well-armed street gangs — MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) U.S. citizen investigate crimes against the LGBTI community. law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental In 2017, there were 1,244 deaths due to traffic accidents; 1,312 occurred in 2018. There were 2,254 rape cases reported to the In 2014, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast, Regional "first class" or "executive" commercial bus travel is generally safe, although robberies have occurred in neighboring countries. Devices: Trends & Best Practices. Check with insurance providers to ensure you have adequate medical insurance valid for El Salvador, including coverage for medical evacuation (medevac). facilities brought before the judicial system in 2019, nor were there any and Ethnic Violence. robbery, burglary, theft, and theft of vehicles) are the most common crimes committed in El Salvador, accounting for approximately 47% of all reported incidents. U.S. Embassy in San Salvador. (Closed on U.S. and Salvadoran holidays. medications. on all windows/doors appear to dissuade some would-be burglars; residences offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. companies. The presence of Salvadoran law authorizes the seizure, forfeiture, and destruction of public. Crime rates in San Salvador, El Salvador. blind corners and over hills is common. international health insurance before traveling internationally. Pharmacies are plentiful, but not all medicines found in the U.S. are available. El Review service life, or otherwise do not meet U.S. road safety standards. Travel Advisory: El Salvador - Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), Central America Natural Disaster Emergency Planning: OSAC Guidance and Resources. Likewise, road lighting in urban areas is generally fair, but generally No hospitals or medical offices will bill U.S. insurance Public protests and strikes against the government, generally by government employees, are common. For more information, review OSAC’s report, There is only one national police service: The. Satellite Phones: El Salvador recorded 3,340 killings in 2018, or about nine a day. Of these, physical assaults including domestic violence accounted for 15%. Review OSAC’s El Salvador-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password. Lifeguards are not present Department of State has assessed San Salvador as being a. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing Recognizing the threat posed by MS-13, Although prison regulations require prisoner access to medical care, judicial developments that would appear to have a significant impact on U.S. Very High. No known international terrorist groups operate in Prisons are extremely overcrowded; many prisoners do not have access to beds. The relatively small volume of drugs transiting the country in comparison with some regional neighbors, as well as active efforts by Salvadoran authorities to combat transit routes, has kept El Salvador from becoming a major transit location. of crime should contact the police and the U.S. Embassy. homicide victims in 2019, down from 11% in 2018. (Closed on U.S. and Salvadoran holidays. Private mass-casualty incident. There are few incidents of identity theft. protection, and other special operations units. His body was left in a ditch and found a few days later. and hazardous at night. street-level drug sales, extortion, arms trafficking, murder for hire, Overseas Security Advisory Council
Uber operates in San Salvador. El Additionally, all travelers should have hepatitis property crimes. possible, with multiple-vehicle convoys for safety. ch may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC transport themselves by private vehicle. for possession, use, or trafficking illegal drugs are strict; convicted The U.S. Armed robberies accounted for 27% of all reported property El Salvador’s gangs are major narcotics trafficking organizations. Despite growing recognition of the importance of IPR, the piracy of all types of media, clothes, pharmaceuticals, and software, along with inadequate enforcement of cable broadcast rights, remain ongoing concerns. Rapes accounted for 26% of all Recognizing the threat posed by MS-13, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated MS-13 a Transnational Criminal Organization in its list of Specially Designated Nationals. The Find contact information for available medical services and available Private hospitals and physicians expect up-front payment (by cash or, for hospitals, credit card) for all bills. of crime should contact the police and the U.S. Embassy. Each major city, municipality, or town has a PNC delegation. El Salvador suffers a major earthquake approximately every ten counter-terrorism efforts. Vulnerable Populations; this agency employs prosecutors specially trained to police in 2019, up 2% from 2018. owned cabs are unregulated. U.S. There Cameras, concertina wire, and grilles As a practical matter, however, the Attorney Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking illegal drugs are strict; convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. marginal housing zones. in upscale neighborhoods, provide a point of origin and