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The Legislative Assembly approved, with 57 votes, a further extension to Legislative Decree No. 26, which exempts members of official foreign missions participating in tourism, sports, arts, and cultural events in El Salvador from paying fees, customs duties, and consular charges.
The measure will remain in effect for two more years and aims to continue facilitating international activities in the country, especially those related to sports and cultural tourism, sectors that have gained importance in El Salvador’s international promotion strategy.
With this decision, beneficiaries will continue to be exempt from payments related to immigration procedures, consular services, and customs duties required to enter and participate in official events held in El Salvador.
The legislators indicated that the main objective is to strengthen El Salvador’s position as a destination specializing in cultural, artistic, and sports tourism, particularly in disciplines such as surfing, which in recent years has attracted international competitions and visitors.
The exemption applies not only to members of official international missions participating in events endorsed by state institutions, but also to members of non-profit, non-governmental organizations linked to these types of activities, provided they do not pursue commercial purposes.
According to the approved measure, the intention is to maintain favorable conditions for attracting international events that contribute to boosting the economy, increasing tourism, and projecting a positive image of the country abroad.
The original decree was approved on may 25, 2021, and established an initial validity of one year. Subsequently, in may 2022, the Legislative Assembly authorized a first extension of two additional years.
Later, in april 2024, the deputies approved a second extension for another two-year period, and now a third extension has been authorized to keep the benefit in effect.
Authorities believe that these types of incentives facilitate the organization of international events and strengthen economic sectors linked to tourism, hospitality, transportation, gastronomy, and entertainment.
They also highlighted that El Salvador has successfully established itself as a host for important sporting, cultural, and artistic events, attracting foreign delegations, athletes, artists, and visitors from various countries.
With this new extension, the government seeks to continue promoting a favorable environment for tourism investment and the hosting of international events that generate economic impact and enhance the country’s positioning.
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