A. M. 
Alonso Zuniga / Photographer / Producer
The Consul General of the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador, Michael Garcia, announced important changes in the visa application process. Between september 13 and 22, the appointment scheduling and payment system for visas will be temporarily suspended. During this period, applicants will not be able to schedule, modify appointments, or make cash payments, which will resume on september 23 through a new provider. Credit and debit card payments will also be temporarily suspended, but will be available until september 13.
As of september 23, the embassy will update its website and enable new options for scheduling appointments and payments. Appointments already scheduled will remain valid and will be attended as scheduled. In case of emergencies during the suspension period, applicants should visit the embassy’s website for specific instructions. Visa fees will not be affected by these changes, and users are advised to check the embassy’s website for updated information on the new system.
The Embassy’s Consul General, Michael Garcia, announced that this change seeks to increase the efficiency and accessibility of services in order to provide better service to salvadorans. Key dates during the transition to the new system are:
1.August 30: This will be the last day to cash payments at Punto Xpress
2.September 4: If you have already paid your visa fee, but have not yet associated the payment receipt number with the visa applicant’s profile, applicants are encouraged to Log In and associate the payment with the receipt number by september 4, 2024. Failure to do so may cause delays or complications in scheduling your appointment or loss of your payment.
3. September 13-22: The visa appointment scheduling system will be down from september 13-22, during which time system enhancements will be implemented. During this period, applicants will not be able to schedule or make changes to their appointments. Appointments scheduled by the national visa center will not be affected. All applicants must upload their completed application, including proof of payment, to the website at
https://portal.ustraveldocs.com/?country=El%20Salvador&language=English by September 13. This interruption will not affect the National Visa Center’s scheduled residency visa cases.
The Embassy urges all applicants to take immediate action to avoid disruptions or delays in their visa application process. For more updates and information on the new system, please follow the official social media channels and the U.S. Embassy website.
