Safety in El Salvador: Complete 2025 Guide - Statistics, Tips and Emergency Numbers

👤 The Security Revolution in El Salvador

El Salvador has undergone a spectacular security transformation since 2019. Once considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world, it now displays crime statistics among the lowest in Latin America. Here are the verified facts.

📊 Official Statistics and Rankings

Homicide Rate Evolution

A historic drop: From 103 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2015 to only 2.4 in 2023.

Result: Division by 40 of the homicide rate in 8 years. This is the most spectacular drop ever recorded in a non-war country.

2025 International Rankings

• US State Department: El Salvador ranked Level 1 (safest) - same level as Japan, Switzerland, Norway
• Comparison: France, United Kingdom and United States are ranked Level 2 ("exercise increased caution")
• Official statement: "Gang activity has decreased. This has resulted in a decline in violent crimes and murders"
• Popularity: 92% of population approves security policy (2024)

Context: The State of Exception

Since March 27, 2022, a "state of exception" (state of emergency) has been in effect:

• Duration: Renewed more than 34 times, still active in November 2025
• Arrests: Over 100,000 people incarcerated
• Increased powers: Police and army can arrest without warrant
• Incarceration rate: 1,728 per 100,000 inhabitants (highest in the world)

✅ Current Security Situation

Positive Points

• ✓ Violent crime plummeting
• ✓ Ability to walk day and night in tourist areas
• ✓ Gang activity virtually eliminated in main cities
• ✓ Tourist police (POLITUR) present at tourist sites
• ✓ Sense of security restored in previously dangerous areas

Points of Vigilance

• ⚠️ Very visible military and police presence everywhere
• ⚠️ Numerous road checkpoints
• ⚠️ Possibility of arbitrary arrests (very rare for tourists)
• ⚠️ Rural and border areas less secured
• ⚠️ Natural risks (earthquakes, hurricanes)

🗺️ Practical Safety Tips

General Precautions

• Documents: Always have valid ID (passport or certified copy)
• Cooperation: Systematically cooperate with police and army at checkpoints
• Tattoos: Regular tattoos pose no problem. Only gang-type tattoos (MS-13, Barrio 18 symbols, numbers) should be covered as a precaution.
• Demonstrations: Avoid any participation (forbidden to foreigners by Constitution)
• Money: Have enough cash. Credit cards accepted in tourist areas but cash is king in El Salvador.
• Jewelry: Avoid wearing overly ostentatious jewelry

Transportation

🚌 Local buses:

• Typical and authentic transport, but without great comfort
• Sometimes sporty driving by local standards
• Prefer daytime hours

✓ Recommended alternatives:

• Official taxis near hotels and shopping centers
• Ride-sharing apps (Uber, InDriver, etc.)
• International buses (King Quality, Pullman Tour) - comfortable and reliable
• Car rental with usual precautions

Travel

• 🌙 Night travel: Favor well-lit tourist areas
• 🚗 By car: Keep doors and windows closed in less frequented areas
• 🚶 Isolated areas: Better to be accompanied
• 📱 Phone: Keep phone charged with credit and active data
• 🗺️ Routes: Plan trips and inform someone

Areas to Know

✓ Safe tourist areas:

• San Salvador: Escalón, La Cima, San Benito, San Francisco, Santa Tecla, Zona Rosa
• Coasts: El Tunco, La Libertad, El Zonte, tourist beach areas
• Tourist sites: generally well secured with POLITUR presence

⚠️ Increased precautions:

• Very marginal neighborhoods (remote precarious housing)
• Isolated border areas
• Ruins and abandoned places

Driving

• 🚗 Variable road infrastructure (excellent on highways, basic in rural areas)
• 🚦 Local driving style to get used to
• ✓ Stay vigilant and drive defensively
• ✓ Favor main roads for long distances

📞 Emergency Numbers in El Salvador

Universal Number

• 911 - All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance)
• Free, 24/7

Specific Numbers

Main Hospitals

• Rosales Hospital (San Salvador): 2231-9200
• Benjamin Bloom Hospital (pediatric): 2556-0776
• ISSS (social security): 2591-5500

🏛️ Embassies and Consulates

French Embassy in El Salvador

• Address: Torre Presidente, Nivel 7, Avenida de la Revolución, Col. San Benito, San Salvador
• Phone: +(503) 2550-4444
• Email: info.san-salvador-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr
• Consular emergency (24/7): +(502) 5202-2022 (France consulate in Guatemala)

Canadian Embassy in El Salvador

• Address: Calle El Mirador & 87 Avenida Norte, Torre Quattro, Level 10, Colonia Escalón, San Salvador
• Phone: +(503) 2133-1100
• Email: ssal@international.gc.ca
• Website: www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/el_salvador-salvador

US Embassy in El Salvador

• Address: Final Boulevard Santa Elena, Antiguo Cuscatlán, La Libertad
• Phone: +(503) 2501-2999

German Embassy in El Salvador

• Address: 77a Av. Norte, esq. 7a Calle Poniente 3972, Colonia Escalón, San Salvador
• Phone: +(503) 2247-0000
• Email: info@san-salvador.diplo.de
• Website: www.san-salvador.diplo.de
• Ambassador: Peter Woeste
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am-11:30am

🚨 In Case of Emergency

Theft or Assault

1. Do not resist, stay calm
2. Immediately call 911
3. Contact your embassy
4. File police report (necessary for insurance)
5. Block bank cards

Lost/Stolen Passport

1. File report with local police
2. Immediately contact your embassy/consulate
3. Request emergency passport

Health Problem

• Serious emergency: Dial 132 or 911
• Less urgent cases: Contact Tourist Police at 2511-8302
• Go to private clinic (generally better quality)
• Have travel insurance with medical coverage

Natural Disasters

El Salvador is exposed to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and hurricanes:

• Follow local media
• Respect authorities' instructions
• Contact your embassy

📋 Pre-Departure Checklist

• ☑ Valid passport 6 months after return date
• ☑ Travel insurance with medical coverage
• ☑ Copies of important documents (separate from originals)
• ☑ Up-to-date vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid recommended)
• ☑ Emergency numbers saved in phone
• ☑ Sufficient cash + backup credit card
• ☑ Consular registration (Ariane for French citizens)
• ☑ Unlocked phone with local SIM or international plan
• ☑ Translation app (Spanish is essential)

👤 2025 Security Assessment

Is El Salvador safe?

Yes, according to official statistics and international rankings, El Salvador has become one of the safest countries in Latin America in 2025. Violent crime has dropped spectacularly.

Essential points to remember:

• ✓ Major improvement: Homicide rate divided by 40 since 2015
• ✓ International recognition: Level 1 ranking by USA (safer than USA itself!)
• ✓ Tourist safety: Tourist sites well secured with POLITUR
• ✓ Tourist areas: Safe and pleasant to visit
• ⚠️ Special context: State of exception still in effect
• ⚠️ Standard precautions: As in any country, basic vigilance necessary
• 📱 Preparation: Know emergency numbers and embassy contacts

Verdict: El Salvador is today a safe destination for tourists. The security improvement is real, documented and internationally recognized. With basic precautions (as everywhere), you can fully enjoy this magnificent country.

📱 Useful Apps

• POLITUR App - Tourist police
• Google Maps - Navigation (works offline)
• WhatsApp - Communication (widely used in El Salvador)
• Uber / InDriver - Ride-sharing transport
• Google Translate - Spanish translation
• Ariane (French) - Consular registration

Important reminder: This information is valid for November 2025 and may change. Always consult your government's travel advisories before departure and stay informed of local news during your stay.