense of belonging	Diaspora valorization
Business opportunities	Facilitated access to regional and international markets	Focus on fintech/crypto

List of Countries Accessible Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival (significant examples):

• Schengen (Europe, 90 days)
• United Kingdom
• Hong Kong, Macao, South Korea, Japan
• Canada
• Russia, Turkey, South Africa
• Virtually all Central and South America

Key Points to Remember:

• High international mobility for tourism and business travel.
• Dual citizenship allowed and advantageous for security and mobility.
• Regional ease thanks to CA-4 agreements and active diplomacy.
• Enhanced consular support abroad.
• Recent updates: ETIAS implementation, accelerated investment citizenship programs, development of technology and finance-focused diplomatic relations.