Updated to reflect a shift to Level 2 due to changes in crime.

Exercise increased caution in El Salvador due to crime. 

Country Summary: While crime remains a concern in El Salvador, there has been a significant reduction in gang-related activity and associated crime in the last two years. This includes drops in violent crimes and murders. U.S. government employees may travel throughout the country during daylight hours. Largely due to infrastructure 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 and between San Salvador and La Libertad. Government employees are also restricted from using public buses.

In March 2022, the Government of El Salvador declared a “State of Exception” in response to an uptick in homicides committed by gangs. The State of Exception grants authorities the power to arrest anyone suspected of gang activity and 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 individuals are currently held in prison under the State of Exception. Individuals imprisoned under the State of Exception do not have access to due process. Several U.S. and other foreign citizens have been detained under the State of Exception, remain in prison, and have yet to face trial. Prison conditions are harsh. The State of Exception remains in effect, and we urge U.S. citizens to be 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.
• Be 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.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Engage local guides certified by the national or local tourist authority when hiking in backcountry areas.
• Use caution and obey water condition warnings when swimming near El Salvador’s beaches.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter.
• 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.