El Salvador’s U.S. travel advisory
Level 1: Exercise normal precautions. [source] That is the U.S. State Department’s current travel advisory for El Salvador. [source] It is the lowest of the department’s four advisory levels. [source]
Read the full U.S. travel advisory when planning your trip and check it again before departure.
The change in security
The State Department reports a sharp decline in gang activity since 2022, with a corresponding drop in violent crime and homicides. [source] It links the country’s security transformation to government action against gangs. [source] [source]
The improvement also appears in El Salvador’s official annual homicide figures. [source] [source]
For 2025, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security reported a homicide rate of 1.3 per 100,000 residents. [source] These are nationwide official figures for the year shown.
Plan your visit
Use the current advisory as a starting point, then choose the places and pace that suit your trip. Our San Salvador guide covers the capital, while the El Tunco guide helps with a coastal stay. For a route that combines stops, start with the five-day itinerary.
Keep your accommodation details, booked transport, the POLITUR contact guide and essential contacts together so they are easy to find during your visit.
Common questions
What does Level 1 mean for a trip to El Salvador?
Level 1 means “Exercise normal precautions.” It is the lowest of the U.S. State Department’s four travel advisory levels, and it is the current level for El Salvador. Read the full country advisory as you plan, then check it again before departure. [source] [source]
How has security in El Salvador changed?
The U.S. State Department reports a sharp decline in gang activity since 2022, accompanied by lower violent crime and homicide levels. It links the country’s security improvement to government action against gangs. Salvadoran authorities reported 82 homicides in 2025, compared with 114 in 2024. [source] [source] [source] [source]
Where do the homicide figures come from?
The figures are official Salvadoran government statistics, also reported by independent news organizations. Authorities reported 82 homicides in 2025 and a rate of 1.3 per 100,000 residents. The previous year’s official count was 114. These figures describe nationwide annual totals for the years shown. [source] [source]
Sources
- The U.S. State Department lists El Salvador at Level 1: Exercise normal precautions.
- Level 1 is the lowest of the U.S. State Department’s four travel-advisory levels.
- The U.S. State Department reports a sharp decline in gang activity since 2022, followed by lower violent crime and homicide levels.
- The State Department links El Salvador’s security improvement to government action against gangs since 2022.
- El Salvador’s security authorities reported 82 homicides in 2025, a rate of 1.3 per 100,000 people.
- El Salvador’s security authorities reported 114 homicides in 2024.
Travel information only; for medical or legal decisions, consult a qualified professional.