El Salvador has recently imposed an entry fee of USD 1,000 (approximately ₹83,000) for travellers from India and 50 African nations. The fee came into effect on October 23, and the government authorities in El Salvador have also ordered airlines conducting services to the country to inform them every day about travellers carrying passports of India and the specified African nations.
The authorities have stated that the fee is intended to curb uncontrolled immigration to the United States through their country, and the fee received from travellers would be utilized to improve the facilities at El Salvador International Airport.
This new regulation has significant implications for Indians and NRIs flying to El Salvador, as they will now have to pay a huge fee to enter the country. The fee, along with value-added tax (VAT), amounts to USD 1,130 (approximately ₹94,038), which is a significant amount for many travellers. The fee is also expected to discourage some travellers from visiting El Salvador, potentially impacting the tourism industry in the country.
Says Sanjay Dwivedi, a businessman who frequently travels to El Salvador, “The fee is discriminatory, as it singles out travelers from India and 50 African nations. It perpetuates negative stereotypes about these countries and their citizens. Instead of imposing a blanket fee, the El Salvador government could focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of uncontrolled immigration. This could involve strengthening border security, improving economic conditions in affected countries, and providing legal pathways for migration.”
The new regulation has been met with mixed reactions, with some describing it as a necessary measure to curb uncontrolled immigration, while others have criticized it as discriminatory and unfair. The regulation has also been described as a reflection of the efforts taken by governments and airlines worldwide to tackle immigration issues by introducing restrictions on international travel.
In conclusion, the new entry fee imposed by El Salvador on travellers from India and 50 African nations has significant implications for Indians and NRIs flying to the country. The fee is intended to curb uncontrolled immigration to the United States through El Salvador, but it is also expected to impact the tourism industry in the country. The new regulation has been met with mixed reactions, highlighting the complexity of the issue and the need for a nuanced approach to address the challenges of immigration and international travel.
