The United States travel advisory for El Salvador has been lowered from Level 3 to Level 2, reflecting the country’s improved security. The change was announced on Friday, November 8.
The U.S. government highlights that while crime remains a concern in El Salvador, there has been a significant reduction in gang-related activity and associated crimes over the past two years.
In August, members of the U.S. Congressional El Salvador Caucus requested that the travel advisory for El Salvador be lowered to Level 1, “Exercise normal precautions,” noting that “El Salvador has been the safest country in the Western Hemisphere since 2023.” However, it was only lowered to level 2.
SEE ALSO: Is El Salvador Safe to Visit? A Comprehensive Safety Guide for Travelers
“I am pleased to see that the State Department’s travel advisory for El Salvador has been moved from Level 3 to Level 2 due to the reduction in crime rates in the country,” commented U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador William H. Duncan.
The U.S. State Department states that Americans should travel throughout the country during the day. However, it does not recommend traveling between cities or departments after dark.
Furthermore, it does not recommend using public buses. “U.S. Government employees in El Salvador are restricted from using public buses,” remarked the U.S. government.
Also, the travel advisory urges caution regarding the State of Exception, which allows authorities to arrest anyone suspected of gang involvement and suspends certain constitutional rights.
SEE ALSO: El Salvador State of Exception; A Security Measure Implemented to Fight Gangs
El Salvador’s improved security has transformed the country into one of Latin America’s safer destinations and is the main reasons the United States travel advisory for El Salvador is at level 2.
