El Salvador Elections

El Salvador’s municipal and legislative elections are scheduled to take place on January 18, 2009. The Government of El Salvador appears to be well prepared for the elections and expects to be able to ensure the safety and security of voting sites.  International election observers will be present to monitor the elections.

The U.S. Embassy does not have any specific information indicating that there will be increased violence or other problems during the elections.  However, the Embassy advises American citizens in El Salvador to take prudent steps to ensure their personal safety in the coming days.  There may be large crowds or traffic disruptions in areas near polling stations. Remain vigilantly aware of surroundings, avoid crowds and political demonstrations, keep a low profile, vary times and routes for all travel, and ensure travel documents are current.  Listen to news reports and maintain contact with your assigned warden.    If the situation warrants, the U.S. Embassy will post updated information on our web site at http://sansalvador.usembassy.gov/ .

American citizens in El Salvador who have not registered with the Embassy are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.  You may register in person by coming to the American Citizen Services Unit, Consular Section at San Salvador or register online at the State Department’s travel registration web site .  American citizens already registered with the Embassy may wish to update their registration information.

U.S. citizens considering travel abroad should consult the Department of State’s consular information documents located on the Department’s internet website at   http://travel.state.gov/. 
 
American citizens with questions or concerns may contact the Embassy in El Salvador. 
 
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador is located at Final Boulevard Santa Elena Sur, Urbanizacion Santa Elena, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La Libertad, telephone 011-503-2501-2999, fax 011-503-2278-5522, e-mail: congensansal@state.gov

The Embassy's web site can be accessed at http://sansalvador.usembassy.gov/.

The Consular Section is open for U.S. citizens' services from 8:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. weekdays, excluding U.S. and Salvadoran holidays.  After business hours, the Embassy can be contacted by telephone at 011-503-2501-2316 or 011-503-2501-2253.