The United States Department of State has re -issued its travel notice for El Salvador. It is at a level 2, urging travelers to exercise greater caution. Although gang -related violence has decreased significantly in the last three years, crime remains a concern in El Salvador, warns the alert.

The United States government employees can travel throughout the country during the hours of the day, but are prohibited from using public buses and traveling between cities or departments after dusk, except along certain routes:

• The route between San Salvador and El Salvador International Airport.
• Between San Salvador and freedom.

In March 2022, the Government of El Salvador declared a “state of exception”, which is still in place, in response to an increase in gang homicides. The state of exception gives local authorities the power to arrest any suspect of gang activity. It suspends several constitutional rights, including normal protections of the criminal procedure, such as the right to a rapid or fair trial.

Tens of thousands of people are currently in prison under the state of exception. Several foreign citizens and other citizens have been arrested under the state of exception. They remain in prison and have not yet faced trial.

If you decide to travel to El Salvador:

• Use main roads and roads and minimize trips outside the metropolitan areas after dusk.
• El Salvador has zero tolerance to drive under the influence of alcohol. The detection of any alcohol level can result in detention.
• Stay aware of your environment.
• When possible, travel in pairs or groups, especially for long trips and in rural places.
• Do not trust web -based mapping applications, which may not reflect the state of the local road conditions.
• Do not make self -sufficiency.
• Be sure to have multiple forms of communication when traveling and the ability to load your devices.
• Do not physically resist any attempted theft.
• Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Do not show signs of wealth, such as watches or expensive jewels.
• Involve local guides certified by the national or local tourism authority when walking in crossing areas.
• Use caution and follow the warnings of the condition of water when swimming near the beaches of El Salvador.
• Sign up in the SMART Travel Registration Program (PASS) to receive alerts from the United States Embassy and facilitate the location in an emergency.
• Check the country’s security report for El Salvador.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Check the traveler’s verification list.
• Visit the CDC page to obtain the latest travel health information related to your trip and return to the United States.
• We strongly recommend that you buy insurance before traveling. Consult your travel insurance supplier on evacuation assistance, medical insurance and travel cancellation coverage.