Did You Know Indian Travellers Have To Pay A ₹1 Lakh Transit Fee In El Salvador?

If you’re planning to visit or transit through El Salvador, here’s something you should know. An Indian traveller recently took to Instagram to highlight the country’s little-known transit fee for Indian citizens, revealing that it can cost over ₹1 lakh, even for those simply passing through. Curious? Here’s everything you need to know about this.

Traveller Highlights El Salvador’s Transit Fee For Indians

 

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A post shared by Prashanth Shankara (@psshank)

Indian traveller Prashanth Shankara (@psshank) has brought attention to El Salvador’s little-known transit fee for Indian citizens and several African nations. “If you’re an Indian citizen, do not travel to El Salvador. I just tried to check into my flight with Avianca to El Salvador, and apparently, El Salvador charges a fee of $1,130 (more than ₹1 lakh) just for Indian citizens, just to transit through the country,” he said in the Instagram reel.

He goes on to explain that this could possibly be because of illegal immigration that’s been going on to El Salvador from India.” In the caption he wrote, “Avoid this country if you are Indian/African – $1,130 just to transit through or visit. I love El Salvador. I love what their President has done to rid the country of crime. But to punish 55 countries with more than 2 Billion people to stop illegal immigrants to the US is mental! Passport privilege strikes again.”

Also Read: Egypt Raises Visa-On-Arrival Fees By 20%; Here’s What This Means For Indian Travellers

Here’s All You Need To Know About This

Here’s some background on the policy. Known as the Airport Improvement Fee, it was introduced in 2023 and applies to passengers from India and several African nations. According to Hindustan Times, travellers from these countries must pay a base fee of $1,000 plus a 13% tax, taking the total to $1,130 (over ₹1 lakh) per person.

It is to be noted that this charge isn’t limited to those visiting El Salvador; it also applies to passengers transiting through El Salvador International Airport and is collected directly by airlines. The Central American nation says the fee is aimed at funding infrastructure upgrades and improving services at its main international airport.

Also Read: What Is Visa-Free Travel & What Should Travellers Know Before Planning Their Trips?

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Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Imágenes de Sandor Mejias Brito