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Weather & climate
Weather in El Salvador
El Salvador
34°
Fog
Thu
21°
34°
Fri
21°
34°
Sat
22°
32°
Sun
21°
30°
Mon
20°
34°
Tue
20°
35°
Wed
20°
32°
SPF level in El Salvador
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for El Salvador
What British travellers need to know
You can travel to El Salvador for tourism or business for up to 180 days without a visa.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive.
You can extend your stay beyond 180 days by contacting the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration.
You must declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more.
If you overstay your visa or the permitted period, you may have to pay a fine before leaving.
Good to know:
You can travel between El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua for up to 90 days without a visa, but British Nationals must have a visa to visit Honduras.
You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
Safety in El Salvador
Tips when travelling
El Salvador is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry a copy of your passport's photo page with you as police may ask for ID.
Be aware of pickpockets at bus stations, airports, tourist sites, and on public transport.
Only use radio-dispatched, pre-booked, or hotel taxis from reputable companies and avoid unofficial taxis.
Bring US dollars in smaller denominations, as many small shops, restaurants, and bars do not accept 50 or 100 dollar notes.
Swimming on the Pacific coast can be dangerous due to strong undertows, so avoid isolated beaches and swimming after drinking alcohol.
Bonus tips:
You must get a local driving licence if you plan to drive in the country for longer than 90 days.
Avoid swimming in rivers as they are often contaminated and unsafe.
More information
Driving in El Salvador
A valid UK driving license is accepted for a short visit. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: El Salvador drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in El Salvador
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as health facilities may be limited, particularly outside major cities. Check that your policy covers all activities you plan to undertake.
It's recommended to consult your GP or a travel health clinic for personalized advice on vaccinations and preventative measures. Dengue fever and Zika virus are present in El Salvador, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Tap water is not generally safe to drink; opt for bottled water. Food hygiene standards may vary, so exercise caution when eating from street vendors.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted in many businesses in major cities and tourist areas. Smaller establishments may only accept cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in El Salvador
Tipping is appreciated in El Salvador for good service, but it is not always expected. A service charge is sometimes included in restaurant bills, so check before adding a tip.
Restaurant
10-15% if not already included
Bar/Café
5-10% or round up
Taxi
Round up or 5-10%
Hotel Porter
USD 1-2 per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
USD 1-2 per night
Tour Guide
10-15%
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU 'roam like at home' policy no longer applies to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in El Salvador. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper rates.
Local SIM
5GB for 100 SVC (~£9)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in El Salvador
Voltage
115V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, restaurants, and cafes, especially in tourist areas. Coverage may be limited in more rural areas.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Internet access is generally available in urban areas and tourist hotspots. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more reliable mobile data.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling El Salvador
Country code
+503
00 503 7070 7070
To call El Salvador from the UK, dial 00 (the UK exit code), then 503 (El Salvador's country code), followed by the local number. El Salvador does not have area codes; all numbers are 8 digits long.
UK Embassy
British Embassy San Salvador
Edificio Insigne, Colonia Escalón, San Salvador
Phone
Website
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.