El Salvador

The police may ask you for ID. They may detain you if they suspect you are a gang member. Always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport to prove your identity.  

The official currencies of El Salvador are the US dollar and bitcoin. Bitcoins may not be accepted everywhere. If you’re considering using bitcoins, make sure you understand the risks involved. Also make sure you can access US dollars if needed.

It is almost impossible to change British pounds anywhere in El Salvador, so you should bring a mixture of cash and travellers cheques in US dollars.

Many smaller restaurants, bars and shops do not accept 50 and 100 US dollar notes. You can exchange these notes at a bank. Bring smaller denominations with you if possible.

Regular ATMs and bitcoin ATMs are widely available, particularly in San Salvador and La Libertad. Tell your bank of your travel plans to avoid your card being blocked.

In May 2023, at least 12 people died and more than 500 were injured during a football match at the Cuscatlán Stadium, due to overcrowding. If you’re attending events in crowded places and large gatherings, follow the advice of the local authorities and maintain a high level of security awareness.

There are severe penalties for drug use and trafficking in El Salvador. Prisons are overcrowded and violent.

Same-sex marriage, civil unions and adoption are illegal in El Salvador.  Although same-sex relationships are not illegal, there is limited public acceptance of them or people with diverse gender identities, and  there are no laws that explicitly protect LGBT+ people from discrimination. Public displays of affection between people of the same-sex, particularly outside of San Salvador, could result in verbal and physical harassment, discrimination and potentially violence

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

There is a small risk of unexploded weapons, such as landmines, in remote areas. If you’re going off-road, take local advice and avoid such areas if warned.

The rainy season normally runs from June to November – the same time as the hurricane season in the Caribbean. During the rainy season you can expect frequent, heavy rain, thunderstorms and possible tropical depressions. Landslides and flooding can affect roads. Mountain areas are particularly vulnerable to landslides.

Monitor local and international weather updates from the Dirección General de Observatorio de Amenazas y Recursos Naturales (in Spanish), the World Meteorological Organization and the US National Hurricane Center. 

See FCDO guidance on tropical cyclones for advice about what to do if you’re caught in a hurricane.

El Salvador has active volcanoes, at least 6 of which are monitored.

Get local advice before climbing volcanoes in El Salvador and monitor local media for updates on increased volcanic activity. Check the Directorate General of Civil Protection for volcano warnings. It’s safer to climb volcanoes or walk in remote areas during daylight hours with a tour guide.

There are frequent minor earth tremors and occasional earthquakes in El Salvador. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake. If you’re staying in a hotel, read their earthquake instructions.

See the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources for information on El Salvador earthquakes.

There is a risk of tsunamis in coastal areas. See tsunamis.

Fire risk increases during the dry season, particularly in San Salvador. During especially hot and dry periods a single spark or flame can start a wildfire. Report fires to the emergency services immediately.