El Salvador

Violent crime

Violent crime is widespread in El Salvador, including in the capital San Salvador. Incidents include:

• murder

• armed robbery

• assault

• extortion and kidnapping

• sexual assault

• carjacking

Crime often involves guns and violent street gangs.

El Salvador has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Violent crime increases at night.

Gang-related crime may affect you in El Salvador. Gang members have been known to:

• kill police officers and public transport workers

• attack bus drivers and passengers

• place car bombs in vehicles

• attack public transport with fire bombs

• launch grenades in public places

• kill and injure innocent bystanders

Criminals on motorbikes commit robberies. You may be targeted if you display signs of wealth. Express kidnappings also happen, where criminals force you to withdraw funds from ATMs.

Police and law enforcement can't always respond to the high levels of crime.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• pay close attention to your surroundings

• make sure your accommodation is secure

• avoid openly changing large amounts of money at border crossings

• don't travel alone or after dark

• don't use ATMs on the street

If you're attacked or robbed, don't resist. Armed criminals may injure or kill you.

If you're a victim of violent crime, especially rape, get immediate medical attention. El Salvador has a high HIV/AIDS infection risk.

Petty crime

Petty crime is common, particularly pickpocketing and bag-snatching. You're at risk:

• in bus stations

• in airports

• around tourist areas

• on public transport

Road-based crime

It's dangerous to travel on roads outside San Salvador, especially at night. Criminals target roads and highways, particularly the road to the international airport.

Criminals may follow you from the international airport to assault or rob you.

Violent attacks on vehicles, including buses, between El Salvador and Guatemala are reported. The risk is greater on the Guatemalan side of the border. 

Sometimes armed thieves target hikers in remote areas around volcanoes and national parks.

To protect yourself when travelling by road:

• plan to arrive or depart the international airport during the day

• keep car doors locked and windows up, even when moving

• keep valuables out of sight

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Don't participate in political activities of any kind. Authorities may detain or deport you.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid protests, demonstrations and public gatherings

• monitor the media for potential unrest

• follow instructions from local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Strong rip tides and currents can make beaches dangerous.

There may not be lifeguards. Swimming conditions can become dangerous quickly.

El Salvador experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• hurricanes

• severe storms

• earthquakes

• volcanic eruptions

• tsunamis

To protect yourself in case of a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location

• monitor local media and other sources

• follow the advice of local authorities

• keep in contact with your friends and family

• contact your tour operator or airline

• get local advice before visiting natural disaster-affected areas

To receive alerts on major disasters, register with the:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

• Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency

Hurricanes

The hurricane and rainy season is from June to November.

Landslides, mudslides and flooding can happen.

Severe weather may affect:

• access to ports

• road travel

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change suddenly.

If there's a hurricane or severe storm:

• you may get stuck in the area

• flights could be delayed or suspended

• available flights may fill quickly

• adequate shelter may not be available

• essential services may be disrupted

To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship

• identify your local shelter

• closely monitor alerts and advice from authorities

To receive alerts on major disasters, register with the National Hurricane and Central Pacific Hurricane Center

Volcanoes

El Salvador has active volcanoes. Before you trek or climb in an area with volcanic activity, ask local authorities for advice.

After a volcanic eruption, ash, dust and toxic fumes are a significant health risk. Take care if you have a respiratory condition.

To protect yourself if a volcano erupts:

• stay inside with the windows and doors shut

• place damp towels under doors and windows if ash is falling

• wear a disposable face mask if you go outside

• wear long clothing and goggles

• avoid contact with ash

• monitor advice from local authorities

Earthquakes and tsunamis

El Salvador experiences earthquakes. Tsunamis can also happen.

Get to know the earthquake safety measures for each place you visit.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities, or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up

• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more

• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level

• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers

• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up

• ask if your travel plans may affect your health

• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in El Salvador. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is

• how much you'll take

• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

Insect-borne diseases

Chikungunya is widespread in El Salvador. 

During the wet season, you're more at risk of insect-borne illnesses, including:

• dengue

• Chagas disease

• leishmaniasis

Malaria is a low risk in rural areas, particularly in the northern Santa Ana region.

Zika virus is widespread in El Salvador.

Read the Australian Department of Health's Zika virus bulletin for advice on how to reduce your risk. If you're pregnant, the department recommends that you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor

• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof

• use insect repellent

• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a significant risk in El Salvador.

Take steps to protect yourself if you're at risk of infection.

Other health risks

Common waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases include:

• tuberculosis

• hepatitis

• typhoid

• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• boil drinking water or drink bottled water with intact seals

• avoid ice cubes

• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

• make sure your vaccinations are up to date

• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are basic across El Salvador.

