The Salvadoran Diaspora and Remittances
Remittances
| Period | Remittances (USD million) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Full year 2025 | 9,987.9 | +17.8% |
| Of which from the United States | 9,224.9 (92.4%) | |
| January to June 2026 | 5,060.6 | +4.5% |
Source: Diario El Mundo: El Salvador closed 2025 with USD 9,987.9 million in remittances; El Salvador.com: family remittances, January to June 20262,3
The Central Reserve Bank publishes the monthly series, broken down by the type of final payer.4
Travel and personal links
- Visitors: 37% of the 4.1 million international visitors in 2025 came from the United States.
- Air routes: Los Angeles, Washington and Houston are the main cities for arrivals at the international airport.
Source: Ministry of Tourism: tourism statistics report 2025; Diario El Mundo: Los Angeles, Houston and Washington are the main cities for airport arrivals5,6
Migration status in the United States
More than 170,000 Salvadorans in the United States hold Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The designation was due to end on 9 September 2026. Changes in US migration policy can affect both remittances and returns, so check the current position with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).1
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Salvadorans live in the United States?
About 1.5 million people born in El Salvador live in the United States.
How much are remittances to El Salvador?
USD 9,987.9 million in 2025, up 17.8%, and 92.4% of them came from the United States.
How important are remittances to the economy?
They equal roughly 27% of GDP.
Sources
- Congressional Research Service: El Salvador in Brief, 6 October 2026
- Diario El Mundo: El Salvador closed 2025 with USD 9,987.9 million in remittances (in Spanish)
- El Salvador.com: family remittances, January to June 2026 (in Spanish)
- Central Reserve Bank: monthly family remittances by type of payer (in Spanish)
- Ministry of Tourism: tourism statistics report 2025 (in Spanish)
- Diario El Mundo: Los Angeles, Houston and Washington are the main cities for airport arrivals (in Spanish)
Figures checked 8 November 2026. Prepared by InvestSalvador.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
