Safety in El Salvador
Yes, it is! Despite all the historical crime and violence, which don’t affect tourists, El Salvador is safe to visit in 2023. El Salvador used to have a high crime rate, but that is not the case anymore. Violence in the country has declined to its lowest level in over 30 years.
Crime data has shown that violent crimes in El Salvador, such as homicides, were reduced by 56.8% from 2021 to 2022 and have been reduced by over 75% from 2022 to 2023. Today, El Salvador has one of the lowest homicide rates in Latin America; also, the country has reached over 225 days without murders this year.
So, Is El Salvador Safe to Visit in 2023?
Yes, it is! Considering the reduction in crime statistics and the historical data on tourism safety, El Salvador is not dangerous for tourists. Furthermore, all areas tourists visit are in safer locations with adequate security.
SEE ALSO: El Salvador Tourism: A Journey Through Pristine Beaches, Colorful Towns, and Enchanting Parks
Crime in El Salvador today
Over the years, crime and violence have affected the number of people visiting El Salvador; this is a sad and upsetting fact about the country. However, in 2023, security in El Salvador has improved to its best levels in over 30 years. Homicides are down, and the nation has experienced many days with zero homicides.
In 2023, El Salvador is under a State of Exception that restricts some constitutional guarantees. However, this security measure has not affected tourism to El Salvador; in fact, it seems that it has helped as the country’s security has improved.
Historically, crime and violence didn’t affect travelers or tourists. Generally, visitors and tourists have always stayed in protected areas; also, most don’t take public transportation and only travel to secure tourist spots.
Crime statistics, the scary part
Before 2020, El Salvador had one of the highest homicide rates in the world. In 2015, El Salvador became known as the murder capital of the world.
In 2015, El Salvador had an average of 18.2 daily murders for a rate of 103 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. By the end of 2022, the murder rate dropped to 1.36 per day or 7.8 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants.
Those stats are even lower in 2023. As of today, El Salvador’s homicide rate is 0.41 per day or 2.4 Murders Per 100,000 people. It is an incredible achievement, considering what the country had in the past.
| Year | Total Homicides | Daily Homicide Rate | Homicides per 100,000 Inhabitants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 (Jan 1 to Nov 30) |
137 | 0.41 | 2.4 *Estimated |
| 2022 | 496 | 1.36 | 7.8 |
| 2021 | 1151 | 3.15 | 18.2 |
| 2020 | 1337 | 3.66 | 21.1 |
| 2019 | 2399 | 6.57 | 37.9 |
| 2018 | 3340 | 9.15 | 51 |
| 2017 | 3962 | 10.85 | 60 |
| 2016 | 5280 | 14.47 | 81 |
| 2015 | 6656 | 18.24 | 103 |
| 2014 | 3921 | 10.74 | 61 |
| 2013 | 2499 | 6.85 | 40 |
| 2012 | 2594 | 7.11 | 41 |
| 2011 | 4371 | 11.98 | 70 |
| 2010 | 4004 | 10.97 | 64 |
It’s upsetting that many people and publication list El Salvador as a dangerous country using stats from before 2019. However, considering what the country’s stats wore in 2015, I understand why that happens.
SEE ALSO: El Salvador’s Homicide Rate
It is understandable why crime statistics discourage some people from traveling to El Salvador. Nevertheless, El Salvador has made safety strides and is not as dangerous as it used to be.
The 2022 Salvadoran homicide rate was lower than Costa Rica’s; furthermore, the 2023 Salvadoran homicide stats are way better than Costa Rica’s, the country known as being the safest in Central America.
El Salvador is not as dangerous anymore
Safety has improved in El Salvador. Now, in all honesty, this improvement has helped mainly the locals. El Salvador has always been considered safer for tourists.
Here is an example of safety improvements using San Salvador, the nation’s capital. This city, since 2010, has been in the top 50 most dangerous cities in the world; as a matter of fact, it was a regular in the top 10. The country reached 3rd place in 2015.
But, by 2020, San Salvador was no longer one of the most dangerous cities in the world. It completely dropped out of the 50 most dangerous cities in the world. In fact, the capital city is not even in the top 10 most dangerous places in El Salvador.
