Threat of Criminal Gang Activity

This Warden message informs U.S. citizens in El Salvador of ongoing threats of crime and street-gang activity in El Salvador.

The crime threat in El Salvador is critical. Random and organized violent crime is endemic throughout El Salvador. U.S. citizens have not been singled out by reason of their nationality, but are subject to the same threat as all other persons in El Salvador.

Extortion and kidnapping, often perpetrated by criminal gangs, are a continuing threat to personal security. The Embassy encourages all U.S. citizens, particularly those hosting visitors from outside El Salvador, to exercise caution in broadcasting information about their family members and travel plans. Individuals who have been threatened or are being extorted should immediately contact local police.

As always, we remind you to take normal precautions to ensure your personal security.

Please refer to the Embassy’s website for Personal Security Suggestions.

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, and e-mail: congensansal@state.gov

The Embassy's web site can be accessed at U.S. Embassy San Salvador. 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.