Genvisec advises that essential business travel can continue, certain categories of traveller may require enhanced security.

 

Crime

 

El Salvador has one of the highest crime rates in Latin America. Petty crime is a problem and there have been several more serious attacks on tourists including robberies, car-jackings and assaults.

 

You you should take the following steps to reduce the risk of becoming a victim:

 

Take particular care in downtown San Salvador, other towns or cities, or if you are travelling on roads outside of major towns and cities after dark: the following areas within San Salvador are safer than others at night, but you should still take care: San Benito, Maquilishuat, La Gran Via and Multiplaza

take care when travelling alone; in remote areas it may be safer to travel with others or take part in a tour with a reputable company; the same applies to walking on remote trails; there have been reports of attacks on tourists walking alone

keep your valuables including your passport with you or in a safe; carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes; take particular care of your personal belongings at bus stations, airports, tourist sites and on public transport

avoid displaying items of value, particularly when arriving at the airport; foreigners have been targeted when leaving the airport; don’t wear expensive jewellery and only carry minimal amounts of cash

it’s safer to withdraw money from ATMs in shopping centres or change money in hotels or banks; don’t withdraw too much money at one time; there have been attacks on foreigners after withdrawing money from ATMs; don’t use ATMs at night

stick to main roads; avoid travelling on unsurfaced roads as you are at greater risk of attack in remote areas where there are fewer police patrols

public buses (repainted US school buses) are not safe; private inter-city buses are generally safer, although attacks can also occur on these; only use reputable coach companies; for shorter trips within towns and cities take radio or hotel taxis; don’t use unofficial taxis

there remains a risk of kidnapping, despite success by the national police in tackling the problem in recent years; kidnap gangs generally target rich Salvadorians rather than visitors

if you’re driving, take extra care at junctions, where stationary traffic is often targeted by armed robbers

 

if you’re attacked, don’t resist

 

 

Scams

 

Foreign visitors and residents can be targeted by scam artists. The scams come in many forms, and can cause great financial loss. If you, or your relatives/friends are asked to transfer money to El Salvador, make absolutely sure it is not part of a scam and that you have properly checked with the person receiving the money that they are requesting it.

 

Local travel

 

Should you have any questions on security or local travel; you can call the local tourist police on +503 2511 8300 or 2511 8303 or visit the POLITURwebsite.

 

Road travel

 

You can use your EU Driving Licence to drive in El Salvador for visits of under three months. However, an International Driving Permits recommended.

 

Driving standards are variable and you should expect the unexpected. Car insurance is essential. If you are involved in an accident, contact the national police or the fire brigade by dialling 911. If you are involved in an accident you should normally wait for the police to arrive.

 

Roads between the main tourist locations in El Salvador are of a good or acceptable standard. In more isolated locations, roads are unsurfaced and four-wheel drive vehicles are advisable. Lock doors and keep windows closed.

 

Take particular care when travelling to/from the border with Guatemala. There have been reports of violent attacks on vehicles, particularly on the Guatemalan side of the border. Vehicles with El Salvador number plates are often targeted. It is better to cross borders in the morning so that you have time to reach your destination before dark. Borders sometimes close in the early evening. Private bus companies are considered safer than public buses for crossing borders.

 

There may be a small risk of unexploded ordnance (eg landmines) in remote areas. If you are going off-road take local advice and avoid travel to such areas if advised.

 

Swimming

 

Swimming on the Pacific coast can be dangerous due to strong undertows. The currents around La Bocana de San Diego are particularly treacherous. Several people have drowned in recent years. There are very few lifeguards. You should avoid swimming on isolated beaches.

 

Political situation

 

Demonstrations occur from time to time and can do so with little warning. They can become violent and disrupt travel. Avoid large gatherings or demonstrations. The El Salvador Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and participation in demonstrations may result in detention and/or deportation.