So, Is El Salvador dangerous for tourists?
No, El Salvador is not dangerous for tourists to visit in 2023. The country’s security has significantly improved over the last 4 years. These security improvements have made El Salvador one of the safest countries in Latin America in 2023.
Now, taking into consideration the recent reduction in crime and the country’s historical data on tourism safety, we can attest that El Salvador is not dangerous for tourists to visit.
However, keep in mind that countries in Central America and the world have areas tourists need to be careful when visiting; it’s not just El Salvador. Even the United States has many cities classified as dangerous, with recommendations that tourists use caution when traveling there.
The point that I am trying to make and emphasize is that not the entire country of El Salvador is dangerous. Follow safety recommendations, stick to safe areas, and use common sense; I am sure you will enjoy your trip to El Salvador and keep coming back!
Travel advisories for El Salvador
Looking at travel advisories is a reliable way to assess how safe a country is. However, governments will always look at the country as a whole and not at specific areas.
The US and UK travel advisory websites are the most popular and have reliable travel information. They are the ones who tend to have the most detailed information about safety in specific countries, in this case, El Salvador.
United States Travel Advisory to El Salvador
The current travel advisory to El Salvador from the US Department of State is level 3, “Reconsider travel to El Salvador due to crime.” To view today’s current advisory, visit the US government travel advisory page.
United Kingdom Travel Advisory to El Salvador
The UK is another trustworthy travel advisory source. As of today, they write the following about travel to El Salvador. To view today’s current advisory from the United Kingdom, visit the UK government advisory page.
Misconceptions about safety in El Salvador
Let me start by saying that, as a Salvadoran, I can see why there are so many misconceptions about traveling to El Salvador and safety while visiting.
Since the 1980s, El Salvador has had plenty of violence; therefore, it is understood why the country has the reputation of being a violent nation. However, today, many misconceptions about El Salvador exist that are just wrong; here are some of them!
Crime and violence are everywhere
The following is on a popular travel website about El Salvador. [In El Salvador] “There have been grenade attacks on buses, restaurants, and businesses, which have killed dozens of people, including children. Foreigners have also been killed in these kinds of attacks. Buses are often sprayed with bullets, due to gangs demanding protection money from bus companies.” www.worldnomads.com.
Are they lying? No, they are not! All those things have happened in El Salvador, but not in over twelve years. However, the article makes it seem like these things happen now and everywhere.
Yes, there have been violent crimes in El Salvador in 2023; however, they don’t happen all the time and everywhere. Furthermore, most acts of violence and crime occurred in non-tourist areas. Tourists will never have a reason to be in those areas.
Gang shootouts are a common occurrence
“Gang-related murders and shootouts are a common occurrence in various parts of El Salvador.” It is just not true; it is another damaging misconception about El Salvador.
Gang-related murders do happen, but not as often as many people and some travel sites tend to inform. Additionally, shootouts are not common occurrences in El Salvador.
I have been living full-time in El Salvador since 2014 and have traveled all over the country. I can assure you that Gang-related shootouts are not common occurrences.
Only the tourist spots are safe for foreigners
That is a false statement; foreigners visit small towns and other parts of the country that have nothing to do with tourism.
Don’t get me wrong, El Salvador is not Japan or Switzerland, where you can pick up and go to any part of the country. Non-tourist areas are safe but use common sense when deciding where to go.
El Salvador was a country that exceeded my expectations and broke all the misconceptions I had, especially on the safety front.” Mar, solo female traveler.
10 Safety Tips to Follow
Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind when traveling or planning to visit El Salvador. Some of them might seem simplistic and obvious; however, in El Salvador, they should be taken more seriously.
1. Do your research, plan ahead
Before venturing into the country, find out everything you can about the specific areas you want to visit. Ask and answer the following questions before traveling to El Salvador. Is the area safe? How am I going to get there? What should I do there?
Knowing the answers to those questions will ensure your safety even more. Undeniably, doing research and planning is the way to go.
Even though the country is small, every area offers different things for different people. For instance, backpacker safety needs are distinct from regular travelers.
