El Salvador Travel Risk Level

Updated due to change in travel advisory level to reflect changes in crime. Country Summary: Exercise normal precautions in El Salvador. Gang activity has decreased over the last three years. This has caused a drop in violent crimes and murders. U.S. government employees working in El Salvador are allowed to travel throughout the country during daylight hours. However, due to the risks, U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling between cities or departments at night. There are exceptions. U.S. government employees are allowed to travel at all hours between San Salvador and: El Salvador’s international airport. La Libertad department. U.S. government employees are prohibited from using public buses. State of Exception In March 2022, the Government of El Salvador declared a “State of Exception” in response to an increase in gang murders: The State of Exception allows local authorities to arrest anyone they think is involved in gang activity. It suspends several constitutional rights. This includes the normal protections of criminal procedure, like the right to a speedy or fair trial. Tens of thousands of people are currently in prison under the State of Exception. Several U.S. and other foreign citizens have been detained under the State of Exception. They remain in prison and have yet to face trial. The State of Exception is still in place. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to El Salvador. If you decide to travel to El Salvador: Always use major highways and roads. Minimize travel outside of major cities at night. El Salvador has zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. You can be detained for having any level of alcohol while driving. Do not drink and drive. Stay aware of your surroundings. When possible, travel in pairs or in groups, especially for long trips and in rural places. Avoid relying on online maps or applications. They might not accurately show local road conditions. Do not hitchhike. E

Tropical Storm Cristina El Salvador is under a national Orange Alert due to the immediate threat of heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides from Tropical Storm Cristina, due to make landfall along the coast of El Salvador within the next 24 hours. Follow and monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities. See Extreme weather and natural disasters . Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO : travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram