Published: November 8, 2024
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State El Salvador Travel Advisory and El Salvador Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy San Salvador
Final Boulevard Santa Elena, La Libertad, San Salvador.
Tel: +503-2501-2999.
Emergencies Tel: +503-2501-2999.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 0800-1700.
OSAC Country Chapter
San Salvador’s country chapter was reactivated in 2021, and remains active.
Contact OSAC’s Americas team with any questions.
El Salvador Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution when traveling to El Salvador due to crime.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed San Salvador as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for El Salvador, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
Following years of high levels of violent crime carried out by gangs, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele enacted a state of exception (sometimes referred to as a state of emergency) beginning in March 2022 that has been continually renewed to the date of publication of this report in October 2024. The state of exception has resulted in a sharp decrease in violent crime from a peak in 2015, where El Salvador had a homicide rate of over 100 homicides per 100,000 residents, to 2024 where it registered a rate of 1.8 homicides per 100,000 for the first half of the year – about the same as Canada’s homicide rate.
The state of exception has primarily targeted individuals belonging to gangs, with the government declaring them terrorists, allowing for the establishment of harsher penalties. High rates of crime in El Salvador have historically been driven by gangs, locally called maras. The two primary gangs are the Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, and Barrio 18, or the 18th Street Gang. Since 2022, many high-ranking gang members from MS-13 and Barrio 18 have been arrested and put in new high-security prisons, with other gang members going into hiding or fleeing El Salvador as authorities have carried out mass arrests during the ongoing state of exception. In total, it is estimated that about 2% of El Salvador’s population has been arrested during the state of exception.
The homicide rate for El Salvador fell to 1.8 homicides per 100,000 residents in June 2024. The 2023 homicide rate for El Salvador was 2.4 homicides per 100,000 residents, with 154 total homicides. This marked a 69% decrease in homicides from 2022, which recorded 496 homicides. San Salvador was the department with the most homicides in El Salvador in 2023 with 38 recorded homicides, or about a quarter of all homicides, followed by La Libertad department with 20, Santa Ana with 15, and San Miguel with 13 homicides. All other departments registered less than 10 homicides in 2023. The country also had 255 reports of missing persons in 2023, a 10% increase from 2022.
As violent crime has decreased significantly since the state of exception was enacted in 2022, other types of crimes have also seen significant declines, with the exception of theft, which saw a 4.1% increase between 2022-2023. Reporting on sexual assaults and rape also did not decline but have remained steady since 2019. When comparing data from 2022 to 2023 for the months of January to September, reports of intentional injury declined 14%, robbery declined 42%, extortion by 54%, vehicle theft by 16%, and armed robbery of a vehicle by 71%. An Instituto Universitario de Opinion Publica poll from December 2023 showed that 5.5% of the population were victims of a crime in 2023, down from 51.3% in 2022. Most were victims of theft (38%), threats of violence (27%), assault (20%), or theft with physical violence or threats (17%). Overall incidents of crime have also dropped around 88% from 2022 to 2023.
Crime in El Salvador has been characterized by violence directed against known targeted victims and targets of opportunity. No information suggests that criminals specifically target U.S. citizens. The threat of violent crime in El Salvador has previously led to the curtailment of recreational opportunities due to the routine nature of crime in the country. However, this has all changed since the state of exception as crimes decrease and people feel more at ease. In a 2023 poll on the perception of local security, 25.6% of Salvadorans stated they feel “very safe,” with 65.9% saying they felt “safe,” and only 8.5% saying they felt “unsafe” or “very unsafe.”
El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America, with more than six million people, generally low wages, and a comparatively high cost of living. Some of these factors push families in lower economic status into marginal housing zones. These zones can be as small as a few blocks, are located throughout urban areas (including in upscale neighborhoods), and may provide a point of origin and safe haven for criminals.
