Complete Guide To The Guatemala El Salvador Border

Hopping over the Guatemala El Salvador border is thrilling. Imagine all the sights and experiences waiting for you in the next country. 

But if you’re feeling worried, we get it.

It’s totally normal to feel a little anxious beforehand, especially if you’ve never experienced a border crossing before. But there are ways to make crossing easy peasy. Arriving with the correct documents and the latest knowledge is paramount—and that’s where we come in. 

We’ve created a guide to crossing this border just for you. All bases are covered, so you’ll be an expert on this border in minutes. Start scrolling to get in the loop now.

Guatemala El Salvador Border Crossing — A Quick Overview

Know before you go. Here’s a quick overview of the essentials for each border.

Leaving Guatemala

When leaving Guatemala, you’ll need your passport and entry stamp to show the border officials. There’s no exit fee for Guatemala. But don’t try to leave with any vegetables or fruit—it’s forbidden.

Entering El Salvador

You need your passport with six months of validity and $10 for a tourist card. 

El Salvador also requires proof of onward travel. 

Leaving El Salvador

Have your passport and entry stamp ready to show border officials. El Salvador has a $32 exit fee. If flying, this fee will be added to your plane ticket. 

Entering Guatemala

You need a passport with at least six months of validity, a yellow fever vaccination certificate, and proof of onward travel. 

There aren’t any entry fees for Guatemala. 

El Salvador Guatemala Border Crossing Points 

Check out the top crossing points below to start planning your journey.

La Hachadura

La Hachadura is one of the more used land borders. La Hachadura is the town’s name on the El Salvadorian side, but many refer to the whole border area simply as Hachadura. 

Suppose you’re traveling from El Zonte, El Tunco, La Libertad, or any other Pacific coastal areas. In that case, this is likely the land border you’ll use. Look for La Hachadura when booking shuttles or buses.

One of the easiest ways to cross this border is via an organized shuttle service. Tourist-friendly companies run shuttles to and from El Tunco to Antigua through this border. They can take anywhere between 5 to 8 hours due to queues at the border and the number of additional stops each shuttle provider makes. 

Shuttles aren’t the only option for this border. You can also opt for public transport if you fancy an independent crossing. 

Public buses are available to and from the border (on each side), but you’ll have to walk across no man’s land to the next immigration office. Sometimes there’s a border guard here, alongside the offices. 

Opening Times: The border is open and available 24 hours—ideal for those looking for flexibility. Crossing during the day is recommended. 

Las Chinamas /Valle Nuevo

The Las Chinamas to Valle Nuevo land border crossing is another potential tourist crossing point located further inland. If you’re visiting the gorgeous town of Ruta de las Flores in El Salvador, this is likely the border you’ll use. 

Pro Tip: Consider staying a night in Concepcion de Ataco before/after your crossing. This charming El Salvadorian town is under an hour from the border and offers outdoor activities, coffee tours, and beautiful architecture.

Like the La Hachadura border, you can book a shuttle across the Las Chinamas/Valle Nuevo border. Shuttles are better for this border due to their ease, especially if you’re an inexperienced solo traveler. Pass the navigation to someone else for a change!

However, if you want to travel via public transport, you must get a public bus to the border. Then exit your country, show relevant documentation, and get your passport stamp. Walk across the no man’s land bridge and enter the next immigration office. Then, pick up another public bus to continue your travels. 

On the Guatemalan side, your only public bus options are chicken buses, even if you’re heading to Antigua or Guatemala City. Chicken buses are a Central America staple. These are the main mode of transport for locals and are cheap long-distance options. As the name suggests, you might see chickens, amongst other goods, transported on these.  

Most buses require a transfer in the El Trebol district of Guatemala City, which can be a dangerous area for tourists carrying expensive possessions. So, consider a pre-booked shuttle if you prefer a convenient ride.

Opening Times: The border is open from 6 am to 10 pm.

