Post booking travel FAQs for El Salvador

4 weeks before departure, you will receive an email to notify you that your pre-departure letter has been uploaded which will include important information such as emergency contact information. At this point you will also be able to see your airline reference which will be added to your itinerary. 

You will receive all your pick-up times for tours and transfers locally when you arrive in-country, ensuring you have the most accurate and up-to-date information

No, we do not provide paper tickets. The only thing you need to check-in and fly is the airline reference which is on your itinerary (look for reference made up of 6 letters and numbers). This reference can be used to check in online or at the airport along with your passport. You may have multiple airline references if you have several flights.  

No, you do not need any vouchers for tours or hotels. Just give your names and passports on check-in and to the guides.  

The My Routes App stores your itinerary, travel documents, flight updates, recommendations, and local weather. Once downloaded, most features work offline. You can also message your Travel Specialist directly through the app.  

If you are in El Salvador and need assistance, please contact our local office in El Salvador on +502 2314-4434 during office hours 8am-5pm local time.  

In an emergency outside of these hours you can call +502 3274-4448

UK passport holders do not need a visa for short stays in El Salvador for tourism. On arrival, you are normally granted entry for up to 90 days under the Central America CA 4 agreement, which also covers Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay, and you may be asked to show onward or return travel details. Entry requirements can change, so it is always worth checking the latest guidance before you travel.

For your international flight we advise you to check-in online. Airlines open check-in between 24-48 hours before departure. For domestic flights, you can also check-in online or at the airport. To check-in to any flight, you need the airline reference which is added to your itinerary 4 weeks before departure.  

Seat selection policies vary depending on the airline and fare type. In most cases, you can pre-book your seats for a fee via the airline’s website once you have made the booking. Please contact your Travel Specialist for your airline reference if you wish to do this more than 4 weeks prior to departure. You can normally select seats for free at the point of check-in, usually 24-48 hours before departure.  

For international flights, clients travelling in Economy are allowed 1 checked bag up to 23kgs which is included in the cost of your holiday, unless otherwise stated. For Premium and Business class clients, 2 pieces of checked luggage up to 32kgs are included unless otherwise stated. 

For domestic flights, 1 checked bag up to 23kgs is included.

For El Salvador, make sure you are up to date with routine UK vaccinations, and speak to a travel health professional about whether you need additional cover such as hepatitis A and typhoid. Mosquito bite prevention is important as illnesses such as dengue can occur, so pack repellent and wear long sleeves in the evenings. Travel insurance that covers medical care is also essential.

In El Salvador, the local currency is the US dollar (USD).

For day to day spending, cash is useful for small purchases and in rural areas, while cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and larger shops, especially in towns and cities. It is best to carry a mix of both, with small notes for easier change.

In El Salvador, tipping is not expected but appreciated.

In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included. If it is not, rounding up or leaving a small amount for good service is welcomed. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, though rounding up the fare is common. For private guides and drivers, a small tip at the end of the service is appreciated.

El Salvador is 6 hours behind the UK when the UK is on GMT, and 7 hours behind during British Summer Time.

For El Salvador, pack light, breathable clothing for warm weather, plus comfortable walking shoes or sandals with good grip. Add a light rain jacket for tropical showers, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen), and strong insect repellent. Bring swimwear, a small day bag, a reusable water bottle, and any personal medication.

For El Salvador, you will need a UK (type G) to type A/B travel adaptor.

Most hotels, cafés and restaurants offer good WIFI. Coverage can be limited in remote areas. Check roaming costs with your mobile provider before travel.  

In El Salvador, a few simple customs help you settle in quickly. A polite “buenos días” or “buenas tardes” goes a long way, and people tend to be warm and courteous in everyday interactions. Dress is casual, but it is respectful to cover up away from the beach, and it is best to ask before taking photos of people, especially in markets and small communities.

In El Salvador, you will not usually need to pay any separate local taxes as a traveller because taxes are generally built into prices (including 13% VAT).

When flying out, any departure taxes and fees are typically included in your airline ticket, but it is worth checking your ticket details in case anything is payable at the airport.

All transfers listed on your itinerary are included in the cost of the holiday. If you wish to take a taxi, we recommend taking official taxis booked by your hotel.  

Changes may be possible, but fees or fare differences could apply. Contact your travel specialist as soon as possible to discuss your options.  

If you are arriving at the airport, please proceed to the arrivals hall where your driver will be waiting with a Latin Routes sign displaying your name. If you cannot locate your driver, remain in the arrivals hall and call the emergency contact number provided in your final travel itinerary.  

Drink only bottled or purified water. A reusable bottle is useful for refill stations available in many hotels and restaurants. Be cautious with uncooked foods in more rural areas.  

In El Salvador, high altitude is not usually a concern. Most destinations are at low to moderate elevation, so altitude related effects are unlikely for the vast majority of travellers.

El Salvador is now much easier to travel around than it was in the past, and most visitors have a smooth trip, particularly on well organised routes. It is still sensible to take normal precautions in towns and cities, stick to reputable operators, and keep an eye on official travel advice for any local updates.