el salvador tourism statistics 2021

Tourism in El Salvador

Development of the tourism sector in el salvador from 1995 to 2021.

Revenues from tourism

All data for El Salvador in detail

El Salvador Tourism

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• First Online: 25 April 2023
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• Chaitanya Suárez-Rojas 3 ,
• Javier de León 3 &
• Yen E. Lam-González 3  

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El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, with an area of 21,041 km 2 (8124 mi 2 ). It is densely populated, with 6.5 million inhabitants (Fig. 1 ). As of 2019, the country’s GDP was US$27 billion, services and industry being the major economic sectors (World Bank 2021 ). El Salvador has a tropical climate with comfortable temperatures most of the year. One can move easily between different tourism areas of the country, featuring surfing beaches, crowd-free national parks, whitewater rapids, hot volcanic springs, colorful flower-filled villages, coffee plantations, Indigenous craft markets, gastronomical events, and archaeological remains of the Maya empire.

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Andries, D.M., C. Arnaiz-Schmitz, P. Díaz-Rodríguez, C. Herrero-Jáuregui, and M.F. Schmitz. 2021. Sustainable tourism and natural protected areas: Exploring local population perceptions in a post-conflict scenario. Land 10 (3): 331.

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CORSATUR. 2020. Informe de Labores 2019–2020.

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UNWTO. 2021. International tourism highlights . Madrid: World Tourism Organization.

World Bank. 2021. World development indicators El Salvador . Washington, DC: World Bank.

World Economic Forum. 2019. Global competitiveness report 2018–2019.

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University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain

Chaitanya Suárez-Rojas, Javier de León & Yen E. Lam-González

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School of Hospitality Leadership, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI, USA

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School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Honggen Xiao

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Suárez-Rojas, C., de León, J., Lam-González, Y.E. (2023). El Salvador Tourism. In: Jafari, J., Xiao, H. (eds) Encyclopedia of Tourism. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01669-6_767-1

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El Salvador Tourism Statistics

El salvador sv: international tourism: expenditures, view el salvador's el salvador sv: international tourism: expenditures from 1995 to 2016 in the chart:.

El Salvador SV: International Tourism: Expenditures: % of Total Imports

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El Salvador SV: International Tourism: Expenditures: for Passenger Transport Items

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El Salvador SV: International Tourism: Expenditures: for Travel Items

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El Salvador SV: International Tourism: Number of Arrivals

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El Salvador SV: International Tourism: Number of Departures

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El salvador perspectives.

News, history, culture and analysis of El Salvador and the Salvadoran people.

Tourism is growing steadily in El Salvador

As part of our series on the state of El Salvador at the beginning of 2023, today we look at tourism.  It is an area which represents a clear achievement of the Bukele regime.  As the world emerges from depressed travel numbers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, El Salvador is growing tourism visits and revenues beyond their 2019 pre-COVID levels.  

I observed a visible sign of this growth in recent weeks.  On two recent visits to the historic center of San Salvador, I saw groups of obvious tourists being led around to sites like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace by tour guides.  These were not the religious or university groups which have long made delegation visits to El Salvador, but were tour groups on vacation trips.  That's definitely something new.    

Cruise ships are starting to make El Salvador a regular port of call.  Seven cruise ships have already docked at the port of Acajutla during the current cruise line season which began in October. While that is a small number compared to traditional cruise stops such as Costa Rica or Panama, it is a significant increase over the past. 

You can also see the expansion of tourism by the growth of El Salvador listings on the website TripAdvisor , as well as the vacation rental sites AirBNB  and VRBO .   New small hotels are regularly being announced along the Pacific coast, although the country is not yet seeing the development of large resorts by chains like Marriott or Hyatt.  (And the lack of mega resorts might be a good thing from an environmental standpoint).

The travel publisher Lonely Planet listed El Salvador as one of its " Best in Travel 2023 " destinations with this description:

El Salvador is a travel powerhouse in a tiny package. This underrated destination appeals to those looking to get off the beaten path of Central American travel and dive into a multifaceted country with a taste for adventure. Here you'll find world-class surfing on empty, dark-sand beaches; coffee plantations clinging to the sides of volcanoes; pretty flower-filled villages with buildings splashed by murals; and sublime national parks. 

