El Salvador Airport Improvement Fee ($1,130 Tariff)

Comprehensive Guide to the Airport Development Tariff for Specific Nationalities

If you are planning a trip to or transiting through El Salvador, it is critical to be aware of the latest immigration and airport regulations. In late 2023, the Government of El Salvador introduced a mandatory Airport Improvement Fee (also referred to as the Airport Development Tariff) for passengers traveling on passports from specific countries.

This detailed guide provides all the necessary information to ensure you are fully prepared for your journey without encountering unexpected boarding denials or financial surprises.

1. What is the El Salvador Airport Improvement Fee?

To fund the modernization, expansion, and ongoing maintenance of the El Salvador International Airport (Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport), the national port authority has implemented a special development tariff.

The Fee Amount

The base tariff is $1,000 USD. With the mandatory 13% Value Added Tax (VAT) applied, the total amount payable is $1,130 USD per passenger.

Applicability

This fee applies strictly to all passengers from designated countries, regardless of whether El Salvador is their final destination or if they are simply transiting through the airport to reach another country.

2. Who is Required to Pay the Tariff?

Salvadoran authorities have officially designated 57 specific countries whose passport holders are subject to this $1,130 USD fee. This list primarily encompasses India and the entirety of the African continent.

Below is a reference table outlining the affected regions and nationalities:

(Note: If you hold a passport from any of the nations listed above, your booking will be flagged for this mandatory fee.)

3. How and When is the Fee Collected?

To ensure a seamless travel experience and prevent severe congestion at the arrival gates and immigration checkpoints, our agency collects this fee directly from you and remits it to the Government of El Salvador on your behalf.

Pre-Travel Payment

You do not need to pay this fee to the airline or at the airport. We collect the $1,130 USD fee securely during your application process. This guarantees that your payment is processed directly to the state before you even arrive at the check-in counter.

Government Reporting

We handle the necessary payments and required documentation with Salvadoran authorities, ensuring that your travel status is fully compliant and you are officially accounted for as having successfully paid the tariff prior to boarding.

4. Is This Fee Included in the Standard eVisa (PEI) Cost?

While the $1,130 Airport Improvement Fee is a separate government tax from your El Salvador Special Entry Permit (PEI) processing fee, our agency collects both together to simplify your journey.

eVisa / PEI Fee

When you apply for your travel authorization through Migraciony Soluciones, you pay either $185 for the Standard Visa Process or $250 for the Express Process. This covers your digital entry authorization, document review, and the mandatory travel health insurance.

Airport Tariff

The $1,130 fee is a mandatory tax levied by the government. To protect you from boarding denials, our agency collects this $1,130 fee and strictly pays it to the state for you. An approved eVisa is only valid for boarding when this tariff is also settled securely through our platform.

5. Important Travel Advice

If you are a citizen of India or any African nation planning to visit El Salvador, please adhere to the following steps:

Budget Appropriately

Ensure you have the $1,130 USD available to settle the tariff securely through our platform prior to your departure.

Apply for Your eVisa and Tariff Together

You still need your approved Special Entry Permit to be allowed to travel. Secure your visa and pay the mandatory tariff simultaneously through our Application Form.

Travel with Peace of Mind

Because we handle the $1,130 state payment on your behalf, there is no need to worry about surprise charges from the airline. Simply arrive at the airport knowing your tariff is fully paid and your boarding is secure.