El Salvador to Charge Indian Travellers USD 1,000 Fee Before Entry: Everything You Need to Know

El Salvador has announced that it will start charging a USD 1,000 fee from Indian travellers before entry,  starting October 23,  2023. This is an attempt to reduce illegal immigration to the United States from Central America.

El Salvador to charge USD 1,000 fee from Indian travellers before entry

The fee will be applicable to all Indian passport holders,  regardless of their visa status. Travellers will be required to pay the fee before boarding their flight to El Salvador. The fee will be used to improve the country's main international airport and to support its immigration and border security efforts.

The El Salvadoran government has stated that the fee is necessary to deter people from using the country as a transit point to reach the United States illegally. The country has seen a surge in the number of migrants passing through its territory in recent years, and the government is struggling to cope with the influx.

The new fee has been met with criticism from some quarters,  who argue that it is discriminatory and will disproportionately affect Indian travellers. India has a large and growing diaspora in the United States,  and many Indians travel to El Salvador to visit family and friends.

The El Salvadoran government has defended the fee, saying that it is necessary to protect its borders and national security. The government has also stated that the fee is temporary and will be reviewed after one year.

The new fee is likely to have a significant impact on Indian tourism to El Salvador. In recent years,  El Salvador has been trying to promote itself as a tourist destination,  but the new fee is likely to deter many Indian travellers.

Implications for Indian travellers

Indian travellers who are planning to visit El Salvador should be aware of the new fee and budget accordingly. Travellers should also contact the El Salvadoran embassy or consulate in India to obtain more information about the fee and how to pay it.

Indian travellers who are already in El Salvador should be aware that they will not be required to pay the fee. However,  they should be prepared to show their passport and other travel documents to immigration officials upon arrival and departure.

Indian travellers who are considering visiting El Salvador should weigh the pros and cons of the new fee before making a decision. Travellers who are on a tight budget or who are planning a short trip may want to consider other destinations. However,  travellers who are interested in experiencing El Salvador's unique culture and history may still want to visit the country,  despite the new fee.