El Salvador Travel Risk Level

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. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO : travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram

France Diplomatie : vigilance renforcée sur l'ensemble du pays (jaune).

Auswärtiges Amt: Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise (general travel and security advice); no travel warning in effect.