Overall, visitors to El Salvador are most likely to be victims of petty theft or property crimes (e.g. robbery, burglary, theft, or vehicle theft) than other kinds of crime. Many theft cases reported to the Embassy involve the loss of a U.S. passport during a surreptitious theft of bags, backpacks, or purses. While the statistics have indicated considerable declines in these types of crime since the state of exception, visitors should still be wary of risks when in public and while selecting potential accommodations. When armed robberies do occur, weapons including guns or knives may be used. Thieves often work in pairs, utilizing motorcycles to quickly attack a victim and then escape. Be wary of isolated, scenic locations, including in tourist areas.
Historically, burglaries have occurred during daylight hours in residential neighborhoods throughout San Salvador. Cameras, concertina wire, and grilles on all windows/doors appear to dissuade some would-be burglars. Residences without these features are more likely to be targets. The presence of armed security and the use of security features in homes have proven successful in combating home invasion. Armed private security guards are not uncommon.
Large chain or brand name hotels typically have security measures that meet international norms. Never give out your key or openly discuss your room number. Do not tell strangers where you are staying, and make sure you lock your valuables in safes which are provided in the rooms. Watch for suspicious activity as you enter the hotel and your room. Do not open hotel room doors for unidentified or unexpected visitors -- call the front desk to identify workers and visitors. Develop a plan or emergency course of action should a crisis develop such as a fire, demonstration, or attack outside your hotel. Be aware that it is likely that criminals are drawn to hotel areas due to the large number of foreign tourists whom they view as affluent and easy targets.
Homicide rates are not uniform across the country. In 2023, San Salvador recorded about 25% of all homicides nationally with 38. San Salvador Centro saw 20 total homicides, with San Salvador Este recording another 10. In San Salvador, the areas of Soyapango and Cuscatancingo concentrated two-thirds of homicide victims in the capital department. Crime is more prominent in the areas north and east of the capital.
The immediate area around Plaza Libertad, to include the San Salvador Metropolitan Cathedral, El Rosario Church, the National Palace, and Hula Hula Market can be visited safely during the day. Many visitors to the capital of San Salvador opt to stay in the west or southwest sections of the city near to El Escalon, San Benito, La Cima and San Francisco. Traffic between these locations and the Centro Historico can be very congested. Other western areas including Cuscatlan and Santa Tecla are considered to be safer parts of the San Salvador metro area.
In Santa Ana, Santa Ana’s Centro saw 9 of the 15 homicides recorded in the Santa Ana department. In La Union department, the municipality of La Union Sur also saw 9 homicides.
While the gang situation in El Salvador made it difficult to parse out specific areas of concern in the past due to the ubiquity of gangs, this has markedly changed since March 2022. Overall, it is still advised to exercise situational awareness when in public or transiting between locations. It is not uncommon for areas with higher crime rates to be located in close proximity to lower crime areas. Therefore, knowing your transportation routes between destinations can lower your risk of becoming a victim of crime. In general, is not advised not walk outside after dark in less affluent areas for risk of becoming a target of opportunity.
Armed robberies of climbers and hikers in El Salvador’s national parks can occur. Engage the services of a local guide certified by the national or local tourist authority when hiking in back-country areas and within the national parks.
If operating near border areas, it is advised to exercise increased caution. Border areas see higher levels of activity related to the trafficking of drugs or persons, resulting in an increased risk of crime and violence. Generally, there is a lower presence of security officials in many border areas in El Salvador. If operating near a border or planning to cross a land border, do so with ample time to reach your destination before dark. Only use official crossings and avoid displays of wealth, to include jewelry, expensive electronics, and excessive cash.
El Salvador is not considered a major transit point for illegal narcotics, though maritime smuggling routes do exist in the eastern Pacific. The volume of drugs transiting the country is relatively small in comparison to regional neighbors. Salvadoran authorities actively police transit routes, which has kept El Salvador from becoming a major transit location. El Salvador is also a party to the 1988 United Nations Drug Convention.
Historically, El Salvador’s gangs were not major narcotics trafficking organizations. Rather, they were primarily involved in retail street-level drug sales. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.
Avoid public transportation, especially local buses. Public buses are often in poor mechanical condition. Public buses have long been the site of robberies or a target for extortion, with violent repercussions for failure to pay gangs when passing through their territory. However, this has decreased under the state of exception. In a 2023 poll, 67% of women and 76% of men said that the level of security in public transportation had improved from 2022 to 2023. Additionally, 57% of respondents said they perceived security on public buses to be “safe” or “very safe” for the hours of 6:00pm to 6:00am. That being said, it would not be recommended to take public buses after dark, and if riding during daylight hours, exercise increased situational awareness and be mindful of your belongings.
Regional "first class" or "executive" commercial bus travel is generally safe, although robberies have occurred in neighboring countries. Minibus, bus, and taxi drivers commonly disregard traffic rules.
Privately owned cabs are unregulated. Use only taxis you can call via telephone or that you find at major reputable hotels. Rideshares operate in San Salvador and have a generally good safety record, but the U.S. Embassy has unconfirmed reports of rideshare vehicles seized by criminals who victimize passengers. If you use a rideshare, ensure the driver of the vehicle is the individual registered in the application prior to embarking in the car and consider sharing your ride status with a friend.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for El Salvador.
The Embassy has no recent reports of kidnapping attempts against the international community writ large, and organized crime generally seeks to avoid the response such a kidnapping would engender. There were no reported kidnappings in 2023 and none in 2024 upon the date of publication.
Express kidnappings, where criminals force a victim to withdraw the maximum amount of funds from their banks at ATMs, may occur. Victims may be targeted due to perceived wealth. It is advised to only use ATMs at well-established banks, during the day, and in lower-crime areas, if possible.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed San Salvador as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for El Salvador.
Though the Government of El Salvador considers gangs and some organized criminal groups to be domestic terrorists, there is no identified, significant transnational terrorist threat in the country.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed San Salvador as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for El Salvador. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Previous election seasons in El Salvador have been accompanied by heated political rhetoric and occasional violence between individuals or groups of opposing parties. However, political demonstrations are typically peaceful and controlled by authorities.
The most recent elections were held in February and March of 2024, with the general election for president, vice president, and the legislative assembly in February; and local mayors and municipal councils voted on in March. The election was notably uneventful for El Salvador, with no reported violence. The incumbent President Nayib Bukele and his Nuevas Ideas (New Ideas) party won in a landslide – further solidifying a supermajority in the legislature and holding the presidency. Favorable judges to the party also sit on the Supreme Court. Bukele was granted the ability to run for a second consecutive presidential term by the courts, despite the Constitution prohibiting it.
General elections occur every five years, with the next election expected in 2029.
Protests & Demonstrations
Public protests and strikes against the government, generally by government employees, are common. Most demonstrations concentrate in/around city centers or public buildings and other public areas. In San Salvador, demonstrations commonly occur near the National Assembly, Presidential House, City Hall, Judicial District, Cuscatlan Park, and Plaza Salvador del Mundo. Although usually non-violent, these public displays sometimes create security problems and impede traffic.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
In general, El Salvador's population holds pro-U.S. views. There has been some public criticism of the Salvadoran state of exception by U.S. and other Western human rights advocates which has resulted in public counterstatements by El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele. The verbal and media sparring has not resulted in any additional security concerns for U.S. citizens or the international community. In fact, there have been considerable improvements in bilateral relations and cooperation throughout 2023-2024.
Law Enforcement
For public safety emergencies, dial 911. Operators generally only speak Spanish. U.S. victims of crime should contact the police and the U.S. Embassy.
There is only one national police service: The Policía Nacional Civil (PNC). Each major city, municipality, or town has a PNC delegation. The PNC also has several specialized units that investigate specific crimes like traffic enforcement, gang related crimes, civil disturbances, VIP protection, and other special operations units. The PNC sits under the Ministry of Justice and Public Safety.
The Armed Forces of El Salvador (FAES) are responsible for defending national sovereignty and ensuring territorial integrity but also has considerable domestic security responsibilities, while the National Civil Police (PNC) is responsible for maintaining public security. The country’s constitution allows the president to use the FAES “in exceptional circumstances” to maintain internal peace and public security. In 2019, President Bukele signed a decree authorizing military involvement in police duties to combat rising gang violence, organized crime, and narcotics trafficking, as well as assisting with border security. Since the decree, a considerable portion of the Army has been deployed in support of the PNC including in support of the state of exception. In multiple cases since 2022, for example, as many as 8,000 troops have been deployed alongside thousands of police on single operations against criminal gang members.