The Salvadoran government announced statistics on tourism growth in a recent  press release :

According to statistics, in 2022, 2.5 million visitors entered El Salvador, which represented 96% recovery [from 2019]. "We exceeded the goal we had for this year, of 2.4 million visitors," said the Minister of Tourism, Morena Valdez. In terms of ... the spending of visitors during their stay in the country, it exceeded $2,646 million, which meant a growth of 50% compared to 2019. "This is because our international visitors are staying longer in the country, they are spending more, and they are using all the tourism items in our value chain: transportation, hotels, restaurants, recreational sites, among others," said the Minister. 

(There is certainly some reason to question these numbers since there is a basic math mistake on the graphic. If you divide the total tourist spending by the number of tourists and the average length of stay, you get a number less than half the average daily spending ($162) shown on the graphic).  

Statistics on airport arrivals are a good proxy for the number of visitors arriving to El Salvador.  The most recent statistics from the Salvadoran migration authoritycover the six month period from January to June 2022.  During that period, 711,332 persons passed through immigration control at El Salvador’s international airport, a 21% increase over the period from January to June 2019, pre-COVID pandemic.

In  another change, in January 2023 the government doubled the length of tourist visas from 90 days to 180 days.   These visas are awarded to arriving tourists at the El Salvador airport for a payment of $12 USD.  

Who is coming to El Salvador?  Under the broad heading of tourism we have:

• Members of the Salvador diaspora returning home to visit family
• Central American visitors from Guatemala and Honduras (entering at land borders).
• Tourists traveling for fun and vacation.  Included here would be Bitcoin Crypto-tourists coming to see Nayib Bukele's grand experiment of a Bitcoin nation.

One factor driving the growth in tourism is the sophisticated marketing campaign deployed by the Salvadoran government.  The same sets of techniques used to burnish the image of the president and his government for the local population are used to put a golden glow around the country's image in international travel circles.  Some of this is described in the  National Plan of Tourism 2030 which is available  here .  You can see examples in the government's bi-lingual tourism promotion site ElSalvador.Travel .

One component of this marketing is to use surfing as a way to distribute positive images of El Salvador's Pacific coast beauty. This year, El Salvador will host at least three international surf competitions which will all produce coverage focused on surf and sport and not on political developments in the country.   "Surf City" branding is widely visible along the coast and in the government's tourism promotion efforts.      

El Salvador also simply has more mind share in the international news space under Nayib Bukele than under prior governments. For better or worse, his initiatives generate attention. And for the true believers in the Bitcoin community, El Salvador is practically a pilgrimage site.

Of course improved perceptions of crime and violence are also helping.  Although the US State Department and the Canadian government both have current travel advisories warning of violent crime in El Salvador, public perceptions of incoming tourists have changed markedly now that El Salvador is no longer known as the "murder capital of the world."  A friend who rents out a beach house in El Salvador through the website VRBO indicated that bookings are definitely up and that he no longer receives queries asking if it is safe to visit the country.

Tourism has the ongoing potential of bringing jobs and foreign investment into El Salvador.   There is ample opportunity to expand tourism from its current levels, and the government is clearly attempting to do so.   While the country certainly has its challenges with democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the separation of powers (with which readers of El Salvador Perspectives are well aware), I would still encourage you to come and visit if you have not been here for awhile, and then spread the word.      

This YouTube video from a pair of global travelers from Sweden is a perfect way to end this post:

El Salvador Set a New Record in Tourist Arrivals in 2023

Morena Valdez, the Minister of Tourism of El Salvador ( MITUR ), informed that more than 3.4 million people entered the country in 2023, setting a new record. Minister Valdez made the announcement on her X account yesterday, January 2.

An incredible 2023 for the country! We exceeded all international visitor entry goals; more than 3.4 million people entered to enjoy the new El Salvador. Morena Valdez, the Minister of Tourism of El Salvador.

According to the Minister, 43% of visitors arrived from the United States, 23% from Guatemala, 15% from Honduras, and 19% from other countries. “If in 2023 we were good hosts, in 2024 we will be the best,” commented Valdez.

According to authorities, 56% of visitors entered through our International Airport and 44% through our land borders.

Furthermore, MITUR stated that the most visited locations for 2023 were the Tourist Complex of the Port of La Libertad, the Balboa Natural Park, the Cerro Verde, the El Boquerón National Park, and Sunset Park.

December alone set a new tourism record for El Salvador. Eny Aguiñada, president of the Salvadoran Institute of Tourism, informed that: “In the period from December 23 to January 1, we received 110,000 international visitors, that is, we increased by 33% compared to 2022.”

I want to emphasize that the goal we had for December was to receive 313,000 visitors, and this was exceeded since we received 377,000 tourists at the end of December 31. Eny Aguiñada.

