El Salvador
Summary
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for El Salvador’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
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.
Most visits to El Salvador are trouble free. El Salvador has until recently had one of the highest crime rates in Latin America. Despite recent progress made in security, the risks of both petty and violent crime remain. A State of Exception (Emergency) introduced in March 2022 in response to a sharp (and short lived) rise in the number of murders remains in place. See Safety and security
On 15 January 2023, Dirección General de Protección Civil issued a Red Alert in the municipalities of San Lorenzo and Ahuachapan, and a Green Alert in the rest of Ahuachapan and Santa Ana departments, after more than 200 small earth tremors where registered in less than 24 hours. For updated information, you should monitor local media and follow advice from authorities. See Natural disasters
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
Political tensions in El Salvador remain high; public rallies and demonstrations occasionally see violence or public disorder. 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.
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
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in El Salvador, attacks 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