Is El Salvador safe to visit? Travel advice 2024

It’s easy. For the first time in decades, travelers around the world are watching the news from El Salvador and saying, let’s go!

An army of TikTokers, YouTubers and tourism journalists are flocking to El Salvador to document and experience firsthand what the international media’the miracle.”

Believe it or not, this small Central American country has become a country the safest destination Latin America and it competes with Canada for the top spot on the entire continent, according to the European press.

As a sequel to the murder of 62 Salvadorans on March 26In 2022, President Nayib Bukele said: “Enough is enough.” He declared a state of emergency, launched the most ambitious military operation ever and managed to take back control of the entire territory within months.

But is it too good to be true? Let’s see.

LATEST NEWS from El Salvador:

April 9: El Salvador has become the second safest country in the Americas

With a murder rate of 2.4 per 100,000 inhabitants, El Salvador has become the second country safest country on the American continent after Canada, according to Minister of Justice and Security Gustavo Villator.

After a huge wave of murders in 2022, President Nayib Bukele managed to arrest more than 75,000 gang members and reduce the number of murders by 70%.

There has been criticism from the international media for possible violations of the human rights of criminals, but facts from the Institute of Public Opinion shows that in December 2019, Salvadorans thought crime was their top concern, but by December 2023 that concern had dropped to less than 4.3%.

Areas to avoid

It feels strange to say this, but starting today… there are no places that locals and visitors can’t go to. Salvadorans are starting to experience what it feels like to go out at night, have fun and return home safely without risking their lives.

However, not all gang members have been captured. So, for now, while we all get used to this new normality, Do not go to remote or isolated areas or areas that do not have police protection.

Official travel advice

US travel advice

The last travel advice for El Salvador dates from July 27, 2023 and a lot has changed since then.

Regardless, the US government still recommends that Americans “Reconsider travel”to El Salvador because of crime and avoid remote areas at all costs.

From today, local authorities have extraordinary powers to arrest people they suspect are involved in criminal activity. This included a number of Americans and other foreigners.

Please note that under the current state of exception, you may find your freedom of movement restricted and, if you are arrested, you may not be entitled to a speedy trial.

Travel advice for Canada

Canada recognizes that there is significant violent crime decrease since the government declared a state of emergency. But for now, citizens are advised to travel with “a high degree of caution.”

Some gang members are still active and you can become a victim of violent crime.

Always be aware of your surroundings, especially on public transportation or in remote areas.

Safety tips for El Salvador

El Salvador is just beginning to open up to the world and is learning how to do so. Safety has undeniably improved, but crime can still occur even in tourist areas. So follow these tips for a safer trip.

• Do not refuse to cooperate with police and military personnel. They currently have exceptional powers and can search you even if you don’t think it’s fair.
• If you go hiking, always hire a local guide certified by the tourist board and use reputable transportation companies.
• If you happen to be a US registry in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to help the U.S. government locate you in an emergency.
• Don’t leave your valuables in your car.
• Keep your vigilance high when walking around.
• Do not resist attempted robberies.
• Avoid wandering around in the dark.
• Always carry your identification documents with you.
• Keep your family and friends back home informed of your whereabouts.
• Stay up to date with the latest security news in the country.
• Be especially careful when withdrawing money from banks or ATMs.
• Try to stand out. There is no need to show that you have a lot of money.