Complete Guide to El Salvador: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts
The ultimate Complete Guide to El Salvador: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts – the world’s first Bitcoin country that transformed from high-crime headlines to one of the safest and most exciting destinations in Latin America. 90-day visa-free entry, Bitcoin residency pathway, Surf City, volcanoes, low taxes, and booming tourism make El Salvador the hottest emerging spot for digital nomads and investors in 2025.
Introduction to El Salvador – The Bitcoin Beach Revolution
El Salvador (21,041 km², 6.5 million people) is the smallest yet most densely populated country in Central America. Since adopting Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021 and the 2022 security crackdown, it has become one of the fastest-changing nations on earth. Homicide rate fell from 103/100k (2015) to under 8/100k (2025). This Complete Guide to El Salvador: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts shows why everyone is talking about it again — for the right reasons.
El Salvador Independence Date: September 15, 1821
Joint independence with the rest of Central America from Spain, celebrated with parades and the “Noche de Independencia” festivities.
Visa Policy & CA-4 Agreement
90 days visa-free for 110+ countries including USA, EU, Canada, UK, Australia. CA-4 border control agreement with Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua — one single 90-day period for all four countries combined.
Residency & Citizenship by Bitcoin Investment
Freedom Visa program: Invest USD 1,000 in Bitcoin → temporary residency → permanent after 3 years → citizenship after 5 years (or faster with larger investment). Traditional rentista/pensionado also available.
Top Places to Visit in El Salvador
- Surf City (El Tunco, El Zonte, Las Flores) – world-class right points
- Santa Ana Volcano (Ilamatepec) – turquoise crater lake hike
- Joya de Cerén – Mayan Pompeii UNESCO site
- Ruta de las Flores – mountain villages and coffee tours
- Suchitoto – colonial gem on Lake Suchitlán
- Lake Coatepeque – volcanic caldera paradise
- San Salvador – metropolitan revival with new malls and nightlife
- El Imposible National Park – biodiversity hotspot
How to Invest in El Salvador
0% capital gains tax on Bitcoin, 30% income tax (lower for new residents), free-trade zones, and booming real estate in Surf City (condos from USD 120K).
Economy & Bitcoin Integration
GDP ~USD 35 billion, growth 3.2% projected 2025. Remittances 24% of GDP, tourism up 40% year-over-year. Chivo state wallet and Lightning Network widely adopted.
How to Buy SIM Card in El Salvador
Tigo, Claro, Movistar, Digicel – USD 3–5 starter packs at airport and malls. 5G rolling out in San Salvador and Surf City.
Current President of El Salvador
Nayib Bukele – re-elected February 2024 with 85% of vote, remains extremely popular.
Political Status & Safety Transformation
Presidential republic. State of emergency since March 2022 dramatically reduced gang violence. Tourism police and heavy security presence in visitor areas.
Aviation Services in El Salvador
- Aeroman – major MRO facility
- Private charters to Surf City and coastal resorts
- Medevac partnerships with regional operators
Climate, Culture & Travel Tips
Tropical climate 25–32°C. Dry season Nov–Apr. Currency: USD & Bitcoin. Spanish language, but English widely spoken in tourist zones.