Reissued after periodic review with minor edits .

Country Summary: Crime is still a concern in El Salvador, but gang-related activity has dropped significantly over the last 3 years. This includes drops in violent crimes and murders.

U.S. government employees may travel throughout the country during daylight hours. Due to infrastructure and safety concerns, U.S. government employees may not travel between cities or departments after dark, except for:

The route between San Salvador and El Salvador’s international airport.

Between San Salvador and La Libertad.

Government employees are also 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 homicides:

The State of Exception grants local authorities the power to arrest anyone suspected of gang activity.

It suspends several constitutional rights, including the normal protections of criminal procedure, such as 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. We urge U.S. citizens to stay alert and cautious.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to El Salvador.

If you decide to travel to El Salvador:

Use major highways and roads and minimize travel outside metropolitan areas after dark.

El Salvador has zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Detection of any level of alcohol can result in detention.

Stay aware of your surroundings.

When possible, travel in pairs or in groups, especially for long trips and in rural places.

Do not solely rely on web-based mapping applications, which may not reflect the status of local road conditions.

Do not hitchhike.

Ensure you have multiple forms of communication when traveling and the ability to charge your devices.

Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.

Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.

Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.

Engage local guides certified by the national or local tourist authority when hiking in backcountry areas.

Use caution and follow water condition warnings when swimming near El Salvador’s beaches.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Review the Country Security Report for El Salvador.

Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.

We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

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No, not for stays under 90 days. But a tourist card must be purchased for 12 USD upon arrival. The card is valid for 90-180 days. If your U.S. passport shows you were born in El Salvador, you do not need the tourist card. Questions on extensions beyond 180 days can be addressed to [email protected].

San Salvador, El Salvador
Telephone: +(503) 2501-2999
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(503) 2501-2999
Fax: +(503) 2278-5522
Email: [email protected]

You need a U.S. passport and either a Salvadoran visa or a one-entry tourist card to enter El Salvador.

You may obtain a tourist card when you arrive at the airport or seaport from immigration officials for a $12 fee. The card is valid for 90 days or 180 days depending on passport validity and/or purpose of travel

Questions about extending your stay can be addressed to [email protected].

In June 2006, El Salvador entered into the “Central America-4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement” with Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Under that agreement, U.S. citizens who legally enter any of those four countries may travel freely among the other three countries for up to 90 days total.

If you wish to remain in the CA-4 region for more than 90 days, you must request a one-time extension from local immigration authorities in the country where you are present. If you are “expelled” from one of the four countries, you are expelled from the entire CA-4 region.

Minors: A U.S. citizen minor present in El Salvador for more than one year is considered a resident of El Salvador. To leave El Salvador, a minor resident needs written consent from any parent listed on the child’s birth certificate that is not traveling with the minor. The consent form must be notarized by a Salvadoran notary. The Salvadoran government will not accept a consent form notarized at the U.S. Embassy. The process to obtain the consent can be lengthy. Plan ahead if you intend to have your minor child travel without both parents after being present in El Salvador for more than one year .

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any specific HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or for foreign residents of El Salvador. Antiretroviral medication with a prescription can be imported for personal use and for the duration of stay.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , customs regulations on our websites.

Volunteers, Mission Groups, and Non-Profits: Groups bringing donated supplies, equipment, or medicine may experience difficulties with customs. Groups should clear all donated material with the appropriate Salvadoran government office before arriving in El Salvador. Contact the Dirección Nacional de Medicamentos (National Directorate of Medications) via email at [email protected] to bring in donated medicines.

The crime threat level in El Salvador is high and our Travel Advisory warns U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution due to crime. See below for additional information on crime.

Dial 911 for emergency assistance in El Salvador. Demonstrations occur anywhere, and are most common near the capital of San Salvador. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on politically significant holidays and during international events.

Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.

Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime: Crimes in El Salvador include robbery, car theft, sexual assault, and other crimes.

In the past, gangs, primarily Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and 18th Street (M18) or sub factions of each, controlled a majority of the space in El Salvador and were the source of many crimes including extortion. Since 2022, the Government of El Salvador has severely disrupted gang-related activities. This has led to a significant reduction in crime throughout the country. While levels have dropped, crime, including violent crime, still occurs.