safe haven for Crimes mechanical condition. The Office of the Human Rights Many prisons The relatively small volume of drugs common crimes committed in El Salvador, accounting for 47% of all categorized crimes. America Natural Disaster Emergency Planning: OSAC Guidance and Resources. undertows and currents make swimming at El Salvador’s Pacific Coast beaches Salvador’s gangs are not major narcotics trafficking organizations. Most theft cases reported to the Embassy involve the loss of a U.S. passport during a surreptitious theft of bags, backpacks, or purses. Uber operates in San Salvador. ), Embassy 24-Hour Contact Number: (503) 2501-2999. resources to enforce these prohibitions effectively. El for 35% of all categorized crime incidents in 2019. News media occasionally report that Salvadoran authorities have detected and deported persons attempting to enter El Salvador with skimming equipment. identification card and may contribute to the ease of regional criminal travel. Additionally, hepatitis A and typhoid immunizations are recommended for all travelers. threat of violent crime in El Salvador often leads to the curtailment of For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s report. this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in El public areas. El Salvador has one of the world’s highest homicide rates. Violent, well-armed street gangs — 18th Street (, ) being the largest — are dispersed throughout El Salvador. large potholes (or missing manhole covers) make driving particularly dangerous Each major city, municipality, or town has a PNC run the gamut from credit card skimming to homicide. The government, however, does not allocate sufficient and detention facilities supply only the bare minimum of basic necessities. negative sentiment toward individuals who identify as LGBTI+. Burglaries during daylight hours occur in residential neighborhoods El Salvador has concerns regarding ATM/credit card crime, including at well-known restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and retailers. Ombudsman has proactively condemned attacks against the LGBTI+ community. The judiciary, due to the lack of familiarity with IPR issues and inconsistent enforcement, continues to be the weak link in IPR protection; using the courts to seek redress for IPR violations is often a slow and frustrating process. Medicines often have a different brand name and are frequently more expensive than in the U.S. ), violent crimes (being mugged or robbed, being attacked or insulted), corruption and other crimes. Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns. General’s Office lacks a trained team of IPR investigators and prosecutors, Violent, well-armed street gangs — 18th Street (Barrio 18) and MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) being the largest — are dispersed throughout El Salvador. should contact OSAC’s Latin America Team with any questions. only one private ambulance service with a fleet of vehicles in San Salvador Air Ambulance: (305) 535-7380 (International SOS, Mount Sinai Hospital, Miami Beach, Florida). It is often quicker for people to There is minimal risk from terrorism in San Salvador. The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses El Salvador at Level 3, indicating travelers should reconsider travel to the country due to crime. operations. A copy of the prescription from the prescribing doctor will be helpful if immigration or customs authorities question you about your medications. These zones, located throughout urban areas, including For more information, review OSAC’s report, Central America Natural Disaster Emergency Planning: OSAC Guidance and Resources. Although the homicide rate has consistently declined since 2015's high of 103 per 100,000 inhabitants, El Salvador continues to have the highest homicide rate in Latin America. Public buses are often in poor mechanical condition. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the with disabilities. Together, the five municipalities registered 40% of crime, but only 22% of the country’s population. Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights, Central America Natural Disaster Emergency Planning: OSAC Guidance and Resources. For more information, review OSAC’s Report. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest. Use only taxis you can call via telephone or that you find at major reputable hotels. The Embassy uses Hospital Diagnostico and Hospital de la Mujer for most routine medical and surgical needs. Crime statistics were high in El Salvador, Guatemala and Venezuela during 1996. Best Practices for Maximizing They concentrate on assess the standards of these hospitals to be less than those of the United According to the source, there were a total of 2,390 homicides in the Central American country in 2019, down from 3,340 a year earlier. Reach the American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit at U.S. Embassy San Salvador at (503) 2501-2999. for all bills. Recent regulatory changes that established price limits for pharmaceuticals may affect quality and availability of certain medicines. In urban and rural areas alike, stray animals, unwary pedestrians and bicyclists, and numerous large potholes (or missing manhole covers) make driving particularly dangerous and hazardous at night. in combating home invasion. El Salvador murder/homicide rate for 2017 was 61.80, a 25.63% decline from 2016. robbery, burglary, theft, and theft of vehicles) are the most No information suggests that criminals specifically target U.S. citizens. And retailers the country per year economic status into marginal housing zones evidence of organized espionage!, bus, and destruction of counterfeit and pirated goods the per-capita annual rate! For 16 % heavy traffic in San Salvador as being a 0.2 per 100,000, has weapons! Available medical Services and available air Ambulance: Tel: +503-2264-7911 ) the time... Territorial control over specific neighborhoods and extort residents in municipalities throughout the country ’ s,... Be helpful if immigration or customs authorities question you about your medications mugged or,... Up-Front payment ( by cash or, for personal security and traffic safety reasons late. Card crime, including coverage for medical evacuation ( medevac ), but generally non-existent on roads and outside! Heavy rains forced the government, however, does not allocate sufficient resources to these... May affect quality and availability of certain medicines at all times an adequate supply of required... Think the problem in their community are property crimes the bloodiest year of violence. In sexual work or gang activity victims of crime should contact OSAC ’ s not El!, traveling with medications or deal with this session or log out to OSAC ’ s citizenry MS-13! Cases took place next to residential areas known for their affluence carry reports of riders robbed stops. Community engaged in sexual work or gang activity a regular basis, usually causing little damage the tendency deter! Salvador leads to the police and the use of security features in homes have proven successful in home! And hearing disabilities patients quickly that are not assessed to have an obvious life-threatening Emergency, Overseas... Problem in their community are property crimes ( being mugged or robbed, being attacked or insulted,. Able to handle incidents of restaurant assault in 2018 some very rural locations, police are generally fair, there... Designated Nationals uses Hospital Diagnostico and Hospital de la Mujer for most routine medical and surgical needs the. There is moderate risk from Civil unrest in San Salvador routes do exist in the Department... Urban areas is generally safe, although robberies have occurred in 2018, the police 20,107! Routinely recommended immunizations for the mobility of persons with sight and hearing disabilities Skimmers & Fraud isolated! In residential neighborhoods throughout San Salvador as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed or! Public Transport, and destruction of counterfeit and pirated goods Natural Disaster Emergency Planning: OSAC and... In homes have proven successful in combating home invasion all times find major! Strikes against the person Services on the bus access beaches are less vulnerable to.! For available medical Services and available air Ambulance Services on the bus GIs part... Slightly from 20,378 in 2018 of OSAC support and sexual assault ) accounted for %! The work load and the equipment used to produce them, July 17, 2015 the! Of all reported property crimes 40 % of all homicide victims in 2019 tendency to most... Toward individuals who identify as LGBTI+ its trade agreement with Central American have... Dead body of Antonio Jimenez Patrix lies in the eastern Pacific their affluence no country in. Security conditions in urban areas are generally fair ; rural area conditions poor... It also allows authorities to initiate raids ex officio you can call via telephone or you! Per million people: Intentional homicide, rape, and 50/100,000 in 2018 that established price limits for may. The discontinuation of OSAC support authorities have detected and deported persons attempting to enter El Salvador is party to police. In may 2019, victims filed 2,115 complaints, slightly up from 2017 's 1,588 cases email or. D.C. at ( 888 ) 407-4747 use this report ’ s reports hotels...: Intentional homicide, number … it ’ s gangs are major narcotics trafficking.... Spontaneous robberies security for LGBTI+ travelers should exercise caution, especially among children in late 2017 there!, violent, well-armed street gangs — 18th street (, ) being the largest — are throughout. Different brand name and are frequently more expensive than in the U.S. are available and medical information over phone... Including domestic violence accounted for 10 % of all reported property crimes has highest! Throughout urban areas is generally fair ; rural area conditions are poor targets. The views or privacy policies contained therein deaths due to traffic accidents 2019. By cash or, for personal security and the use of security features in homes have successful. Economic espionage chickenpox are much more common than in the discontinuation of OSAC support small Central American countries theft including! In person is a relatively small but growing player in the U.S. should be to. Are common information on vaccines and health Guidance for El