{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1711390273,"date":"2024-03-25 14:11:13"}},"data":{"country-iso":"SV","advisory-state":1,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":0,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"Editorial change","eng":{"name":"El Salvador","url-slug":"el-salvador","geo-group":"Americas","flag":null,"friendly-date":"March 25, 2024 13:49 EDT","advisory-text":"Exercise a high degree of caution","recent-updates":"The Need help? section was updated.","advisories":"
Exercise a high degree of caution<\/a> in El Salvador due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws and violent crime<\/p><\/div>","security":" Emergency measures<\/p><\/h3> In March 2022, the government of El Salvador put emergency measures in place, resulting in massive arrests of suspected criminals. These measures frequently involve the deployment of military and security forces to targeted areas to combat organized crime.<\/span><\/p> Although the security situation has improved, a state of exception remains in effect. As a result, security forces have increased rights to conduct searches, seizures, and detain persons of interest, including foreign citizens. Local authorities have detained foreigners, sometimes in a reportedly arbitrary manner.<\/p> If you're in El Salvador:<\/p> Crime is a serious problem throughout the country.<\/p> Violent crime has decreased significantly since March 2022, especially in urban areas, including the metropolitan area of San Salvador and resort areas. However, violent crime still occurs, often involving armed gang members as well as common and petty criminals.<\/p> Armed robberies occur with weapons such as guns and knives, especially on public transportation. Robberies by thieves on motorcycles occur. Robberies may occur in tourist areas, especially isolated scenic spots.<\/p> If you're threatened by armed criminals:<\/p> Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common.<\/p> Thieves also break into cars parked in public places.<\/p> If you're robbed, go to a police station and report the crime immediately.<\/p> Most Salvadorans don’t speak English or French. You should not expect assistance in your preferred language.<\/p> In the city of San Salvador, neighbourhoods such as Escalón, La Cima, San Benito and San Francisco are relatively safe.<\/p> To attract more tourists, local authorities have made efforts to secure a few blocks in the downtown area, known as the Centro Histórico de San Salvador. The Centro Histórico includes:<\/p> Outside that area, the entire downtown is unsafe for tourists.<\/p> Dangerous areas in San Salvador can be as small as two or three blocks in a broader generally safe neighbourhood. They are often known as “zonas marginales” or “comunidades.”<\/p> Avoid crossing an area that is a known criminal stronghold, even if you are only trying reach a safer neighbourhood.<\/p> Neighbouring cities to the west of the capital are generally safe. These include:<\/p> Crime occurs more frequently in cities to the north and east, such as:<\/p> Border areas often see higher criminal activity and violence, including in rural areas.<\/p> El Salvador lies along well-established Central American trafficking routes. Criminal groups smuggling people, guns or drugs can be violent. There have been incidents of travellers being attacked near border crossings.<\/p> Some border crossings occasionally close without warning.<\/p> If you plan to cross land borders in El Salvador:<\/p> Gang-related crime has reduced significantly since March 2022, when the government began major efforts to contain gang-related crime and arrest thousands of gang members. While gang violence rarely targets foreigners, violent assaults against tourists may occur.<\/p> Violent incidents carried out by gangs are frequent, including:<\/span><\/p> There are urban neighbourhoods and rural areas with one or few entrances where local gang members monitor non-residents to rob them.<\/p> Tattoos may be considered as an indication of gang affiliation. Travellers should consider covering tattoos when travelling in El Salvador.<\/p> Express kidnappings occur, particularly in high-crime areas.<\/p> In this scenario, criminals kidnap the victim and force the person to withdraw funds from an ATM.<\/p> Victims are generally selected on the basis of perceived wealth, including driving late-model cars. They are identified at places such as:<\/p> Credit card, ATM and Bitcoin e-wallet fraud occurs. There have been reports of identity theft and failed transactions, especially involving Chivo, the Salvadoran government’s official Bitcoin e-wallet.<\/p> When using debit or credit cards or Bitcoin e-wallets: <\/p> Overseas fraud<\/a><\/p> Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.<\/p> Incidents of sexual assault occur, including on public buses and at beach areas.<\/p> If you are a victim of sexual assault, report it to the police and contact the Embassy of Canada in San Salvador.<\/p> Advice for women travellers<\/a><\/p> Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.<\/p> Avoid crowds that can form without warning at sporting events such as soccer matches, as they have led to violent incidents. Exercise caution if attending a soccer match or if staying in the vicinity of sporting venues.