U.S. Embassy government employees and their family members are permitted to travel throughout the country but may not travel between cities after dark, except for the route between San Salvador and the Comalapa International Airport, as well as the highway between San Salvador and tourist destinations along the littoral highway in La Libertad. This is largely due to infrastructure concerns and criminal activity. Additionally, U.S. government employees may not use public buses.

Exercise caution at all times and practice good personal security procedures throughout your stay.

Always travel in groups.

Avoid remote or isolated locations.

Avoid displaying or carrying valuables in public places.

Avoid stopping at tourist overlooks, which may be targeted by criminals.

Never leave passports and other important documents in vehicles.

In public, remain alert and avoid the use of cell phones and earphones. These make it harder to pay attention to your surroundings and make easy targets for crimes of opportunity.

Avoid public transportation, especially buses.

Use only radio-dispatched taxis, taxis stationed in front of major hotels, or internet-based rideshare services.

Choose banks or ATMs inside secure, guarded areas and remain alert.

Remain vigilant even in well-known restaurants, hotels, and retailers within San Salvador.

Credit card cloning and similar fraud can occur; keep your card in sight.

Be aware of your surroundings when traveling by car. Navigation apps seeking the quickest routes may direct you off safer routes into dangerous areas.

Drive with your doors locked and windows raised.

Always avoid travel outside of major metropolitan areas after dark and on unpaved roads always because of hazardous road conditions and criminal activity.

Criminals who threaten violence typically are violent if victims do not immediately comply. There have been no reports of serious injury among victims who do comply.

The tourist police force (POLITUR) provides security and assistance to tourists in 19 tourist destinations. Avoid hikes and guides in locations without an official guide service or police presence, regardless of advice found on the Internet.

Most serious crimes in El Salvador are never solved. The Government of El Salvador lacks sufficient resources to properly investigate and prosecute cases and to deter violent crime.

Do not purchase counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Counterfeit goods can be seized on entry to the United States. You might also face legal issues in El Salvador.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (503) 2501-2999 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(503) 2501-2999. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

We can:

Help you find appropriate medical care

Assist you in reporting a crime to police

Contact relatives or friends with your written consent

Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion

Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.

Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.

Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution

Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home

Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. If you are in immediate danger, you may call 911.

Tourism: The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage

Watersports: Surfing is extremely popular in El Salvador and one of the reasons for the growth in tourism. El Salvador's Pacific Coast beaches are very risky for swimming. Strong undertows and currents can be dangerous, even for skilled swimmers. Most public beaches have government lifeguards, but private beaches may not. Follow all instructions of any lifeguard, and do not enter the water anywhere you see red warning flags. In addition, El Salvador’s search and rescue capabilities are limited, and access to medical resources in beach areas is inadequate. Check the risks of recreational water activities. Also, think about your own abilities and skills. Be aware that drinking alcohol and swimming can be a deadly combination.

State of Exception: In March 2022, the Government of El Salvador declared a “State of Exception” in response to an increase in homicides; the State of Exception continues today. The State of Exception suspended several constitutional rights, including the normal protections of criminal procedure such as the right to a speedy trial. Several U.S. and other foreign citizens have been detained under the State of Exception, some in a reportedly arbitrary manner. The number of all detainees has increased significantly.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don’t know it, you can be ejected from the area, arrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in El Salvador are severe. (Please note that any items containing THC, even certain CBD products that are legal and widely available in the United States, are illegal in El Salvador) . Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. In December 2024, El Salvador instituted a zero-tolerance law for driving under the influence, and any level of alcohol will result in detention.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Guns: You must have a locally obtained license to possess or carry a firearm in El Salvador. Convictions for possessing an unlicensed firearm can carry a prison sentence of three to five years. The U.S. Embassy cannot intervene on your behalf.

Disaster Preparedness: Preparing for natural disasters is crucial in El Salvador. The country has 21 active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes. During the rainy season, severe flooding and mudslides often occur.

