El Salvador

Petty crime

Petty crime is common, particularly pickpocketing and bag-snatching. 

Take extra care of your valuables in:

• Airports
• Bus terminals
• Public transport
• Tourist areas

To prevent petty crime:

• Be alert after dark
• Avoid being on the streets alone
• Pay attention in crowded areas
• Use ATMs in daylight hours
• Withdraw or change money in secure areas like hotels, banks or shopping centres.

A State of Exception was declared in El Salvador on 30 March 2023 and will likely continue for the foreseeable future. While the State of Exception has resulted in a reduction in the rate of violent and gang-related crime, there's still a risk of violent crime. Follow the advice of local authorities.

More information:

• Preventing crime and petty theft

Drink and food spiking

Be cautious about snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes offered to you as they may contain drugs, putting you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Methanol poisoning

Violent crime

Violent crime is widespread in El Salvador. This includes:

• murder
• robbery
• assault
• extortion and kidnapping
• sexual assault
• carjacking

Crime can involve guns and violent street gangs. The risk of violent crime increases at night.

While crime rates have reduced, gang-related crime may affect you in El Salvador. 

Criminals on motorbikes commit robberies. You may be targeted if you display signs of wealth. Express kidnappings also occur, 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:

• don't walk outside or travel after dark
• pay close attention to your surroundings
• make sure your accommodation is secure
• avoid openly changing large amounts of money at border crossings
• 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.

Road-based crime

It can be dangerous to travel on roads outside San Salvador, especially at night. Criminals may target roads and highways, including 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 have been 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
• avoid isolated locations
• only travel in tourist areas

Scams and fraud

Scams and credit card fraud are a risk.

Instances of credit card and ATM fraud can occur. Take precautions when using debit or credit cards.

Scam artists target foreign visitors and residents. The scams come in many forms and can cause great financial loss. Warn your friends and family to be sceptical if they’re asked to transfer funds to you in El Salvador. Tell them to contact you to check that you’ve made this request.

Cyber security

Women travellers

Women travelling alone may encounter instances of sexual harassment and verbal abuse.

More information:

• Advice for Women Travellers

Kidnapping

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas while travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Express kidnappings can occur in urban areas, they are often committed by organised gangs or taxi drivers. The kidnappers usually take their victims to an ATM and force them to make a cash withdrawal. If threatened, do not resist. 

More information:

• Kidnapping

Protests and demonstrations can happen.

Demonstrations and protests against the government can occur. Some can turn violent, causing injuries and deaths. They may occur anywhere across the country and often affect public transport.

It’s illegal for foreigners to take part in political demonstrations in El Salvador.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• Avoid demonstrations, protests, and public gatherings
• Check the media for reports of unrest
• Follow advice from local authorities

If you see a protest, leave as soon as it’s safe.

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

More information:

• Terrorism

Strong currents and undertows occur on the Pacific coast beaches. Check the safety conditions.

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

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

• hurricanes
• severe storms
• landslides
• flash flooding
• 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 get alerts and advice, register with:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency

Hurricane and severe weather

The hurricane and rainy season is from June to November. Landslides, mudslides and flooding can happen.

If you’re travelling during the rainy season, contact your:

• tour operator to check if services are affected
• airline for flight updates

Tropical storms and hurricanes can happen in other months. Hurricanes can change direction and strength 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

Severe weather may also affect:

• access to ports
• road travel
• essential services, such as electricity and water

To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:

• listen to the instructions of local authorities
• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• identify your local shelter
• monitor advice from authorities

Check the US National Hurricane and Tropical Prediction Center for weather forecasts. 

Earthquakes and tsunamis

El Salvador experiences earthquakes. Tsunamis can also happen.

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

To receive tsunami alerts, 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.

Volcanoes

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

Volcanic ash from eruptions of these volcanoes can disrupt domestic and international flights and cause airport closures. Exposure to falling ash and toxic fumes from active volcanoes can also affect your health, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments.

• avoid the affected areas
• monitor local media to remain informed
• contact your travel agent or airline regarding airport and flight status
• be prepared to change your travel arrangements or evacuate the area on short notice
• follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders

The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System can give you general volcano alerts.

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

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.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

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

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities are basic across El Salvador.

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

Doctors will rarely agree to work with your travel insurer. You may need to be reimbursed after you pay cash for your treatment. Doctors may only speak Spanish.

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.

Drugs

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

Authorities will arrest you for illegal drugs if you're either:

• carrying even a very small amount of drugs, or
• with someone who's using them
• If you're found driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, authorities will arrest you.
• Border officials may screen you for drugs, including on departure.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

LGBTQIA+ travellers

Public displays of affection may attract negative attention.

Same-sex relationships are legal in El Salvador, but the country is conservative.

Same-sex marriages are recognised in El Salvador.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

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.

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

Contact the El Salvador embassy in Canberra before you travel.

El Salvador recognises dual nationality. If you are an Australian citizen, and also a Salvadorean citizen, the consular services we can provide to you may be limited.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visas

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 of El Salvador in Canberra for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

More information:

• Embassies, consulates and permanent missions of El Salvador

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.

Travel via the United States

If you’re travelling through the US, ensure you meet all current US entry or transit requirements, even if you're only transiting.

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

Depending on where you've travelled, you may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter El Salvador. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 151KB)

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.

More information:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

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

Bitcoin became legal tender in El Salvador in September 2021. However, not all vendors accept Bitcoin and it is in the early stages of adoption.

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').

Tour Operators

Transport and adventure tour operators may not meet Australian safety standards for:

• scuba diving equipment
• providing life jackets, seat belts and other safety equipment

Rescue services may not be as effective as those in Australia.

If taking part in adventure activities:

• check your travel insurance covers you for the activity
• check the operator's safety equipment before you book
• use reputable operators
• use life jackets and seat belts, even if others don't

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

Driving permit

To drive a vehicle, you'll need a current Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted).

Road travel

Stick to sealed roads and well-travelled paths.

Road safety and driving in El Salvador can be dangerous.

You're 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
• lock doors and keep car windows up, even when moving
• avoid travel at night

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

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis

Use ride-share services, where possible, instead of taxis. If this isn't an option, it's best to use registered official taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your hotel. To avoid issues:

• use official taxis from airports
• pre-pay your fare at an official taxi company booth at the airport
• use official taxis or taxis waiting at assigned stands (sitios)

Landmines

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

Motorcycles

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

Always wear a helmet.

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

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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in San Salvador, headed by an Honorary Consul. The consulate provides limited consular assistance to Australians in El Salvador. The Consulate can conduct passport interviews and provide provisional travel documents for emergency travel to the nearest Australian embassy.  The Consulate can’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
Email: consularpassports.mexico@dfat.gov.au
Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: @AusEmbMex
X: @AusEmbMex

Instagram: Embajada de Australia, México

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