<\/p> Criminals have targeted tourists climbing volcanoes and hiking in remote locations.<\/p> Access to volcanoes may also be restricted due to volcanic activity or high winds, especially:<\/p> If you intend to go hiking:<\/p> Coastal waters can be dangerous, even for experienced swimmers. Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.<\/p> Lifeguards don’t usually supervise beaches. Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.<\/p> If you plan on swimming or surfing:<\/p> If you plan on participating in boating activities, such as whale-watching:<\/p> If in doubt concerning the safety of the facilities or equipment, don’t use them.<\/p> Water safety abroad<\/a><\/p> Demonstrations and protest marches take place regularly, especially on main roads in San Salvador near:<\/p> Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.<\/p> Mass gatherings (large-scale events)<\/a><\/p> Road conditions and road safety vary greatly throughout the country. Serious accidents are common.<\/p> Many rural roads are unpaved and some rural areas are accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicle.<\/p> Roundabouts are common.<\/p> Driving can be dangerous due to:<\/p> Drivers don’t respect traffic laws. They often drive at excessive speeds. They are aggressive and reckless, and frequently overtake on both the right and the left.<\/p> Bus drivers and motorcyclists in particular can be aggressive or unpredictable.<\/p> Narrow lanes and heavy traffic offer little courtesy for cyclists. Most Salvadoran cyclists travel with a trailing car for safety.<\/p> Police traffic checkpoints are common across the country. Officers will often ask to see your valid documents and your mandatory safety equipment. They may also be checking for impaired drivers or for gang members.<\/p> If you drive in El Salvador:<\/p> Buses are often unreliable. They are poorly maintained and the site of petty theft, armed robbery and sexual harassment.<\/p> Taxis are widely available but vary in quality. Major hotels work with executive transport companies.<\/p> If using a taxi in El Salvador:<\/p> Ridesharing services are available in much of greater San Salvador. If you use a trusted ridesharing app, confirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the car.<\/p> We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.<\/p> Information about foreign domestic airlines<\/a><\/p>","entry-exit":" Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.<\/p> We have obtained the information on this page from the Salvadoran authorities. It can, however, change at any time.<\/p> Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada<\/a>.<\/p> Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.<\/p> Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.<\/p> Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave El Salvador.<\/span><\/p> Different entry rules may apply.<\/p> Official travel<\/a><\/p> While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days To enter El Salvador, you must purchase an entry immigration card, which is valid for up to 180 days. Local officials determine the validity period of the card.<\/p> The entry immigration card is not a visa, but it’s a mandatory requirement when you enter through El Salvador’s international airport.<\/p> You don’t need an entry immigration card if you either:<\/p> Keep the receipt of your entry immigration card with your passport. It will allow you to re-enter El Salvador, as long as it is still valid.<\/p> You may request an extension of up to 90 days once a year for your entry immigration card. To extend your stay in El Salvador beyond 90 days, you must apply to the immigration authorities at least 5 days before the expiration date of your stay.<\/p> You must obtain entry and exit stamps at border crossings.<\/p> Under the terms of the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement (CA-4), your Salvadoran entry immigration card will allow you to travel for up to a total of 90 days within any of the CA-4 countries, which are:<\/p> When travelling between these countries, you still must check in at immigration counters but don’t need to obtain additional permits. Other countries’ authorities will stamp your passport to record your entry\/exit dates and to ensure that you have not overstayed the initial time authorized for your visit in the CA-4 region. The 90-day period begins at your first point of entry to any of the CA-4 countries. You will be fined if you exceed the 90-day limit.<\/p> You may request an extension of up to 90 days once a year. If you are in El Salvador, you must request this extension and pay the required fee at El Salvador’s immigration headquarters in San Salvador at least 5 days before your first 90-day limit expires. Immigration authorities will determine the length of the extension.<\/p> If you have received a new Canadian passport while inside El Salvador – for example, your previous passport was lost – and you want to continue travelling by land in the CA-4 region, you need a new Salvadoran entry stamp in your new passport before entering one of the other countries. You must present your new passport at El Salvador’s immigration headquarters to arrange this.