San Cristobal

San Cristobal is another land border crossing point located further north up the El Salvador-Guatemala border. While this is still a tourist-friendly crossing point, it’s less used than the La Hachadura or Las Chiminas points. 

Public transportation is viable across this crossing, and you can find chicken buses from the Guatemala City bus station. Once you arrive at the border stop, you must walk a few hundred meters to the immigration offices. You’ll also need to walk approximately 100 meters (328 feet) through no man’s land to the next office. 

When you’ve passed through the next set of immigration offices, you can pick up a public bus towards your destination. Wait times may vary with public transport, so keep this in mind when planning your route.

Shuttle services are available across this land border for those who want to skip the fuss of public transportation. 

Pro Tip: Carry cash across this border and remember to change it when you arrive in the next country. This will make paying for buses much easier. 

Opening Times: The San Cristobal border is open from 6 am to 10 pm.

Other Crossing Points

The three points above are the most tourist-friendly border crossing points. However, there are two more options you can explore:

• Coco to Jerez
• Anguiatu to La Ermite

Coco to Jerez is a small crossing point in the middle of the El Salvador-Guatemala border. The Anguiatu to La Ermite border is the easternmost crossing option, located very close to the Honduras border.

Tourist buses, shuttles, and private transfers don’t take these routes, so you’re on your own here. If you’re an inexperienced traveler and don’t have much in the way of Spanish skills, then it’s probably better to choose one of the other routes above.

What Do You Need To Cross The Border?

Set yourself up for travel success with this Guatemala-El Salvador border checklist.

Important Disclaimer: Heads up! We always aim to provide the latest and greatest information. However, you should always double-check any time-sensitive information and your country’s entry requirements to ensure easy travel.

Passport

Guatemala and El Salvador require your passport to be valid for at least six months from entry.

Visa

EU and US citizens receive 90 days on entry to El Salvador. UK citizens receive 180 days on entry. However, a tourist card must be purchased for 10 USD. 

Guatemala grants UK, US, and EU citizens 90 days of stay on arrival. 

Other nationalities will need to check specific visa requirements through the embassies.

Yellow Fever Certificate

Guatemala requires a yellow fever certificate for tourists over the age of one. El Salvador only requires a certificate if you’re entering from a country with a risk of the yellow fever virus. 

Departure Tax

Guatemala has no official exit fee, but that doesn’t mean people aren’t asked for a few Guatemalan quetzals.

El Salvador requires an exit fee of $32, which is added to your flight ticket if traveling by air. 

Proof of Exit

Both countries require a proof of exit stamp when leaving the country. Border officials will also ask to see your entry stamp. 

Cash

As with all border-crossing journeys, we recommend carrying cash while traveling. Few vendors in these countries accept cards; you’ll need cash for food, buses, and toilets in some places. 

USD is used in El Salvador, and you’ll need Guatemalan quetzals for Guatemala.  

Proof of Onward Travel

Guatemala requires proof of onward travel, but it’s rarely requested. El Salvador also requires proof of onward travel via a return flight or onward booking.

Proof of Economic Stability

Neither country officially requires proof of economic stability. However, traveling with a photocopied bank statement or credit card is advisable, just in case.

Entry Fee

El Salvador requires the purchase of a $10 tourist card on arrival by air, land, or sea. There aren’t any entrance fees for Guatemala. 

Safety Tips

When traveling from El Salvador to Guatemala or vice versa, you should keep any flashy items or valuables hidden. 

Many public transportation border options include chicken buses, which may confuse inexperienced travelers or those without Spanish knowledge. Also, said buses take local routes and sometimes drop you off in unsafe locations. If you’re unsure, take a shuttle bus across the border. Make it easy on yourself.

Covid-19 Restrictions

El Salvador and Guatemala have no Covid-19 entry requirements. 

Map of the Guatemala El Salvador Border

Get clear on the border before you travel. See the top crossing points and routes in our map above. 

How to Cross the Guatemala El Salvador Border

Booking your tickets to El Salvador and Guatemala? Here are some routes to consider for your travels.