The National Library and the San Salvador historic downtown were the great protagonists of the December holidays, with more than 137 thousand visitors.

According to Salvadoran authorities, El Salvador has transformed into a secure destination for tourism, investment, and residence, thanks to the prevailing climate of peace and tranquility across the territory.

“In 2023 we end with good data and many tourists who have arrived in the country. By 2024 we are planning to promote and position ourselves as an investment attraction and, thus, have better spaces for our visitors,” said the Minister of Tourism, Morena Valdez.

El Salvador has improved its tourist and cultural spots to attract new visitors and place the country as a top destination in Central America.

El Salvador’s State of Exception: The Anti-gang Security Measure Gets Extended for the 27th Consecutive Time

President Nayib Bukele’s Approval Rating! What’s Behind the President’s Popularity?

El Salvador in English

News from el salvador in english.

Milestone Achieved: El Salvador’s Tourism Soars with 1.6 Million Visitors in 2023.

In a recent interview on July 13th, Tourism Minister Morena Valdez shared impressive statistics regarding foreign visits to El Salvador. She revealed that the country has exceeded all projections by welcoming approximately 1.6 million visitors as of June, making it the month with the highest number of visitors received.

During her appearance on the show «Diálogo con Ernesto López» on Channel 21, Minister Valdez emphasized the positive impact of hosting international events in the country, attributing the record-breaking numbers to this trend. She stated, «The fact that we have surpassed our projections by June of this year is a testament to the impact of hosting international events in our country.»

#DinamizaciónTurística | "A junio de este año hemos superado todas las proyecciones. Ya hemos recibido alrededor de 1.6 millones de visitantes": titular del @MITURElSalvador , @MorenaValdezSV . #SecretaríaDePrensa pic.twitter.com/enmdEID6vH — Secretaría de Prensa de la Presidencia (@SecPrensaSV) July 13, 2023

A noteworthy milestone highlighted by Morena Valdez was the unprecedented arrival of 100,000 visitors from the United States in June. This surge in American tourists indicates a growing interest in El Salvador as a travel destination.

Furthermore, Minister Valdez shared that the country has received approximately $1.6 billion in foreign currency by June, steadily approaching the target of $2.9 billion set for 2023. This influx of revenue contributes significantly to the country’s economic growth and development.

Valdez also acknowledged the role of enhanced security measures in attracting more tourists to El Salvador. She pointed out that events like SivArt have seen prominent guests such as Rick Harrison, who visited the Zona Rosa over the weekend. The improved security conditions have bolstered the confidence of international travelers in choosing El Salvador as a safe and appealing destination.

La seguridad en el país está permitiendo que más turistas decidan venir a El Salvador, explica la Ministra @MorenaValdezSV . Eventos como #SivArt ahora tienen invitados como Rick Harrison @GoldSilverPawn , que estuvo el fin de semana en la Zona Rosa. pic.twitter.com/heWvbVZaSx — Ministerio de Turismo (@MITURElSalvador) July 13, 2023

Additionally, Minister Valdez highlighted significant ongoing projects, such as the Gastro-Lab culinary school, which is being implemented in La Libertad, Santa Ana, and La Unión. This initiative aims to provide culinary education opportunities for young individuals, fostering skill development and expanding the country’s gastronomic offerings.

As El Salvador continues to break tourism records and attract a growing number of visitors, the Ministry of Tourism remains committed to promoting the country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and diverse attractions. These achievements signify the nation’s emergence as an increasingly popular and thriving destination in Central America, positioning El Salvador as an ideal choice for both domestic and international travelers.

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El Salvador

Travel Advisory July 17, 2023

El salvador - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Reconsider travel to El Salvador due to  crime.

Country Summary:  In March 2022, the Government of El Salvador (GOES) declared a “State of Exception” in response to an increase in homicides. The declaration remains in effect. The State of Exception grants authorities power to arrest anyone suspected of gang activity and suspends several constitutional rights, including the normal protections of criminal procedure such as the right to a speedy trial. Prison conditions are harsh. Several U.S. and other foreign citizens have been detained under the State of Exception, some in a reportedly arbitrary manner. Under its Territorial Control Plan, the GOES also may, without prior warning, restrict access via checkpoints to areas suspected of gang activity. U.S. citizens are advised that access to and freedom of movement within these areas may be limited.

Though there has been a significant reduction in gang-related activity, violent crime remains a concern throughout significant portions of the country. Crime rates vary among departamentos (states) and municipios (municipalities), and areas witnessing higher crime rates are often located in close proximity to lower crime areas or must be crossed in moving between lower risk areas. Local authorities may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, although the concentration of resources in resort areas means these areas tend to be better policed than urban areas.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to El Salvador.

