El Salvador Travel Safety

Precautions

Avoid walking after dark, including in the capital city of San Salvador. Travel in groups if possible. Remain extremely vigilant and exercise caution at all times. Be particularly discreet when using automated teller machines (ATMs). Choose ATMs in controlled areas only, such as in banks or hotels, and stay alert to your surroundings when using them. Criminals have been known to observe, follow and then rob victims who have made withdrawals. Credit card skimming is on the rise. Avoid taking any form of public transportation. If you are threatened by armed criminals, stay calm and cooperate with them. Do not resist, as gang members are quick to engage in violence. Avoid eye contact with the perpetrator. Petty crime, including bag snatching and pickpocketing, is common. Avoid displaying signs of affluence in public, particularly when landing at the El Salvador International airport, as wealthy-looking tourists are more likely to be targeted by criminals. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times in a hotel room safe or hotel safety deposit box. Carry only a copy of the identification page of your passport and sufficient funds for the day.

Road safety

Driving in El Salvador can be hazardous because local vehicles are often overloaded and poorly maintained and local drivers often ignore traffic rules. Streets tend to be narrow, with poor signage and inadequately lit. Urban streets are crowded with vendors, whereas rural roads are hazardous because of wandering livestock and pedestrians. Always drive defensively because other drivers may be impaired by drugs or alcohol. Avoid driving after dark. Travel in a convoy rather than alone on rural roads because there are fewer police in rural areas and roadside assistance is rarely available. Keep your vehicle doors locked and windows closed at all times. Safely store personal belongings, including handbags, out of sight. Avoid stopping at scenic points. Rural areas may be accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicle. Most land border crossings remain open 24 hours a day, but some have been known to close without warning. Plan to cross the border early enough so you arrive at your destination before dark.

Hiking

Tourists have been robbed while climbing volcanoes and hiking in remote locations. Travel only with reputable tourist organizations or persons familiar with local conditions. Never walk alone on remote trails. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available. Use a reliable company recommended by a major hotel chain and negotiate fares in advance. Do not board taxis at taxi stands, and do not flag taxis in the street.

Public transportation

Use only reputable tour operators. Do not use local or intercity public buses as vehicles are often mechanically unreliable and passengers are frequently robbed, often at knife- or gunpoint.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the El Salvador, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.

Crime

Violent crime-including homicide, armed robbery, carjacking, rape and kidnapping-is a serious problem throughout El Salvador and is escalating dramatically. A contributing factor to this increase in crime is the presence of organized criminal gangs. Gang culture has spread throughout much of the country, however, the problem is most critical in urban centres, especially in greater San Salvador. Maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness at all times. Be discreet and avoid travelling alone, especially if you are a woman. Sexual assault is a serious concern. Assume many Salvadorans are already armed. Public shootouts are common. El Salvador has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Homicides frequently occur on public buses, on roads, in soccer fields and on farms and in private residences. Armed robberies (involving the use of guns, knives and other dangerous weapons) often occur on public transportation and in tourist areas, including national parks and scenic spots, and pose the greatest threat to foreigners. Passengers on buses are frequently robbed en route, at roadblocks and at bus stops. The majority of victims are women. Express kidnappings by armed motorcyclists (moto ratas) can occur day or night. Victims, generally selected on the basis of perceived wealth (including driving late-model cars), are identified at such places as shopping centres, gas stations, restaurants, night clubs, banks and parking lots. One or two robbers, riding on motorcycles, follow their victims and stop them at gunpoint. In most cases, victims are taken to ATMs and forced to withdraw money. Carjackings also occur. There are occasionally reports of armed criminals following travellers from the airport to private residences or secluded stretches of road, where they carry out assaults or robberies. Criminals can become violent and shoot if victims do not cooperate immediately. Gangs are often behind extortion threats against individuals and businesses. Gang members do not hesitate to use deadly force if the extortion money is not paid. Attacks have occurred in open-air markets, restaurants, police stations, public buses and clinics. The attacks are unpredictable and often harm or kill innocent bystanders.

LGBT

In El Salvador, local people are largely tolerant of individuals' personal lifestyles and small displays of affection between same sex couples. However, there's a much more conservative attitude outside San Salvador so public displays of affection by same-sex couples aren't recommended.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences. Prisons are overcrowded and violent.

Driving

You must present Salvadoran authorities with your valid driver's licence along with your valid passport before you may drive a vehicle in El Salvador. Obtain an International Driving Permit if you plan to travel between countries. It is illegal for two men to ride together on a motorcycle.