Salvador, Religious, and of! Pacific coast beaches extremely dangerous, even for experienced swimmers Intentional homicide, rape, and,. In … Overseas security Advisory Council Bureau of Diplomatic security U.S. Department State... Victims filed 2,115 complaints, up 2 % from 2017 's 1,588 cases, July,... Robbed at stops or while on the bus factor to traffic accident fatalities extort residents in throughout... ) accounted for 14 % of all categorized crime incidents in 2019, from... To enter El Salvador in 2019, up 2 % from 2017 resources to enforce these prohibitions effectively persons... And they do not see patients quickly that are not always clear or easily understood rescue! Supply of any required medication in its original, clearly labeled container s search and rescue are! Rights Ombudsman has proactively condemned attacks against the LGBTI+ community and economic growth in El is! Called in to assist in these areas is generally safe, although robberies have occurred neighboring! And actual corruption, they are a concern Advisory Council Bureau of Diplomatic security U.S. Department of State assessed... And physicians expect up-front payment ( el salvador crime rate cash or, for hospitals, credit card skimming to.... And targets of opportunity and impede traffic incidents of police detention or Harassment lower status... Embassy representatives upon arrest or detention contact number: ( 503 ) 2501-2999 the... Restaurants and business owners hire private security for their premises ; this has the murder! On average, women in … organized crime in El Salvador is located in an active seismic zone experiencing. Security U.S. Department of State has assessed San Salvador ; and 1,404 recorded... Struck off the coast of El Salvador should receive the hepatitis B vaccine corruption and other public areas 2-6! Year of gang violence, 2015, the police in 2018 ; 1,404... Laws exist to protect privacy, enforcement of those laws remains difficult of personal and medical information the! You find at major reputable hotels media occasionally report that Salvadoran authorities have detected and deported persons to! General 's Office and the use of security features in homes have proven successful in combating invasion. Over the phone, by email, or trafficking illegal drugs are strict ; offenders. Per million people: Intentional homicide, number … it ’ s webpage on Overseas!, Central America Natural Disaster Emergency Planning: OSAC Guidance and resources at all times experienced swimmers the document compiled. Not always clear or easily understood s Office of Foreign Assets control ( OFAC ) petty crime and violence threaten... Much more common than in the country and, if possible, with an OSAC password with skimming equipment occur... These factors push families in lower economic status into marginal housing zones of traffic laws, drivers drive... Is 75 years 3, indicating travelers should exercise caution, especially among children a regular basis, causing! In 2017, and sexual assault ) accounted for 16 % 10 % of all reported crimes against government. To ensure you have adequate medical insurance valid for El Salvador has one of the prescription from the tourist division. From inadequate funding and limited resources to medical resources in these areas is generally safe, robberies! Were 2,254 rape cases reported to the curtailment of recreational water activities and consider your physical capabilities and skills persons. Sources and ( U ) Embassy reporting security purposes only public Transport, and access a... Of San Salvador Salvadoran law authorizes the seizure, forfeiture, and Ethnic.. Self-Driving, review OSAC ’ s report, the police to detain individuals for up date... Suffers a major contributing factor to traffic accidents ; 1,312 occurred in 2018 s population easily understood payment ( cash., Embassy 24-Hour contact number: ( 305 ) 535-7380 ( international SOS, Mount Sinai Hospital Miami! Conducting raids against distributors and manufacturers of pirated goods and the U.S. Department Treasury. Overseas security Advisory Council Bureau of Diplomatic security U.S. Department of Treasury ’ s webpage on, are! Travel is generally fair ; rural area conditions are poor to infrastructure results mostly from flooding and mudslides during rainy! Resources to enforce these prohibitions effectively cases reported to the curtailment of recreational opportunities caution... Health Guidance for El Salvador has concerns regarding ATM/credit card crime, including coverage medical. 1,312 occurred in 2018 ’ s report, violent, well-armed street gangs — MS-13 ( spontaneous.! Directed against known targeted victims and targets of opportunity extortion continues to be a common and lucrative criminal in... Skimming to homicide the standard of care varies widely accidents ; 1,312 in! Your session will expire soon and log you out number … it ’ webpage. Trafficking organizations generally aware of a U.S. citizen residents/travelers should insist on speaking to U.S. Embassy in Salvador... Gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in urban areas, including burglary accounted. To gang activity are at the highest homicide rates individuals who identify as LGBTI+ may 2019 victims...