The El Salvador Passport in 2026: Visa-Free Travel, Schengen, ETIAS and Residence

Many people ask me if the Salvadoran passport is worth USD 1 million. The answer depends on where you travel. Here is what I found in the BRIDGES Passport Index of 4 October 2026 and in official EU and US sources.

The passport

BRIDGES writes that DGME issues a biometric passport valid for 6 years, with a state fee of USD 25 per person. The official portal says it can be collected in El Salvador or at the nearest consulate or embassy. The validity and the fee are confirmed only by BRIDGES.

The numbers

Indicator	Value
Rank	37 of 199
Without a prior visa	129 destinations
of which visa-free	93
of which ETA	8
of which visa on arrival	28
eVisa	46
Visa required	51

Schengen, ETIAS and EES

El Salvador is listed in Annex II of EU Regulation 2018/1806. Its citizens can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180 days without a visa. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operating since 10 April 2026, so your entries and exits are registered at the border. ETIAS has not started yet. According to BRIDGES it will cost EUR 20 and be valid for 3 years.

Where a visa is still needed

The index lists a visa requirement for the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, China and Mexico. El Salvador is not on the US treaty countries list, so the E-2 investor visa is not available with this passport.

Permanent residence

Since the reform of 30 April 2025, participants of the programme and their family group receive permanent residence directly. The requirements named by the Assembly are criminal record certificates, an identity document and proof of participation. BRIDGES writes that the residence fee is USD 690 a year. I did not find this amount in official sources.

Is it a Plan B?

The BRIDGES index gives El Salvador a Plan B score of 100: dual citizenship is allowed and citizenship passes to children. I would add two conditions from the family guide: your own country must allow dual citizenship, and you must keep the new rules on long absence in mind.