El Salvador

Översikt

El Salvador's security environment has been marked by the country having one of the world’s highest murder rates and a large presence of organised crime due to its position as a major transit country for drugs. Much of the violence in the country stems from street gangs. Although gang-related murder rates have decreased in recent years following a major crackdown on gang activity it remains a significant concern. Petty crime is also of serious concern throughout the country. Although the threat from insurgency groups has significantly declined, a number of former rebels have joined street gang, often using guerrilla tactics. Natural disasters, including hurricanes, earthquakes and volcanoes, pose a significant risk in El Salvador.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for El Salvador. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

El Salvador has confirmed recent cases of Dengue. Departments most affected include: Chalatenango, La Union, San Miguel and Santa Ana. Risk is present throughout the country and year-round.

Malaria risk is present in rural areas in the provinces of Santa Ana and Ahuachapan bordering Guatemala. Sporadic cases are reported from other rural areas. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

There is risk of ongoing Chikungunya and Zika virus transmission in El Salvador. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

Leishmaniasis is endemic in El Salvador. The use of a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk is recommended.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in El Salvador.

Medical facilities are limited outside San Salvador. Some hospitals accept credit cards for hospital charges, but not for doctors' fees, which must be paid in cash. Therefore, travellers are advised to carry a copy of their insurance document since hospitals may not provide treatment otherwise. Public hospitals are basic and visitors are advised to use private clinics whenever possible.

Pharmacies are easily found all over the country, but stocks could be limited. Those going to the countryside and to archaeological sites are advised to carry first-aid kits. Travellers are also advised to bring along all prescription medicine with them. Bottled drinks should always be preferred and only ice made from mineral water. Mosquito repellents are also very useful.

Pass

Visitors to El Salvador must be travelling on a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country.

Visum

Immigration requires that visitors entering El Salvador have their passport and either a visa or a tourist card. The tourist card is generally issued for up to 90 days and can be purchased for USD 10 upon arrival. Nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and the US do not need a visa to travel to El Salvador, but do need a tourist card. Travellers from other countries should contact the relevant diplomatic offices to establish immigration requirements.

Business visas must be applied for in advance, but is not necessary for the nationals listed above if the stay is for less than 30 days. Besides other documentation, it is also necessary to provide a letter of invitation form the host company in El Salvador and a business letter stating the purpose and duration of the visit, as well as the applicant’s responsibility for all travel expenses.