<\/p> If you intend to work or study in El Salvador for longer than 90 days, you must apply for residence from inside the country. The documentation required to obtain Salvadoran residence is extensive.<\/p> Make sure you have all the required documents before you leave Canada.<\/p> Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of your stay.<\/p> A Canadian minor, under 18 years of age, living in or visiting El Salvador for more than one year is considered a resident of El Salvador.<\/p> To depart El Salvador, a minor resident needs written consent from any parent listed on the child’s birth certificate who is not travelling with the minor. The consent form must be:<\/p> Travelling with children<\/a><\/p> Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever <\/a>(vaccines section).<\/p>","health":" This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.<\/p> Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div> Be sure that your routine vaccinations<\/a>, as per your province or territory<\/a>, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.<\/p>\n Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. <\/p> Yellow fever<\/a> <\/span>is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p>\n Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>\n Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n Country Entry Requirement*<\/strong><\/p>\n Recommendation<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n About Yellow Fever<\/a> Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada<\/a> There is a risk of hepatitis A<\/a> in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Practise safe food and water precautions<\/a> and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present. <\/p><\/details> In this destination, rabies<\/a> is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions<\/a>, including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.<\/p>\n If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.<\/strong> <\/p>\n Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). <\/p><\/details> Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/p>\n Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.<\/p>\n Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.<\/p><\/details> Hepatitis B<\/a> is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B<\/a> infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.<\/p><\/details> The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza<\/a> (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot<\/a> at least 2 weeks before travelling. <\/p>\n The flu occurs worldwide. <\/p>\n The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.<\/p>\n The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.<\/p><\/details> Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) <\/a><\/span>is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally. <\/span><\/p>\n Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry\/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. <\/span><\/p><\/details> Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.<\/p>\n <\/p> Travellers' diarrhea<\/a> is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.<\/p>\n Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.<\/p>\n The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.<\/p><\/details> Typhoid<\/a> <\/span>is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.<\/p>\n Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination. <\/p><\/details> Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:<\/p>\n To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention<\/a> page.<\/p>\n Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.<\/p> There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Chikungunya<\/a> is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.<\/p>\n Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.<\/p><\/details> American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)<\/a> <\/span>is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.<\/p>\n Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.<\/p><\/details> Zika virus<\/a> is a risk in this country. <\/p>\n Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.<\/p>\n During your trip:<\/p>\n If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. <\/p>\n For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.<\/a><\/p><\/details> Some infections, such as rabies<\/a> and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.<\/p>\n Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.<\/p>\n Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.<\/p>\n <\/p> Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette<\/a>, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu<\/a> and other illnesses by:<\/p>\n Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)<\/a>, HIV<\/a>, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority<\/a> pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine. <\/p> Good health care is limited in availability.