2. Talk to people who have traveled to El Salvador
Talking to people who have visited El Salvador is a good option. Many individuals or families that have ventured into El Salvador are happy to share their experiences. These previous travelers are one of the best sources of information about what to expect when visiting El Salvador.
By all means, pay attention to travel warnings and advisories from your governments. But remember, you will always get a better picture of El Salvador from people who have been there.
3. Stay at safe places
One of the most crucial research tasks travelers thinking about going to El Salvador needs to do is deciding where to stay.
Before deciding on a particular area or hotel, look at their reviews. Find out what the previous guest have commented about the hotel and the location. These reviews will give you a better idea of where to stay and if extra safety precautions are needed.
4. Don’t go where you are not supposed to go
A sure way to put yourself or your family in an unsafe situation is to venture into areas classified as dangerous. They do exist, and not only in this nation. Avoid drug, gang, and red districts areas; unless that is what you are looking for.
Also, remember, If a local tells you, “Don’t go there, it’s not safe!” Take that advice. Locals know the area and are protective of travelers. They don’t want you to put yourself or your family in an unsafe situation.
5. Be more careful at night
Nightlife in El Salvador is just like nightlife in any other country; there are bars, dance clubs, restaurants, movie theaters, etc. The safety recommendations needed when visiting these establishments will depend heavily on what you want to do at night.
For instance, if you have a nice quiet dinner in a family atmosphere zone, your safety concerns will be minimal. However, if you want to venture out at night to drink or to a club, you must be more careful.
Remember, nightlife in El Salvador is similar to nightlife in any other country; you get the good with the bad.
6. Be more careful when taking public transportation
If you need or want to take public transportation, be more careful. Public transportation is good as it’s cheap and convenient. However, public transport can also be unsafe for the following reasons.
If you take the wrong bus route, you can end up in a bad area and put yourself in an unsafe situation. Also, the bus could be on a path often targeted by criminals.
To ensure safety, before taking the bus, find out if the bus is on a safe route and if it goes directly to your destination. The best way to get this information is from the hotel or hostel where you are staying. If they say yes, it’s safe, go for it; if they say that you shouldn’t take that bus route, follow their advice.
7. Take guided tours
Taking guided tours is the best option if you want to venture into different parts of the country. These guided tours are for the day or even a few days; they will pick you up from your hotel, take you to your destination and drop you off right back at your hotel.
There are quite a few options available for group tours or private tours. Also, these Salvadoran tour companies will set up a trip exclusive to you and include the things you want to do or visit.
8. Keep local emergency numbers handy
El Salvador has its 911 emergency system; However, it is best to keep the phone numbers for the local police branch and emergency numbers near you.
In case of an emergency, you will get faster attention if you call the local branch of the police, red cross, or Comandos de Salvamento.
Remember, this is a developing country, so the emergency services are not up to the standards of developed countries.
9. Avoid displaying the numbers 13 and 18
Most of the violence in El Salvador is due to two main gangs fighting each other for control of the drug trade and the territory. They are the Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18. These two gangs are associated with the numbers 13 and 18, respectively.
For precautionary reasons, visitors should not wear anything with the numbers 13 and 18 anywhere in hats, shirts, t-shirts, backpacks, etc. Also, tattoos that resemble the numbers thirteen and eighteen should be covered. It is an extra safety precaution.
10. Don’t be Flashy With Your Valuables or Wear Expensive Jewelry
If you are staying in the upscale areas of San Salvador or Santa Tecla, then you might flash your jewelry or valuables as much as you want to. In this area, wearing or flashing expensive things is normal.
On the other hand, if you are in underdeveloped areas of the country, use common sense, and avoid flashing expensive things.
I am not saying that you will get robbed by flashing them in these areas, but why get extra attention to you? Use common sense; it is that simple. It is a common-sense safety tip.
Is El Salvador safe to visit for tourists?
Even with all the issues, visiting El Salvador is safe, but remember to practice common sense, make wise decisions, and follow safety recommendations.
Also, keep in mind that Salvadorans are friendly. Locals will go out of their way to help foreigners and make them feel welcome and safe. Therefore, if you need assistance and can communicate in Spanish, get help from locals.