Find information about natural disaster preparedness on the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website. Find information in Spanish about earthquakes (sismos) and other natural disasters in El Salvador on the Government of El Salvador’s web page . Learn more on our webpage about crisis and disaster preparedness .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

International Volunteers:

Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGB Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGB events in El Salvador. There is, however, no recognition of same-sex marriage and widespread discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, access to health care, and identity documents. Public officials, including the police, have reportedly engaged in violence and discrimination against LGB persons. See our LGB Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in El Salvador prohibits discrimination against persons with physical or mental disabilities. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities and access to services. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure, and common in newly built infrastructure. The area around the capital is more accessible than other places in the country.

See our Travelers with Disabilities page.

For emergency services in El Salvador, dial 132.

The full range of medical care is available in San Salvador, but medical care outside of the city is limited. Care in some private hospitals is generally adequate for most common illnesses and injuries.

Ambulance services are:

Not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards

Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment

See our Health Abroad page for more information.W e highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health webpage. Also, check the general Traveler Advice for El Salvador. Select your destination in the CDC Travelers’ Health webpage .

• Review all sub-sections. These include Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• Review the CDC Traveler Advice webpage that provide advice on medical considerations including:
  • Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
  • Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
  • General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

  The Department of State, U.S. embassies and consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid do not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

  Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our Insurance Overseas page for more information on insurance providers with coverage overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on what type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

  We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

  Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Government of El Salvador to ensure the medication is legal in El Salvador.

  The following diseases are prevalent:

  • Dengue
  • Diarrheal illness
  • Chikungunya

  Vaccinations: Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  • Measles, mumps, rubella , tetanus, pertussis , and chickenpox are much more common than in the United States, especially among children.
  • Hepatitis A and typhoid immunization is recommended for all travelers.
  • Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all those who may have sexual contact, tattoos, or require medical treatment while in El Salvador.
  • Yellow Fever : Travelers coming from countries where yellow fever is endemic must have had a yellow fever vaccination to enter the country. For more information, visit El Salvador’s Immigration website .
  • Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in El Salvador. For further information, please consult the CDC’s information on Tuberculosis .

  You can find detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the following websites:

  • Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
  • World Health Organization (WHO)

  The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

  Major highways in El Salvador are among the best in Central America, but road conditions are not up to U.S. standards. Even within the city of San Salvador, it is common to see missing manhole covers and large objects in the roadway marking the danger.

  Do not drive at night or when it's hard to see. Slow-moving vehicles are often on the road, and some may not have taillights. Mini-buses, regular buses, and taxis are poorly maintained. Drivers are frequently unlicensed and generally do not adhere to traffic rules and regulations. You can expect to find pedestrians walking on the roadways and, in rural areas, it is common to encounter livestock on the road.

  Traffic Laws: Traffic laws are not enforced; drive defensively. Passing on blind corners or cutting across several lanes of traffic is commonplace. Two lane traffic circles are common and are especially dangerous to navigate.

  If you are in an accident, call the police. The law says everyone in a vehicle accident must stay at the scene. You should move the car if safe and wait for police to arrive. You can leave if you think staying is unsafe. Leaving the scene could lead to future legal complications, but always maintain your personal safety. When police come, be ready to give your name, address, vehicle registration, insurance, and driver's license info. Be aware there are legal consequences to admitting fault.

  Hit and run accidents are common. The law mandates that a driver must be detained and arrested if they cause injury or death in an accident while under the influence of alcohol or lacking a proper driver's license.

  You may drive with a U.S. driver’s license for up to 30 days. After that time, you must obtain a Salvadoran license.

  If you want to apply for a Salvadoran driver’s license, you must present an authenticated copy of your U.S. driver’s license to Salvadoran authorities. Requests for an apostille or authentication certificate are generally submitted in writing to your state’s Notary commissioning authority (usually the Secretary of State’s office.)

  In December 2024, Salvadoran transportation authorities began enforcing a new “Zero Tolerance” law for drinking and driving. Driving with ANY blood alcohol level is now a criminal offense, with prison sentences of 2-5 years for private vehicles. Police are known to conduct sobriety checks and can test drivers for alcohol even if they are pulled over for a minor traffic violation.

  Public Transportation: Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of El Salvador’s national tourist office and the national authority responsible for road safety . Further information on traffic and road conditions is available in Spanish from Automovil Club de El Salvador (ACES) .

  Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of El Salvador’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of El Salvador’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

  Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to El Salvador should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings website.

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) and Facebook .
  • See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.

  Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

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