If you decide to travel to El Salvador: 

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not walk outside after dark. Do not drive to unfamiliar and/or remote locations after dark.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Engage local guides certified by the national or local tourist authority when hiking in back country areas.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for El Salvador.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel. 

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Quick Facts

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

At least one blank page.

A visa is not required for stays under 90 days, but you must purchase a tourist card for 12 USD upon arrival. The card is valid for 90 days. If your U.S. passport shows you were born in El Salvador, you do not need the tourist card.

None, check recommendation in Health Section.

Currency in excess of 10,000 USD must be declared.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy san salvador.

Final Boulevard Santa Elena Sur, Urbanizacion Santa Elena, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La Libertad San Salvador, El Salvador Telephone: +(503) 2501-2999 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(503) 2501-2999 Fax: +(503) 2278-5522 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

You need a U.S. passport and either a Salvadoran visa or a one-entry tourist card to enter El Salvador.

• You may obtain a tourist card when you arrive at the airport or seaport from immigration officials for a $12 fee. The card is valid for 90 days.
• If you plan to remain in El Salvador for more than 90 days, you must apply in advance for a multiple-entry visa, issued free of charge, from the Embassy of El Salvador in Washington, D.C. (202-595-7500) or from one of the 18  Salvadoran consulates  in the United States.

In June 2006, El Salvador entered into the “Central America-4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement” with Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Under that agreement, U.S. citizens who legally enter any of those four countries may travel freely among the other three countries for up to 90 days.

If you wish to remain in the CA-4 region for more than 90 days, you must request a one-time extension from local immigration authorities in the country where you are present. If you are, “expelled” from one of the four countries, you are expelled from the entire CA-4 region.

Minors:  A U.S. citizen minor present in El Salvador for  more  than one year is considered a  resident  of El Salvador. To depart El Salvador, a minor resident needs written consent from any parent listed on the child’s birth certificate that is not traveling with the minor. The consent form must be notarized by a Salvadoran notary.  The process to obtain parental travel consent that is accepted by Salvadoran immigration can be lengthy. Plan ahead if you intend to have your minor child travel without both parents after being present in El Salvador for more than one year .

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any specific HIV/AIDS entry restrictions or regulations for visitors or for foreign residents of El Salvador. Antiretroviral medication with a prescription can be imported for personal use and for the duration of stay. 

Dual Nationality and International Parental Child Abduction:  Information about  dual nationality  and the prevention of  international child abduction  can be found on our website.

Customs:  For information about customs regulations, please read our  Customs Information page .

Volunteers, Mission Groups, and Non-Profits:  Groups bringing donated supplies, equipment, or medicine may experience difficulties with customs. To avoid potential problems, clear all donated material with the appropriate Salvadoran government office before arriving in El Salvador. To import donated medicines: Contact the Dirección Nacional de Medicamentos (National Directorate of Medications) via email at  [email protected]

Safety and Security

The crime threat level in El Salvador is critical and our  Travel Advisory  warns U.S. citizens of the high rates of crime and violence. See below for additional information on crime.

Dial 911 for emergency assistance in El Salvador.

Protests:  Demonstrations, sit-ins, and protests may occur at any time or place, but are most frequent in and around the capital San Salvador. Avoid demonstrations, because even apparently peaceful ones may turn violent. Follow local news media reports or contact the U.S. Embassy for up-to-date information.

Crime:  El Salvador has a high level of homicides and crimes such as extortion, assault, and robbery are common.

Typical crimes in El Salvador include extortion, mugging, highway assault, home invasion, and car theft. Gangs have traditionally controlled a majority of the space in El Salvador, even if their presence is not visible to outsiders, and exist by extorting money from businesses, travelers, residents and others living in or passing through their territory. Non-compliance or resistance to gang demands often results in violence. This activity can occur even in wealthy and relatively peaceful areas. Home invasions and/or burglaries of residences during broad daylight occur in areas of San Salvador; in some cases, gangs simply expel residents from their homes and take over the property for criminal use.  U.S. citizens who visit El Salvador for extended periods may be at higher risk for extortion demands.

El Salvador has tens of thousands of known gang members from several gangs including Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and 18th Street (M18). Gang members have been known to frequently engage in violence or use deadly force if resisted. The gangs, or “maras,” customarily have concentrated on extortion, violent street crime, carjacking, narcotics and arms trafficking, and murder for hire.  Extortion is a common crime in El Salvador.

