El Salvador’s main international airport is set to undergo improvements thanks to funding raised through a new mandatory fee imposed on travelers from 57 countries in Africa and India. The additional cost for these travelers, including VAT, amounts to $1,130 and came into effect on October 23. The move was prompted by the increased use of the airport and aims to enhance its facilities.
The decision to implement the fee was announced by the Salvadoran authorities, who explained that the funds raised would be used to enhance the nation’s main international airport. This development comes after El Salvador President Nayib Bukele met with Brian Nichols, the US assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs, to discuss various matters, including efforts to address irregular migration. The United States has been grappling with a significant increase in the number of migrants, with 3.2 million encounters recorded by the US Customs and Border Patrol during fiscal year 2023.
Central America has become a popular transit route for migrants from Africa and other regions seeking to reach the United States. In response to this trend, airlines will now be required to inform Salvadoran authorities on a daily basis about passengers traveling from the 57 listed countries in Africa and India.
Avianca, one of the busiest airlines operating at the airport, has already started notifying travelers that those coming from the affected countries must pay the mandatory fee before boarding flights to El Salvador. This step is aimed at ensuring compliance with the new regulation and avoiding any inconvenience for passengers.
The decision to impose the additional fee reflects the Salvadoran government’s commitment to managing the surge in international travelers and improving the airport’s capacity and infrastructure. With this funding, the nation’s main international airport is expected to become even more efficient in accommodating the needs of passengers and contributing to El Salvador’s role as a key transit hub in the region.
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