Antigua to El Tunco

If you’re traveling from Guatemala to El Salvador, Antigua to El Tunco is a standard route to take. Imagine starting your day off surrounded by breathtaking volcanoes and ending it with an ice-cold drink by the Pacific coast. Pure travel bliss.

One of the best routes for this journey is via a 5-hour and 20-minute minivan shuttle. These handy Adrenalina Tours shuttle services take you from hotel to hotel and across the border. 

Alternatively, you can travel via public buses, but researching and arranging connections can take a long time in Guatemala. 

San Salvador to Guatemala City

Prefer city vibes? 

Traveling from San Salvador to Guatemala City is another frequent border crossing option. With this route, you can jump from city to city to ensure you catch as much culture as possible. 

Traveling via tourist bus is a good option for this journey. Unlike chicken buses, tourist buses are designed with travelers in mind. They can take you across the border and, in some cases, to your hotel. Transporte de Sol is an active tourist bus provider and will drop you at each city’s main bus terminal.

Private cars are another possible option, but these cost a lot more than a shared tourist bus.

El Salvador to Guatemala — The Top Sights You Should See 

Get your Pinterest board ready. These are the most popular tourist destinations in both countries. 

El Salvador Must Visit Sites

• San Salvador — The largest city in the country and the capital city, San Salvador is a must-stop for a couple of days. You’ll find modern boulevards, bustling markets, rich history, and a vibrant food scene. San Salvador is also a great starting point for any backpacker, thanks to the city’s numerous transport connections.
• Santa Ana — Located in the coffee-processing region, Santa Ana is a beautiful city with beautiful architecture and stunning views. From here, you can see the famous Santa Ana volcano and lush nature in the Parque Nacional Cerro Verde.
• El Tunco — You can’t visit El Salvador without seeing its striking Pacific coastline. If you’re a beach bum at heart, add the laid-back El Tunco to your list. This spot offers azure seas, fine sands, and a chilled-out atmosphere.
• Ruta de las Flores — Known as one of El Salvador’s hidden gems, Ruta de las Flores is a route of five scenic colonial towns connected by one road. This is a must for hikers! Ahuachapan and Sonsonate are the two major hubs of the route.
• Suchitoto — Located amongst the rugged mountains, Suchitoto is a small town overlooking the majestic Lake Suchitlan. This charming town is home to the impressive Santa Lucia Church, a mid-1800s wonder that’ll impress all architecture lovers.

Guatemala Must Visit Sites

• Antigua — Known for its Spanish colonial architecture and volcanic surroundings, Antigua is a must-visit city. Here you can indulge in exquisite foods, browse local crafts, and enjoy the feel-good vibes of Guatemala. You’ll want your camera for this stop.
• Lake Atitlan — Lake Atitlan is a body of water in a gigantic volcanic crater — a natural wonder like never seen before. The nearest airport for this stop is La Aurora International Guatemala Airport (GUA).
• Guatemala City — Another top city to visit is Guatemala City. Here you’ll find Mayan history, intriguing museums, and colonial buildings. There are even hiking trails to the Pacaya Volcano, ideal if you want a mix of culture and outdoor activities.
• Flores — Situated in the north of Guatemala, Flores is a quaint town that is the gateway to incredible Mayan ruins. While staying in Flores, you can visit the Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park and the Tikal Park for incredible temples. Don’t forget your walking shoes for these amazing sights.
• Monterrico — You can’t visit Guatemala without seeing the sea. If you’re on a trip to take a dip, head to Monterrico, a beautiful coastal spot close to Guatemala City. But be careful when swimming here — the water can get rough. 

Guatemala-El Salvador Border Wrap-Up

No matter where you decide to cross, visiting both of these countries is quite an experience. If you plan to continue your journey into Mexico, read our guide for crossing the Guatemla-Mexico border. Heading south? Read our checklist for crossing the El Salvador-Honduras border.

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