Many suspected gang members have been detained since March 27, 2022 under a State of Exception.  Reported crimes have reduced since that time, but crime in El Salvador remains at critical levels.

U.S. Embassy personnel are advised to walk only in known, lit, well-secured locations. Criminals may be active even in popular parks with a security presence.

Exercise caution at all times and practice good personal security procedures throughout your stay.

• Always travel in groups.
• Avoid remote or isolated locations.
• Avoid displaying or carrying valuables in public places.
• Avoid stopping at tourist overlooks, which may be targeted by criminals.
• Never leave passports and other important documents in vehicles.
• In public, remain alert and avoid the use of cell phones and earphones. These reduce your self-awareness and provide easy targets for crimes of opportunity.
• Do not travel on public transportation, especially buses.
• Use only radio-dispatched taxis, taxis stationed in front of major hotels, or internet-based rideshare services.
• Choose banks or ATMs inside secure, guarded areas and remain alert.
• Remain vigilant even in well-known restaurants, hotels, and retailers within San Salvador.
• Credit card cloning and similar fraud can occur; keep your card in sight.
• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling by car. Navigation apps seeking the quickest routes may direct you off safer routes into dangerous areas.
• Drive with your doors locked and windows raised.
• Avoid travel outside of major metropolitan areas after dark and on unpaved roads at all times because of hazardous road conditions and criminal activity.
• Criminals who threaten violence typically use violence without hesitation if victims do not comply instantly. Conversely, the Embassy has no reports of serious injury or worse among victims who comply.

Armed robberies of climbers and hikers in El Salvador’s national parks can occur. Engage the services of a local guide certified by the national or local tourist authority when hiking in back-country areas and within the national parks. The  tourist police force (POLITUR)  provides security and assistance to tourists. Officers are located in 19 tourist destinations. Beware of hikes and guides in locations without an official guide service or police presence, regardless of advice found on the Internet. 

A majority of serious crimes in El Salvador are never solved. The Government of El Salvador lacks sufficient resources to properly investigate and prosecute cases and to deter violent crime. 

Do not purchase counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are counterfeit goods subject to seizure upon entry in the United States, but if you purchase them, you may also be exposed to legal liability in El Salvador.

Victims of Crime:  If you or someone you know becomes a victim of crime, report it to the local police by calling 911 and to the U.S. Embassy. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The U.S. Embassy can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport
• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Guide you on how to report a crime to police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Watersports:  Strong undertows and currents make swimming at El Salvador's Pacific Coast beaches extremely dangerous even for experienced swimmers. Government lifeguards are generally present at most public beaches but are not always present at private beaches. Follow all instructions of any lifeguard, and do not enter the water at any location at which red warning flags are displayed to signify dangerous conditions. In addition, El Salvador’s search and rescue capabilities are limited, and access to medical resources in beach areas is inadequate. Carefully assess the potential risks of recreational water activities and consider your physical capabilities and skills. Be aware that drinking alcohol and swimming can be a deadly combination.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

State of Exception: In March 2022, the Government of El Salvador declared a 30-day “State of Exception” in response to an increase in homicides; the State of Exception has been extended several times since, and it continues today. The State of Exception suspended several constitutional rights, including the normal protections of criminal procedure such as the right to a speedy trial, among others. Several U.S. and other foreign citizens have been detained under the State of Exception, some in a reportedly arbitrary manner. The number of all detainees has increased significantly, and prison conditions are harsh.

Criminal Penalties:  While in El Salvador, you are subject to local laws. Your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest. Remember your activities are limited by the type of visa you have. If you violate Salvadoran laws, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in El Salvador are severe. (Please note that any items containing THC, even certain CBD products that are legal and widely available in the United States, are illegal in El Salvador) . Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Some offenses committed overseas can be prosecuted in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see the  U.S. Department of State website  and the  Department of Justice website  on crimes against minors abroad.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the  U.S. Embassy  immediately.

Prison and detention center conditions in El Salvador are harsh and dangerous. Overcrowding constitutes a serious threat to prisoners’ health and lives. In many facilities, provisions for sanitation, potable water, ventilation, temperature control, and lighting are inadequate or nonexistent.

Guns:  You must have a locally obtained license to possess or carry a firearm in El Salvador. Convictions for possessing an unlicensed firearm can carry a prison sentence of three to five years. The U.S. Embassy cannot intervene on your behalf.

