El Salvador

Overview

There are more significant safety or security concerns than you would usually find in New Zealand due the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local law.

Be careful of your personal security, especially in downtown San Salvador. You should avoid walking alone, and to isolated areas, particularly at night. If you are confronted by a criminal, do not resist, fighting back could make the situation more dangerous.

Some things that New Zealanders travelling or living in El Salvador should be aware of are:

• Personal security - El Salvador remains under a State of Exception, giving authorities more power. While these measures are not aimed at tourists, overseas visitors, including New Zealand citizens, could still be affected.
• Kidnapping - express kidnappings happen. Be careful around ATMs. 
• Petty crime is common and often happens on public transport and in tourist areas. 
• Weather and natural hazards - El Salvador is in a highly active seismic zone, there are several active volcanoes and earthquakes are common. The hurricane and rainy season is from June to November. Tropical storms and hurricanes also can lead to high winds, flash flooding and landslides.  

New Zealanders travelling or living there should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

See below for more detailed travel advice. 

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