El Salvador Travel Advice Updated by Canada

The Government of Canada recently issued travel advice for the Republic of El Salvador. 

As of December 29, 2022, Canada confirmed visitors to the Central American country of El Salvador were advised to "exercise a high level of caution due to civil unrest."

Furthermore, foreigners, including Canadian citizens, are subject to emergency measures.

In the city of San Salvador, areas such as Escalón, La Cima, San Benito, and San Francisco are relatively safe.

Local authorities have managed to secure a few blocks in the downtown area to attract more tourists, known as the Centro Histórico de San Salvador.

Outside that area, San Salvador's downtown is generally unsafe for tourists.

Border areas often see higher criminal activity and violence, including rural areas.

El Salvador is bordered on the northeast by Honduras, on the northwest by Guatemala, and on the south by the Pacific Ocean.

If you're in El Salvador, expect a heightened security presence at times, including on roads, in public spaces, and residential neighborhoods, and follow the instructions of local authorities.

If U.S. citizens require local assistance, the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador is located at Final Boulevard Santa Elena, Antiguo Cuscatlán, La Libertad, Telephone: (503) 2501-2999.

From a health perspective, the U.S. CDC recommends various travel vaccination, including for dengue, when visiting El Salvador.