Disaster Preparedness:  Preparation for natural disasters is essential in El Salvador, which has 21 active volcanoes, constant seismic activities, and a rainy season that produces severe flooding and mudslides.

Find information about natural disaster preparedness on the  U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  website. Find information in Spanish about earthquakes (sismos) and other natural disasters in El Salvador on the  Government of El Salvador’s web page . Learn more on our  webpage about crisis and disaster preparedness .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in El Salvador. There is, however, widespread discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, access to health care, and identity documents. Public officials, including the police, have reportedly engaged in violence and discrimination against LGBTQI+ persons. For more detailed information about LGBTQI+ rights in El Salvador, you may review the  State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018 . For further information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTQI+) travel, please read our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page.

Travelers with Disabilities:  Salvadoran law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, or the provision of other state services. The government, however, does not allocate sufficient resources to enforce these prohibitions effectively. There are few access ramps or provisions for the mobility of persons with sight and hearing disabilities.

For emergency services in El Salvador, dial 911. 

Private and public hospitals do not meet U.S. standards. The U.S. Embassy recommends that private hospitals be used only for emergency care to stabilize a condition prior to returning to the United States for definitive evaluation and treatment. Private hospitals and physicians expect up-front payment (cash or credit card). They do not bill U.S. insurance companies. 

Ambulance services are: 

not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards 

• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment 

The Department of State does not pay medical bills. U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. 

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpa ge for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of El Salvador to ensure the medication is legal in El Salvador. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

The following diseases are prevalent: 

• Chikungunya
• Diarrheal illness

Vaccinations:  All  routinely recommended immunizations  for the U.S. should be up-to-date.

• Measles, mumps, rubella ,  tetanus, pertussis  and  chickenpox  are much more common than in the U.S., especially among children.
• Hepatitis A  and  typhoid   immunization is recommended for all travelers.
• Hepatitis B  vaccine is recommended for all those who may have sexual contact, tattoos or require medical treatment while in El Salvador.
• Yellow Fever : Travelers coming from countries where yellow fever is endemic must have had a yellow fever vaccination in order to enter the country. For more information,  visit El Salvador’s Immigration website .
• Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in El Salvador. For further information, please consult the  CDC’s information on Tuberculosis .

You can find detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the following websites:

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)

Travel and Transportation

Major highways in El Salvador are among the best in Central America, but road conditions throughout El Salvador are not up to U.S. standards. Even within the city of San Salvador, it is common to see missing manhole covers and large objects in the roadway marking the danger.

Avoid driving during nighttime hours or periods of low visibility as slow-moving vehicles are common, and vehicles without taillights are often on the road. Mini-buses, regular buses, and taxis are poorly maintained. Drivers are frequently unlicensed and generally do not adhere to traffic rules and regulations. You can expect to find pedestrians walking on the roadways and, in rural areas, it is common to encounter livestock on the road.

Traffic Laws:  Drive defensively as traffic laws are not enforced. Passing on blind corners or cutting across several lanes of traffic is commonplace. Two lane traffic circles are common and are especially dangerous to navigate.

If you are in an accident, call the police. The law requires all parties involved in a vehicle accident to stay at the scene and not move the vehicles involved until the police respond, and you should do so unless you reasonably suspect that remaining at the scene presents a danger . Leaving the scene could lead to future legal complications, but always maintain your personal safety. When police arrive, be prepared to share your name, address in the country, vehicle registration and insurance, and driver’s license information. Be aware there are legal consequences to admitting fault.

Hit and run accidents are common. Salvadoran law requires the detention and arrest of a driver involved in an accident that injures or kills another person if the driver is under the influence of alcohol or does not possess a proper driver’s license.

You may drive with a U.S. driver’s license for up to 30 days. After that time, you must obtain a Salvadoran license.

If you want to apply for a Salvadoran driver’s license, you must present an authenticated copy of your U.S. driver’s license to Salvadoran authorities. Requests for an  apostille or authentication certificate  are generally submitted in writing to your state’s Notary commissioning authority (usually the Secretary of State’s office.)

Public Transportation:  Please refer to our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of El Salvador’s  national tourist office  and the  national authority responsible for road safety . Further information on traffic and road conditions is available in Spanish from  Automovil Club de El Salvador (ACES) .

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of El Salvador’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of El Salvador’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to El Salvador should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in El Salvador .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

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Contribution of inbound tourism spending to Salvadorian exports of services 2010-2021

Expenditure of international tourists as a share of service exports in el salvador from 2010 to 2021.

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October 2022

El Salvador

2010 to 2021

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