Nearshore Americas
Travel El Salvador

U.S. Eases Travel Restrictions for El Salvador

The United States has lowered its travel advisory for El Salvador from Level 3 to Level 2, recognizing the country’s significant strides in curbing crime.

The advisory change reflects improvements in security, particularly regarding gang-related violence, which had once plagued the country and given it one of the highest murder rates in the world.

This shift follows persistent lobbying from the Congressional El Salvador Caucus, a U.S.-based advocacy group dedicated to strengthening ties with El Salvador.

The Caucus wanted the lowest risk level, but the U.S. declined, implying that crime has improved but more work is needed

The updated advisory permits U.S. government employees to travel throughout El Salvador during daylight hours.

El Salvador’s improved security situation is attributed largely to President Nayib Bukele’s aggressive anti-gang policies, which have aimed to dismantle organized crime networks and reduce violence in the streets.

Sign up for our Nearshore Americas newsletter:


These efforts appear to have paid off, with the tourism industry experiencing unprecedented growth. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, El Salvador’s tourism sector is now among the fastest-growing globally.

Tourism is projected to account for approximately 14% of El Salvador’s GDP by the end of 2024, up from just 5-6% in 2019. With international visitors—many from the United States—pouring into the country, El Salvador’s image as a safe and attractive destination is steadily being rebuilt.

Narayan Ammachchi

News Editor for Nearshore Americas, Narayan Ammachchi is a career journalist with a decade of experience in politics and international business. He works out of his base in the Indian Silicon City of Bangalore.

Add comment