You may need to pay cash before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to the US. Medical evacuation and treatment in the US can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long prison sentences in local jails.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

If you injure or kill someone in a road accident, authorities may arrest or detain you for a local trial.

It's illegal to take photographs of official buildings. Check with local authorities before taking photos.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

El Salvador may require dual Australian-Salvadoran citizens to complete national service. 

Contact the El Salvador embassy or consulate before you travel.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can’t help you.

Tourist card (CA-4 visa)

You'll need to purchase a tourist card at the airport. This permits you to visit El Salvador for up to 90 days.

El Salvador is a member country to the Central American Border Control Agreement (CA-4), along with:

• Guatemala

• Honduras

• Nicaragua

With a CA-4 tourist visa, you can travel freely by land between member countries within the 90-day period.

Your tourist card is dated from the first point of entry in any member country.

You can apply to extend the CA-4 visa before it expires at Centro de Gobierno in San Salvador. Call (+503) 2221 2111.

If you overstay the visa without an extension, you may be:

• fined

• forced to leave

• unable to enter other CA-4 member countries

If you're not a tourist or you plan to stay longer, you'll need a visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the embassy or consulate of El Salvador for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Travel via the United States

If you’re travelling through the US, you must also meet US entry or transit requirements.

More information:

• Travel advice for the US

Travel via Canada

If you're travelling via Canada, you'll need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for Canada.

More information:

• Travel advice for Canada

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter El Salvador. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB)

Travel with children

If you're travelling with children, you may need to show proof of your legal relationship. This could be as a parent, custodian or someone with access rights.

A child travelling on a Salvadoran passport without 1 or both parents must have written consent from the absent parents to leave the country. A Salvadoran notary must sign these documents.

Make sure your passport is stamped when you enter El Salvador.

You must pay a departure tax to leave El Salvador. Your airline ticket may include the tax.

Some land border crossing points between El Salvador and neighbouring countries close at 6pm.

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The official currency is the US Dollar ($US). Exchange for other currencies isn't available.

Credit cards aren't widely accepted outside major centres. ATMs aren't reliable.

Only change money and use ATMs in banks, hotels or shopping malls. See Safety

Driving permit

To drive in El Salvador, you need both:

• your valid Australian driver's licence
• a valid International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

Stick to sealed roads and well-travelled paths.

Road safety and driving in El Salvador can be dangerous.

You're 4 times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in El Salvador than in Australia.

Driving standards can change across the country. Car insurance is essential.

If you're in an accident, call 911 for the national police or the fire brigade. Wait for the authorities to arrive before you leave.

Roads between tourist locations are usually in good or acceptable condition.

Locals sometimes steal manhole covers, leaving large holes in the road.

Roads are unsealed in isolated areas, so a 4WD vehicle is a good choice.

If you plan to drive in El Salvador:

• check your insurance cover

• learn local traffic laws and practices

Try not to drive at night. Lock doors, keep windows up and take safety precautions. See Safety

Unexploded weapons

In rural El Salvador, unmarked landmines and unexploded remnants of war are common. This risk increases in the Chalatenango and Morazán districts.

Adventure activities, tours and wildlife

Transport and adventure tour operators may not meet Australian safety standards, or maintain scuba diving equipment.

If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it

• use registered operators

• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements

• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Motorcycles

Check your insurance before using a motorcycle, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use registered taxis and limousines. 

Arrange transport through your hotel, and book in advance if travelling at night.

Public transport

Public transport in El Salvador is often overcrowded and poorly maintained. This includes inter-city buses. 

Security around bus stops is poor, and robberies are common.

Avoid using public transport.

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check El Salvador's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends

• travel agent

• insurance provider

• employer

• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 911.

Medical emergencies

Call 911.

Police

Call 911.

POLITUR, the tourist police, can help you. They regularly patrol main tourist areas.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in El Salvador, headed by an Honorary Consul. This consulate provides limited consular assistance.

The Australian Consulate doesn't issue Australian passports. You can get full consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Mexico City.

Australian Consulate, San Salvador

12 Calle Poniente 2028
Colonia Flor Blanca
San Salvador, El Salvador
Phone: (+503) 2298 9447
Email: consuladohonorarioelsalvador@gmail.com

Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Ruben Dario 55, (Polanco)
Colonia Bosque de Chapultepec
11580 Mexico CDMX MEXICO
Phone: +52 55 1101 2200
Fax: +52 55 1101 2201
Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au
Email: consularpassports.mexico@dfat.gov.au

Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au

Email: consularpassports.mexico@dfat.gov.au

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

• 1300 555 135 in Australia