With the introduction of ETIAS in 2022, Salvadoran citizens will need to take an extra step when planning a trip to Europe.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System will soon be launched across the EU. Salvadorans will be amongst those eligible to apply.
Travellers from Salvador can find out everything they need to know about the new ETIAS visa waiver on this page.
Will Salvadoran citizens need a visa for Europe?
No, citizens of Salvador will not need a visa to visit the European Schengen Area for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit.
Salvadorans can continue to enter Europe without a visa and stay short term.
Visitors will, however, need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. Although ETIAS is not a visa, it will be a mandatory entry requirement for people from Salvador and other visa-exempt countries.
Are Salvadoran Citizens eligible to apply for ETIAS visa waiver?
Yes, Salvadoran citizens who meet the ETIAS requirements can apply for the visa waiver for Europe.
To be eligible, the stay in Europe must be:
- For tourism, business, or transit
- For no more than 90 days per 180-day period
- Within the Schengen Area
To stay longer, or to work, study, or live in a Schengen country, Salvadorans need to obtain the relevant visa.
What documents do Salvadorans need to obtain ETIAS?
There are only 3 important items needed to get started with the ETIAS application. These are:
- A valid passport issued by the El Salvador government
- A credit or debit card to pay the ETIAS processing fee.
- An email address to receive the approved ETIAS
As ETIAS is not a visa, further supporting documents are not required.
The ETIAS Application process for Salvadoran Citizens
The process of obtaining the ETIAS visa waiver for Salvadoran citizens will be fast and efficient. With the required information to hand, the form can be completed in just a few minutes.
Salvadorans can obtain the visa waiver in 3 steps:
- Fill out the online ETIAS application form
- Pay the visa waiver fees
- Receive the approved ETIAS by email
Filling out the ETIAS application form from Salvador
The ETIAS application is entirely online and can be completed from any device with an internet connection.
Travellers are asked to provide the following information:
- Personal details—full name, gender, and date of birth
- Passport details—number, issue date, and expiry date
- Travel details—the first country they will enter
The second part of the form will ask travellers to provide certain health and security information.
It is advisable to check all the information is accurate and complete before submitting the request for review. Missing information or errors could result in delays.
The ETIAS processing fees are paid using a debit or credit card to finalise the request.
How long does it take to get ETIAS from El Salvador?
In the majority of cases, the ETIAS application will be approved very quickly.
The screening process is automated and consists of checking the information provided against Schengen security systems such as Interpol and Europol.
Occasionally, it may take up to 72 hours (three business days).
Likewise, if something is flagged up during the automatic screening, manal processing will take place. This is carried out by the ETIAS Central and National Units and it may take up to 2 weeks to reach a decision.
All travellers are advised to apply for the ETIAS well ahead of their departure date.
Travelling from Salvador to Europe with ETIAS
When the ETIAS visa waiver is approved, it will be electronically linked to the applicant’s passport. The travel authorisation can then be verified by border officials when entering the Schengen Area.
An ETIAS permit remains valid for 3 years, or until the passport expires, whichever is first.
During its validity period, the same visa waiver can be used to travel to the Schengen Area from Salvador multiple times. Each stay must not exceed 90 days per 180-day period.
Salvadoran nationals with a valid ETIAS and passport can visit any of the 26 countries in the Schengen Area including destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
There are no internal borders in the travel zone.
Why will Salvadorans need ETIAS?
The objective of the ETIAS visa waiver system is to boost safety and security across the European Schengen Area. It will also improve border management and efficiency.
By pre-screening visa-exempt visitors before they enter Europe, authorities can protect the public from potential threats. ETIAS will make Europe even safer for residents and visitors from across the globe.