 

Consular assistance-UK Citizens

 

The British Embassy in El Salvador reopened in May 2012, but the Embassy does not have a dedicated consular section. If you need consular assistance in El Salvador, contact the British Honorary Consul in San Salvador:

 

Mr George Chippendale

 

Cónsul Honorario Británico

 

17 Calle Poniente No. 320

 

San Salvador, El Salvador

 

Telephone (503) 2236-5555

 

Fax (503) 2271-1026

 

George.Chippendale-Honcon@fconet.fco.gov.uk Honorary Consul Office Hours: Local Time: Mon-Fri: 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00.

 

You can also register with the Honorary Consul on arrival in El Salvador, either in person or by email.

 

Money

The US dollar is the official currency in El Salvador. Although some prices are still quoted in the Salvadoran Colon, payment is expected in dollars. The exchange rate is fixed at US$1.00 = 8.75 Salvadoran Colón.

 

It is almost impossible to change pounds sterling anywhere in El Salvador, so you should bring a mixture of cash and travellers’ cheques in US dollars. Bring some low denomination US dollar notes, as US$50 and US$100 notes are not accepted in many smaller restaurants, bars and shops. US$100 and US$50 notes may be exchanged in banks on arrival.

 

ATMs are widely available.

 

Health

 

Water is not generally safe to drink, bottled water is widely and cheaply available.

 

Dengue fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year, but mainly during the rainy season. 9,871 cases of Dengue were reported between January and August 2014; more than double the cases of the previous year.

 

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in El Salvador. As of March 2015 approximately 2% of the population has been infected. The government issued a permanent Dengue and Chickungunya alert in the departments of: Chalatenango, Cabañas, Cuscatlán, Santa Ana and large parts of San Salvador . You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. For more details about this outbreak, see the website of the National Health Network and Centre .

 

Medical facilities outside the capital San Salvador are generally basic. State-run hospitals are on the whole under-staffed, under-funded and ill-equipped. Use private clinics and hospitals whenever possible.

 

Some hospitals may be reluctant to treat you until they are satisfied you have medical insurance. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Carry a copy of your insurance cover at all times. Most medical staff speak only a little English.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Natural disasters

 

Volcanoes

 

 

El Salvador has a number of active volcanoes.

 

Seek local advice before climbing any volcanoes in El Salvador and monitor local media for any updates on increased volcanic activity. You can find volcano warnings on the website of the Directorate General of Civil Protection (in Spanish). When climbing volcanoes or walking in remote areas, it is safer do so in daylight hours and with a tour guide.

 

Rainy season

 

The rainy season normally runs from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean. During the rainy season you can expect frequent heavy rain, thunder storms and possible tropical depressions. Roads can be affected by landslides and flooding. Mountain areas are particularly vulnerable to landslides.

 

Monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Centre. See our Tropical Cyclones page for advice about what to do if you are caught up in a hurricane.

 

Earthquakes

 

El Salvador is subject to frequent minor earth tremors and occasional earthquakes. 

 

Make sure you know what action to take should an earthquake occur. If you are staying in a hotel read their earthquake instructions. To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, visit the website of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency.

 

Fire

 

There has been an increase in fires during the 2014/15 dry season; particularly in San Salvador. You can contact the fire brigade by calling 913.

 

Entry requirements

Visas

 

EU passport holders can enter El Salvador for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. This can be extended on application to the Salvadoran immigration department, Centro de Gobierno, San Salvador; Telephone: (503) 2221 2111. For other types of travel, contact the Embassy of El Salvador in your home country.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into El Salvador.

 

Central America Border Control Agreement

 

El Salvador is party to the Central America Border Control Agreement (CA-4).  Under the terms of this agreement, British tourists may travel within any of the CA-4 countries (Honduras,Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala) for a period of up to 90 days, without completing entry and exit formalities at border Immigration checkpoints. The 90 day period begins at the first point of entry of any of the CA-4 countries. Fines are applied for travellers who exceed the 90-day limit, although you can apply for an extension of up to 30 days by paying a fee before the 90 days limit expires. If you’re expelled from any of the 4 countries you are also excluded from the entire CA-4 region.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are valid for entry into El Salvador. ETDs must also have a minimum period of 6 months validity from the date you enter El Salvador.