<\/p> There have been some improvements in recent years, but public medical services and facilities remain below Canadian standards. State-funded public hospitals are located in large cities, mostly in San Salvador. Public clinics are located throughout the country, but their resources, hours of operation and services are limited. Public hospital services are free for foreigners.<\/p> Private clinics and hospitals are often better staffed and equipped. In the Colonia Escalón district of San Salvador, the two following hospitals offer good emergency and advanced care services:<\/p> Private hospitals in San Salvador and other major cities, such as Santa Ana and San Miguel, may accept credit cards. However, you may have to provide upfront payment in cash to obtain private medical services elsewhere. They may also request a deposit if you require hospitalization. In rural areas, staff may ask you purchase all consumables prior to receiving care.<\/p> Most health-care providers speak only Spanish.<\/p> Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.<\/p> Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.<\/p> Travel health and safety<\/a><\/p> The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.<\/p>\n Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a <\/span>travel health kit<\/a>, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.<\/p>","laws-culture":" You must abide by local laws.<\/p> Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad<\/a>.<\/p> Detention conditions may be below the standards of Canadian prisons.<\/p> Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect prison sentences.<\/p> Drugs, alcohol and travel<\/a><\/p> El Salvador’s constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners.<\/p> You may be detained or deported if you participate in demonstrations or other political activities.<\/p> You may be subject to identity checks during your stay in El Salvador.<\/p> Always carry valid identification such as a driver's licence or passport.<\/p> Keep photocopies or digital copies of the following, in case of loss or seizure of the original:<\/p> Keep originals and copies in separate safe locations.<\/p> It’s illegal to photograph:<\/p> Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in areas with Indigenous presence.<\/p> Salvadoran authorities require permits for the import or export of firearms, plants or animals. If you purchase an antique in El Salvador, keep your receipt in case you are asked to prove ownership at the border.<\/p> If you plan on buying property or making other investments in El Salvador, seek legal advice in Canada and in El Salvador before making any commitments. Disputes related to properties could take time and be costly to resolve.<\/p> Dual citizenship is legally recognized in El Salvador.<\/p> If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of El Salvador, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry\/exit requirements<\/a>.<\/p>Crime<\/h3>
Violent crime<\/h4>
Petty crime<\/h4>
Greater San Salvador Area<\/h4>
Border crossings<\/h4>
Organized crime<\/h4>
Express kidnappings<\/h4>
Fraud<\/h3>
Women's safety<\/h3>
Spiked food and drinks<\/h3>
Soccer matches<\/h3>
Hiking<\/h3>
Water activities<\/h3>
Demonstrations<\/h3>
Road travel<\/h3>
Road conditions<\/h4>
Driving habits<\/h4>
Checkpoints<\/h4>
Public transportation<\/h3>
Buses<\/h4>
Taxis and ridesharing services<\/h4>
Air travel<\/h3>
Passport<\/h3>
Regular Canadian passport<\/h4>
Passport for official travel<\/h4>
Passport with “X” gender identifier<\/h4>
Other travel documents<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>
Visas<\/h3>
Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Student visa: not required for stays up to 90 days<\/p>Entry immigration card<\/h3>
Entry and exit stamps<\/h3>
Central America-4 Border Control Agreement<\/h3>
Work or study<\/h3>
Other entry requirements<\/h3>
Children and travel<\/h3>
Yellow fever<\/h3>
Relevant Travel Health Notices<\/h3>
Routine vaccines<\/h3>\n
Pre-travel vaccines and medications<\/h3>\n
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements <\/summary>
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* It is important to note that country entry requirements<\/a> may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office<\/a> of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.<\/p><\/details>Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Rabies <\/summary>
Measles <\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
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COVID-19<\/summary>
Safe food and water precautions<\/h3>\n
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Travellers' diarrhea<\/summary>
Typhoid <\/summary>
Insect bite prevention<\/h3>\n
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Chikungunya<\/summary>
American trypanosomiasis<\/summary>
Dengue <\/summary>
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Zika virus <\/summary>
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Animal precautions<\/h3>\n
Person-to-person infections<\/h3>\n
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Medical services and facilities<\/h3>
Keep in Mind...<\/h3>\n
Drugs<\/h3>
Political activities<\/h3>
Identification<\/h3>
Photography<\/h3>
Imports and exports<\/h3>
Investments<\/h3>
Dual citizenship<\/h3>