The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens that crime and violence levels in El Salvador remain critically high. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning dated April 25, 2014, and includes updated information on crime and security in El Salvador.
Tens of thousands of U.S. citizens safely visit El Salvador each year for study, tourism, cruise ship visits, business, and volunteer work. There is no information to suggest that U.S. citizens are specifically targeted by criminals; however, crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country. Since January 2010, 33 U.S. citizens have been murdered in El Salvador including a nine-year-old child in December 2013. During the same time period, 366 U.S. citizens reported having their passports stolen, while others were victims of violent crimes.The US State Department reissued its warning for citizens living in or traveling to El Salvador on November 21st. From what I can tell, the US first issued a travel warning for El Salvador in January 2013. I didn't agree with the timing of or the comparison in the initial warning. However, at this point, I'm not sure what it will take for the US government to lift the travel warning.
El Salvador is among the most violent countries in the region and the world as measured by homicide rates and is likely to remain there for several years. One or two years of improved conditions isn't going to make the travel warning go away - nor should it.
Just remember that El Salvador is a wonderful country where thousands of Americans live and travel to, often without any problems at all.
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