If you’re planning travel to El Salvador, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page

Most visits to El Salvador are trouble free. However, El Salvador has one of the highest crime rates in Latin America so you should take extra care. Take particular care in downtown San Salvador and on roads outside major towns and cities, especially at night. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or displaying valuable items. Safeguard your passport, mobile phone and cash against pickpockets. See Crime

The rainy season runs from June to November and extreme weather events can lead to loss of life, damage to roads, property and infrastructure, and disruption to supplies, services and utilities. You should exercise extra caution if travelling and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities. See Rainy season

The 30 day State of Exception (Emergency) introduced by the Government on 27 March in response to a sharp rise in the number of murders in late March 2022 remainswas inextended place.for a further 30 days by the Legislative Assembly on 24 April. The murder rate has fallen significantly since fallen27 significantly,March, butalthough there are fears that the gangs could regroup and carry out further attacks. Meanwhile security operations and arrests continue. The police havecan the authority to hold suspected gang members for up to 15 days without them appearing before a judge.judge, and judges are approving investigation and continued detention of some suspects at mass hearings of over 100 people. As of 425 April 2022 over 6,00016,000 alleged gang members have been arrested, andwith at least 3 have been reported to have been killed in clashes with the police.police and 4 reported to have died in custody. Security operations have taken place across the country, with a particular focus in Soyapango, Ilopango, Mejicanos, San Martin, and San Marcos. President Bukele has stated that freedom of expression and circulation (movement) will not be restricted. You should exercise caution and follow local news in case further measures are introduced.

TherePolitical are ongoing political tensions in El Salvador.Salvador remain high. On the15 afternoonSeptember of Sunday 31 January 2021 in San Salvador gunmensaw openedsignificant firepublic onprotests activistsover frompolitical oneissues; ofalthough Elthe Salvador’sprotests mainwere oppositionpeaceful parties,and killingthere twowere people,no andinjuries injuringthere fivewas othersignificant people.damage to property. On 1531 SeptemberJanuary 2021 in San Salvador sawgunmen significantopened publicfire protestson overactivists politicalfrom issues;one althoughof theEl protestsSalvador’s weremain peacefulopposition andparties, therekilling weretwo nopeople, injuriesand thereinjuring wasfive significantother damagepeople. to property. The El Salvador Constitution prohibits political activities by foreign nationals, and participation in demonstrations may result in detention and / or deportation. You should avoid large gatherings or demonstrations and exercise caution in public areas.

UK health authorities have classified El Salvador as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information and advice, visit the website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre website. Typhoid and hepatitis A are also present. You should avoid bathing in or drinking from any rivers. See Health

There are a number of potentially active volcanoes in El Salvador. You can get up to date information and advice about volcanic activity on the website of the Directorate General of Civil Protection (in Spanish). See Natural disasters

Terrorist attacks in El Salvador can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism

You can contact the emergency services by calling 911.

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

If you would like to make the British Embassy in San Salvador aware of your presence in the country please email stay in contact El Salvador