The tourist police force (POLITUR) provides security and assistance to tourists. Officers are located in 19 tourist destinations.
Police Response
While receiving significant support from U.S. and other partners, the police have historically suffered from inadequate funding and limited resources. Because of perceived and actual corruption, in the past, the police have not enjoyed the full confidence and cooperation of much of El Salvador’s citizenry. However, under Bukele the police have tried to improve their public perception, and as of this report, generally the public opinion of the police is positive.
The state of exception has limited freedom of association, making it easier for police to arrest and detain people (including allowing for detention for up to 15 days without access to an attorney or explanation of charges), and gives the police and attorney general the right to intercept communications without a warrant. Mass trials of gang members have also occurred under the state of exception. While rare, foreign nationals have been arrested under suspicion of gang activity during the state of exception.
Local law allows the police to detain individuals for up to 72 hours for administrative processing. This is a common practice for most automobile accidents resulting in personal injury, apprehensions for DUI, and for criminal acts, including accusations.
Police generally treat arrested or otherwise detained foreigners well. U.S. citizen residents/travelers should insist on speaking to U.S. Embassy representatives upon arrest or detention. Except in some very rural locations, police are generally aware of a U.S. citizen detainee's right to contact the Embassy. Embassy assistance is limited to ensuring U.S. citizens are not mistreated, contacting family/friends, protesting breaches of due process, and providing a list of local attorneys.
Judicial procedures are not always clear or easily understood. Significant delays during the investigation and legal process are common.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in El Salvador, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for El Salvador.
In 2021, there were concerns among members of civil society when the Nuevas Ideas party of President Bukele won a supermajority in the legislature. The legislature promptly dismissed all five Constitutional Chamber Justices and the Attorney General, replacing them with party loyalists. The move's debatable constitutionality sparked complaints by political opposition and the international community, who voiced concerns for the rule of law, democratic norms, transparency, and potential suppression of ongoing anti-corruption investigations.
The law provides criminal penalties for conviction of corruption by officials. In 2023, Bukele declared a “war on corruption,” carrying out several charges against various politicians – including two former presidents. Critics highlighted that many charged with corruption have only been from the opposition FMLN and ARENA parties, with only minor members from Bukele’s Nuevas Ideas being charged.
Corruption in the judicial system contributes to the high level of impunity, undermining the rule of law and public respect for the judiciary. The Supreme Court has received dozens of complaints against judges due to irregularities. Accusations against judges include collusion with criminal elements and sexual harassment. Since 2021, there have been efforts to root out corruption in the judiciary.
The constitution prohibited arbitrary arrests, and the law provided for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of their arrest or detention in court. The state of exception, itself a legal mechanism, suspended the right to legal defense, as well as the requirement that persons be informed of the reason of their arrest at the time of their detention, and increased the number of days an individual could be held in detention before being formally charged. The government did not always observe the requirements of the law and constitution. From January to July 2023 the Salvadoran Office for Human Rights reported 738 complaints of arbitrary detention, an increase from 283 in 2022. Several human rights organizations asserted that many detainees who remained in pretrial detention were arrested arbitrarily in 2022, without evidence of gang affiliation and only for having tattoos or living in a gang-controlled area.
Cybersecurity
The U.S. Embassy has no information on specific cybersecurity concerns endemic to El Salvador. General worldwide cybersecurity precautions continue to apply.
The government’s decision to make Bitcoin legal tender in El Salvador could potentially increase the vulnerability of the financial system to instances of cybercrime.
Import/Export Restrictions
The importation of certain high-caliber firearms is prohibited. Arms for personal defense or hunting may be imported but are strictly controlled by the police and Ministry of Defense. There are no known restrictions for the import and use of satellite phones.
Some narcotics may be imported solely for medical use with the permission of the National Directorate of Medicines (DNM), which controls the sale of these substances to the public. A list of controlled substances by the DNM can be found on their website.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
