Approximate Border Location
Border Cities
🇸🇻 Citalá
🇭🇳 El Poy
Coordinates
14.20°N, 88.75°W
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wait Times
15-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (6-9 AM)
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~2000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Currency Exchange
Limited near El Poy (HNL, USD)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, assistance
Safety Information
Rural, minimal crime
About Citalá & El Poy
A Vital Route Between Honduras and El Salvador
The El Poy-Citalá border, also known as El Poy Border or Citalá Crossing, connects Honduras’ Ocotepeque region with El Salvador’s Chalatenango area, linking San Salvador to the Mayan ruins of Copán, Honduras. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this crossing benefits from the CA-4 Agreement, allowing free movement for citizens of El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua with just an ID. For foreign travelers, its organized setup makes it one of the less chaotic Central American crossings, but you should stay cautious of minor scams and verify regulations with official government sources before traveling.
Historical and Geopolitical Context
Established in 1963, the El Poy-Citalá border operates as an integrated customs point, with both countries’ officials working in a single, air-conditioned facility on the El Salvador side. This setup reflects the CA-4 Agreement of 2006, designed to streamline regional trade and travel. Despite historical tensions, such as the 1969 Football War between Honduras and El Salvador, which briefly disrupted crossings, the border has remained stable. Recent upgrades include spacious truck parking and modern processing systems, though occasional disputes over resources like the Río Lempa can cause delays. Always check border status to avoid surprises.
Before Crossing
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Crossing Procedures and Wait Times
Crossing from El Salvador to Honduras begins at the integrated customs building in Citalá, where you’ll receive an exit stamp from El Salvadoran officials, typically taking 5-10 minutes. A short walk leads to the Honduras checkpoint, where you’ll pay a $3 entry fee, provide fingerprints, and have your photo taken. Most nationalities don’t need a visa for Honduras, though proof of onward travel may be requested. From Honduras to El Salvador, you’ll pay a $12 tourist card fee if not from the EU. Pedestrian wait times average 10-20 minutes, but buses can take 30 minutes during peak hours like early mornings or weekends.
Staying Alert for Scams
Though relatively organized, El Poy-Citalá has minor scam risks. Touts may offer to “speed up” paperwork for a fee or direct you to unofficial money changers with poor rates. Some travelers report touts exaggerating wait times to extract payments, though the integrated customs building reduces such issues. Stick to official immigration desks and hand your passport only to uniformed officials. Arriving before 8 AM helps you avoid crowds and touts. Carry small US dollar bills for fees, as local currencies (Honduran lempiras or Salvadoran colones) can complicate transactions.
Transportation and Road Conditions
From San Salvador, a $2 chicken bus (#119) takes three hours to El Poy, or you can opt for a $20-30 shuttle for comfort. From Honduras, taxis or shuttles from Ocotepeque to Copán cost about $15 for a 45-minute trip. The CA-4 highway is well-paved, offering views of coffee plantations and rolling hills, but heavy rain from May to October can cause mudslides and delays. The border area is functional, with food stalls and restrooms, but lacks the chaotic markets of other crossings, making it straightforward for travelers.
Nearby Attractions and Amenities
In Honduras, the Copán Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lie 45 minutes from El Poy, offering stunning Mayan architecture and a museum. In El Salvador, Chalatenango, 30 minutes away, has vibrant markets and cafes serving pupusas. The border itself provides basic amenities like food stalls and restrooms but no major hotels. Ocotepeque, 20 minutes from the border, offers budget guesthouses, while Chalatenango has mid-range lodging. The area’s rural charm, with coffee farms and mountain vistas, adds appeal for travelers passing through.
Seasonal and Weather Impacts
The dry season (November to April) brings clear skies and 25°C temperatures, ideal for crossing, while the rainy season (May to October) can slow travel with muddy roads or flooding. Peak travel periods, like Easter (Semana Santa), increase wait times to 30-45 minutes due to holiday traffic. The 24/7 operation offers flexibility, but nighttime crossings may feel less secure with fewer staff. Check for regional events or protests, which can disrupt access, especially during Salvadoran or Honduran holidays.
Practical Tips for Travelers
Bring a valid passport, two photocopies, and US dollars for fees ($3 for Honduras, $12 for El Salvador if applicable). Secure valuables in a money belt, as petty theft occurs in busy areas. Rental cars cannot cross; park in Citalá or Ocotepeque and walk. Have a printed onward ticket or itinerary, as Honduras officials may request it. Budget accommodations in nearby towns fill up during holidays, so book early. Verify border status online, as regional disputes can lead to unexpected closures.
Planning Your Journey
Arrive by 7 AM to avoid crowds and touts. Carry exact change in US dollars to simplify payments and avoid unfavorable exchange rates. Monitor regional news for potential disruptions, especially during rainy seasons or holidays like Semana Santa. With careful planning, you’ll cross El Poy-Citalá efficiently, ready to explore Honduras’ ancient Copán Ruins or El Salvador’s vibrant Chalatenango, immersing yourself in Central America’s rich culture and history.