El Salvador Travel Risk

Exercise normal precaution in El Salvador.

U.S. government employees working in El Salvador are allowed to travel throughout the country during daylight hours. However, due to road conditions, hilly terrain, possible landslides during the rainy season, and general lack of streetlights, U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling between cities or departments (the Salvadoran equivalent of states) at night. Gang activity has decreased dramatically since 2022, causing a drop in violent crime and murders.

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.

• Review our travel guidance for El Salvador to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

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, such as the right to a speedy trial and access to counsel.
• Tens of thousands of people are currently in prison under the State of Exception, all awaiting trial.

Several U.S. citizens have been detained under the State of Exception. They have yet to face trial. The State of Exception is still in place.

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.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in El Salvador

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in El Salvador, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Avoid demonstrations and do not engage in any political activity.

It’s illegal for foreign nationals to engage in political activities such as public demonstrations in El Salvador. If you participate in demonstrations, you may be detained and deported. Avoid large gatherings or demonstrations and be cautious in public areas.

Crime

Security in El Salvador has improved considerably with significant reductions in crime. However, travellers should remain cautious as the risks of violent and petty crime still exist.

State of exception (emergency)

El Salvador’s government declared a state of exception (emergency) in response to a sharp rise in gang-related murders. The state of exception started in 2022 and has remained in place since. The murder rate has fallen significantly, but the authorities are concerned the gangs could regroup.

The state of exception gives police additional powers, resulting in a much higher number of arrests, sometimes without much evidence. It also allows police to detain people for much longer before trial. Many ordinary legal safeguards have also been weakened or removed. For example, joint legal hearings for over 100 people are common.

Some embassies have struggled to get consular access to their citizens. If you’re arrested, the El Salvador government may not allow the British Embassy to give you consular assistance or make sure you receive legal representation. Mistreatment and human rights violations, sometimes resulting in death, happen in detention facilities.

Security operations and gang-related violence do not usually affect tourists and visitors. Security operations have taken place across the country, particularly in Soyapango, Ilopango, Mejicanos, San Martin and San Marcos.

In 2022 the Salvadoran Legislative Assembly designated gang members as terrorists and established harsher penalties for them. Government communications and social media posts now sometimes refer to suspected gang members as terrorists.

Robberies and violent assaults

There have been isolated attacks on tourists, including robberies, carjackings and violent assaults.

Within San Salvador, the areas of Santa Elena, San Benito and Maquilishuat have better security, as do most of the larger shopping malls.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Avoid walking alone or on remote trails. It may be safer to travel with others or go on a tour with a reputable company. Take extra care in more deprived areas of towns and cities and those less visited by tourists. Follow local advice on where the safer areas are.

Withdraw money from ATMs in shopping centres or change money in hotels or banks. Do not withdraw a lot of money at one time or use ATMs at night or in badly lit areas.

Protect yourself by:

• keeping valuables, including your passport, in a hotel safe if possible
• being aware of pickpockets at bus stations, airports, tourist sites and on public transport
• not wearing expensive jewellery, particularly at airports, and only carrying a small amount of cash

If you’re driving, take the following precautions:

• take extra care at junctions, where armed robbers often target stationary traffic
• stick to main roads and avoid unsurfaced roads, as you’re at greater risk in remote areas with fewer police patrols
• always lock doors and keep windows closed. If you’re robbed, do not resist the attackers or take any action that puts you at greater risk

If you have questions on security, contact the El Salvador tourist police:

Telephone: +503 2224 2705

Email: info@politurelsalvador.com

Buses and taxis

Public buses (repainted old US school buses) are not safe due to petty crime. Private intercity buses are generally safer, although crime can also happen on these. Only use reputable coach companies. For shorter trips within towns and cities, take radio-dispatched, pre-booked or hotel taxis operated by reputable companies. Do not use unofficial taxis, as there remains a small risk of kidnapping.

Criminal kidnapping

The risk of kidnapping to foreigners or visitors is relatively low, however, you might wish to share your location or plans with a trusted person, particularly if taking public transport or a taxi.

Scams

Scam artists target foreign visitors and residents. Scams come in many forms and can cause great financial loss. Warn your friends and family to be sceptical if they’re asked to transfer funds to you in El Salvador. Tell them to contact you to check you’ve made this request.

Risk level

El Salvador - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in El Salvador due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws and crime.

Emergency measures

In March 2022, the government of El Salvador implemented a “state of exception” (emergency measures), resulting in the suspension of key constitutional rights and massive arrests of suspected criminals.

Although the security situation has significantly improved throughout the country, the state of exception remains in effect. As a result, security forces have increased rights to conduct searches, seizures, and detain persons of interest, including foreign citizens.

Local authorities have detained foreign citizens, sometimes in a reportedly arbitrary manner. Individuals imprisoned under the state of exception do not have access to due process such as a fair or timely trial. Prison conditions can be harsh, and consular assistance can be delayed under the current circumstances.

If you're in El Salvador:

• be aware that you may be subject to searches by security forces
• expect a heightened security presence, including on roads, in public spaces, and in residential neighbourhoods
• always carry valid identification and be prepared for various checkpoints
• monitor local media for the latest information
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• respect all local laws including road safety laws, which include a zero-tolerance approach to drinking and driving
• remember that drugs, including cannabis, are illegal and penalties for possession, use or trafficking are severe

Laws and culture

萨尔瓦多风险等级为蓝色（低风险）。