El Salvador

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 911 for police
• Dial 132 for ambulance
• Dial 126 for toll-free domestic violence hotline 

Demonstrations 

• Demonstrations occur and can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

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

• Since 2022, the Government of El Salvador has taken strong action against U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18. El Salvador has experienced a significant security transformation as a result of these actions, with current data indicating it maintains some of the lowest homicide rates in the Western Hemisphere. Despite this measurable decline in violent crime, standard security risks persist, and the potential for various types of criminal activity remains a concern.
• Many criminal complaints are never resolved. The Government of El Salvador lacks resources to properly investigate and prosecute cases and to further deter violent crime.
• The tourist police force (POLITUR) provides security and assistance to tourists in 19 tourist destinations.
• Always exercise caution and practice good personal security procedures throughout your stay.

Safety tips

• Travel in groups when possible.
• Avoid driving at night and on unpaved roads anytime due to hazardous road conditions such as hilly terrain and landslides during the rainy season.
• Avoid displaying or carrying valuables in public places.
• 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.
• Credit card cloning and similar fraud can occur. Keep your credit 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.

Scams

• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help. 

Financial scams and online dating scams are common in El Salvador. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Work permits and job offers

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

• Dial 911 to report crimes to the local police  
• Dial 503-2501-2999 to contact the U.S. embassy.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and/or domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. 

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Do not connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Drones are restricted in military installations and some public areas.

Tourism safety

El Salvador’s tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel

Surfing is very popular in El Salvador. Please keep the following in mind:

• Beaches on the Pacific Coast are dangerous for swimming because of strong currents and undertows, even for skilled swimmers.
• Public beaches often have lifeguards, but presence and hours will depend on the season and the popularity of the beach. Less touristed and private beaches may not have any lifeguards. Stay out of the water if you see red or black warning flags and always follow lifeguard instructions.
• Like beaches, waterfalls and lakes pose risks. Search and rescue services and medical help at these locations are limited. Check the risks before doing water activities, consider your own abilities, and never mix alcohol with swimming.
• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in El Salvador are severe. Items containing THC, including most CBD products, 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. Any level of alcohol will result in detention.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in El Salvador seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. 

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. 

Detention conditions

• A detention facility is unlikely to provide you with essential medications or medical care. Detainees may have difficulty receiving prescriptions or over-the-counter medications.

State of Exception

• In March 2022, the Government of El Salvador declared a “State of Exception” because of a rise in gang homicides, which is still in effect.
• The State of Exception action suspended some constitutional rights, including normal protections like the right to a speedy trial and access to counsel.
• Tens of thousands of people are currently in prison under the State of Exception awaiting trial, although some mass trials began in 2024. Several U.S. and other foreign citizens have been detained under the State of Exception, sometimes without clear grounds for the arrest or regular access to counsel. They remain in prison and have yet to face trial.
• The Salvadoran Legislative Assembly reformed the juvenile detention law in February 2025 to transfer minors detained for gang-related offenses from juvenile detention centers to adult prisons. In March 2026, the Legislative Assembly reformed the Salvadoran Constitution and multiple laws to make homicide, rape, and terrorism punishable by life in prison for both adults and minors. There are no written legal criteria for establishing ties to a gang or terrorist organization.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

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 Superintendencia de Regulación Sanitaria via email at: consultas@srs.gob.sv.

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in El Salvador.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in El Salvador prohibits discrimination against people with physical and mental disabilities. The law is not enforced.
• The most common type of accessibility needs may include accessible facilities and access to services.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.
• Accessibility is common in newly built infrastructure. The area around the capital is more accessible than other places in the country.
• Contact the U.S. embassy in El Salvador to receive a list of providers.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad. 

Women travelers

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Marriage

• Review our information on Marriage. 

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) El Salvador Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 132 for emergency medical services. 

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are not widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.
• Ambulances are not equipped with advanced medical equipment.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Private hospitals often need payment up front or proof of accepted insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

The following vaccinations are recommended by the CDC:

• Measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, pertussis, and chickenpox:  These diseases are more common in El Salvador than in the United States, especially among children.
• Hepatitis A and typhoid: Immunization is recommended for all travelers.
• Hepatitis B: Vaccination 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, such as Panama, must have had a yellow fever vaccination to enter the country. For more information, visit El Salvador’s Immigration website.
• Tuberculosis: This is a serious health concern in El Salvador. For further information, please consult the CDC’s information on Tuberculosis.

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are more widely available in cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• American citizens have voiced complaints about billing processes for private hospitals.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Patients must cover all costs for transferring to or between hospitals.
• There can be substantial barriers to sexual and reproductive health services access.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications

• 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.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to El Salvador to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in El Salvador with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by El Salvador courts.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is generally unsafe to drink and use in cooking.
• In some locations, tap water is not available every day.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in El Salvador.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• Review our Medicine and Health for general health information.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

• 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 large potholes, unmarked speedbumps, and large objects in the roadway.
• Roads outside of major urban areas may be unpaved, steep, and prone to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
• Do not drive at night when visibility is low. Slow-moving vehicles are often on the road, and some may not have taillights.
• You can expect to find pedestrians walking on the roadways and, in rural areas, it is common to encounter livestock on the road.
• El Salvador is a mountainous country with some steep roads vulnerable to landslides during the rainy season.

Traffic laws  

• You may drive with a foreign 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. This is 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. Prison sentences range from 2 to 5 years.
• Police are known to conduct sobriety checks and can test drivers for alcohol at any time.
• Drivers who cause injury or death in an accident while drunk or without a valid driver’s license will face long prison sentences and high fines.
• Traffic laws are not always enforced, so drive defensively. Passing on blind corners or cutting across several lanes of traffic is common. 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 it is safe, but you must wait for police to arrive. You can leave only 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. 

Taxis and ride-shares

• Mini-buses, regular buses, and taxis are poorly maintained.
• Drivers are frequently unlicensed and generally do not adhere to traffic rules and regulations.
• Rideshare apps are permitted for U.S. mission staff, but the vehicle may not be shared with outside passengers. Users should verify plate number, vehicle, and driver identity match.
• Taxis are permitted for U.S. mission staff, but only when arranged by the Regional Security Office.

Public and commercial transportation

• Visit the website of El Salvador’s ministry of tourism and national authority responsible for road safety.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that El Salvador’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. 
• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to El Salvador should check the following:

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Hurricanes and tropical storms

• El Salvador is especially vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms.
• Hurricane season is from June through November.
• The Sistema Nacional de Estudios Territoriales (SNET) provides weather monitoring and early warnings.

Earthquakes

• El Salvador experiences frequent earthquakes throughout the year.
• Major earthquakes can cause serious damage to buildings and can trigger landslides.
• The Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (MARN) can provide information about conditions. The Dirección General de Protección Civil coordinates emergency response.

Flooding and Landslides

• Flooding and landslides are common during the rainy season (May-October).
• Local municipal emergency committees (CODEMs and COPECOs) and the Red Cross of El Salvador (Cruz Roja Salvadoreña) may be able to assist.

Volcanoes

• El Salvador has several active volcanoes, including Santa Ana, San Miguel, and Chaparrastique. Chaparrastique had a small eruption in May 2023, while the 2005 eruption of Santa Ana was the last major eruption in El Salvador.
• Volcanic eruptions can cause ash fall, mudflows (lahars), and gas emissions.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates