Data Last Updated: September 19, 2020
General Information
El Salvador has reopened its borders to international visitors on Sept. 19. Commercial passenger flights will resume gradually, with authorities intending to operate at full capacity from early October. To be permitted entry, all passengers must present proof of a negative COVID test, taken no more than 72 hours before travel.
President Nayib Bukele has stated that to be permitted entry, all citizens, permanent residents, and nonresident foreign nationals will be required to present proof of a negative COVID test, taken no more than 72 hours before travel.
Mask Requirement
Mask is required to be worn in all public indoor, public transport and certain outdoor areas where social distancing is not possible.
Internal Restrictions/Closures
Officials in El Salvador will launch Phase 2 of its economic recovery plan to lift movement and business restrictions related to coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Aug. 24. Under the new directives, most commercial activity will be permitted to resume provided businesses adhere to strict operating protocols.
Beginning Aug. 24, public transport, which was previously reserved for health workers, may resume. Restaurants, which were limited to delivery and pickup services, may reopen for in-house dining. The plastic, paper and footwear industries, opticians, beauty salons, call centers, gyms, real estate, public sector work, informal commerce, and shopping centers may also reopen. Churches and places of worship are permitted to resume services.
This is in addition to reopening of businesses and services in the construction, cargo transport, medical and veterinary, public service, and repairs and maintenance sectors, under Phase 1, June 16. Some nonessential and recreational facilities will remain closed until at least Sept. 19, including cinemas and water parks.
Supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, petrol stations and home delivery food outlets will operate. Restaurants and take away food services, are closed. Anyone leaving their accommodation must wear a face covering. Public transport is not operating.
Airlines & Transport
Officials in El Salvador will reopen the country's airports to all international travelers from Sept. 19; commercial passenger flights will resume gradually, with authorities intending to operate at full capacity from early October.
Status of Opening to Tourists
Information based on tourists place of residence being in that country for the last 14 days
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More Details
Last Updated: September 18, 2020
With El Salvador's borders being closed for 6 months, the country is eager to reopen its tourism as safely as possible. El Salvador is officially planning to reopen its borders for international flights on September 19, 2020.
September 18 update: Officials in El Salvador will reopen the country's airports to all international travelers from Sept. 19. Commercial passenger flights will resume gradually, with authorities intending to operate at full capacity from early October. To enter, all passengers must present proof of a negative COVID test, taken no more than 72 hours before travel.
Who Can Enter El Salvador?
All nations that could visit El Salvador before will be able to once again enter the country once it's borders reopened. That is to say, all normal visa entry requirements will still be in effect.
Are there any Testing and/or Quarantine Upon Entry?
Travelers should bring a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours regardless of their nationality or country of origin. Moreover, there is no current quarantine requirement for tourists when arriving in El Salvador.
Safety Measures and Health Protocols
All travelers should wear face masks in all public indoor, public transport, and certain outdoor areas where social distancing is not possible.
What's Open in El Salvador?
- Public transportation in El Salvador is mostly not operating but may start operating again.
- Restaurants in El Salvador are open but only for takeout and delivery.
- Supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, petrol stations and home delivery food outlets will operate.
El Salvador's reopening news is being updated constantly. Be sure to bookmark this blog and come back anytime for the latest news. In addition, you may want to check the detailed restriction of El Salvador here.
Sources: elsalvador.com | cepa.gob.sv
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Information for Non-Tourists
Any person entering the country will be screened by health officials to determine if they must remain in self-quarantine. El Salvador International Airport (SAL) has suspended passenger flights. Air and land cargo transportation, as well as humanitarian flights and vessels, are not affected by the restrictions.
On Sept 16, President Nayib Bukele has stated that to be permitted entry, all citizens, permanent residents, and nonresident foreign nationals will be required to present proof of a negative COVID test, taken no more than 72 hours before travel.
67,851
Cases2,082
Deaths10,419
Cases Per Million
Graph of COVID-19 Cases In Last 30 Days
For El Salvador