El Salvador Tours & Holidays

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

EL SALVADOR:

Australia: Not required

Belgium: Not required

Canada: Not required

Germany: Not required

Ireland: Not required

Netherlands: Not required

New Zealand: Not required

South Africa: Yes - in advance

Switzerland: Not required

United Kingdom: Not required

USA: Not required

Whilst for most nationalities a visa is not required, you may be required to purchase a tourist card on arrival, costing approximately US$10. If you do require a visa, please obtain this in advance from your local embassy or consulate.

A service charge will be included in restaurant bills. A small tip for hotel staff may be expected.

Internet cafes are available in most places but wi-fi is only just becoming available.

Reception is good in most urban areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone.

It's likely that you’ll encounter different types of toilets while travelling in El Salvador. Western-style flushable toilets are commonly found in high-end resorts, hotels and restaurants, while squat toilets are common in rural areas and homes. Be prepared by carrying your own supply of toilet paper and soap, as these aren't always provided.

Bottle of soft drink = $0.80

Beer in a bar or restaurant = $1.50

Simple lunch = $3

Three-course meal = $15

Short taxi ride = $6

Drinking tap water in El Salvador isn’t recommended. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Credit cards are widely accepted.

There’s good access to ATMs in nearly all towns and cities.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

• 1 Jan New Year's Day
• 13 Apr Holy Thursday
• 14 Apr Good Friday
• 15 Apr Easter Saturday
• 1 May Labor Day 
• 17 Jun Father's Day *
• 6 Aug Feast of San Salvador
• 15 Sep Independence Day
• 2 Nov All Souls' Day
• 25 Dec Christmas Day

*Subject to change

Please note these dates are for 2017. For a current list of public holidays in El Salvador click below.

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to: Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to: Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to: US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.