Due to the coronavirus (covid-19), no foreign travelers will be allowed to enter El Salvador. For more information about coronavirus, see the entry Entry and Health.
Safety
Norway is represented by an honorary consulate general in San Salvador. The Norwegian Embassy in Mexico City is responsible for the Norwegian Embassy. Contact information for consulates and the embassy in Mexico can be found under “Emergency”.
The overall crime and murder rate in El Salvador is very high. The crime that affects tourists is usually financially motivated, in the form of theft and armed robbery. Events happen both daytime and evening. One should not openly bring valuables/jewelry. Luggage and personal belongings should be carefully monitored at airports, bus stations and the like. PCs are highly sought after.
The drug-related violence in El Salvador is very serious. The violence is brutal and merciless, and even though it is mainly a matter of internal settlement, innocents are also affected. San Salvador is considered the most criminally charged city in El Salvador. Some parts (so-called zones) of the city are much more vulnerable than others. The best advice in this regard is to use common sense wherever you are, and always pay attention to the surroundings, especially in the evening/night.
Some drug trafficking and prostitution occur. There are severe penalties for drug offenses.
Risk of terrorist incidents in Central America is considered low.
There is right-hand traffic throughout Central America. Traffic accidents are a frequent cause of death and accident that also hit tourists. The roads are of varying quality.
When using a taxi, prices should be agreed in advance and the taxi should not – as is often the case – take other passengers on the trip. Tourists should also be wary of people begging at traffic lights and generally keep windows and doors closed and locked.
There are no rail networks in Central America. There are frequent flight connections, including to remote locations, but when using small airlines, it is recommended to use those who partner with or are part of the larger international airlines in the region.
El Salvador is particularly prone to volcanic activity and earthquakes, as well as severe climate variations.
El Salvador is the only Middle American country that has only the Pacific coastline. The land is above the subduction zone (boundary area) between two tectonic plates that cause high earthquake activity and volcanic activity. There are many volcanoes in the country, six of which exhibit very high activity.
When it comes to swimming, caution is directed against strong currents along large parts of the coast, and it is recommended to stay close to the beach.
With the exception of Belize, relationships between two people of the same sex are legal in all Central American countries. However, most residents have a conservative relationship with homosexuality, and it is recommended that gays exercise discretion to avoid getting into unpleasant situations.
Norwegian citizens staying for a shorter or longer period in Central America are encouraged to register at www.reiseregistrering.no.
Norwegian citizens are encouraged to have valid travel insurance. Make sure that the insurance also covers hospital stays and be aware of the type of activities that are not covered.
The local emergency number is 132. The tourist police “Politur” can be contacted on (+503) 2511 8300.
In case of crisis and emergency, Norwegian citizens are encouraged to contact the Norwegian Embassy in Mexico on +52 (55) 50 47 37 00. The embassy’s central table is open Monday-Thursday from 09:00 to 15:00 and Friday 09: 00-12: 00.
Outside office hours, you can contact the UD’s 24-hour operating center on +47 23 95 00 00 or by e-mail: udops@mfa.no
Norwegian citizens can also contact Norwegian honorary consulates and
general consulates for assistance. There are Norwegian honorary consulates in Belize City (Belize), Guatemala City (Guatemala), Managua (Nicaragua), San Salvador (El Salvador) and Tegucigalpa (Honduras). Updated contact information can be found here.
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
Due to the coronavirus (covid-19), no foreign travelers will be allowed to enter El Salvador.
Norwegian citizens do not need a visa for tourist and business stays of less than 90 days in El Salvador. The passport must be valid for up to six months after the scheduled departure date.
You can apply for an extension (beyond 90 days) of your stay for a fee, by contacting the Immigration Office in San Salvador. Alternatively, you can either travel to Mexico or Belize in the west or Costa Rica in the south-east and return after 72 hours. You can be fined or imprisoned if staying in the country illegally. Longer stays require a residence permit and work permit.
For up-to-date information on entry rules, travelers are encouraged to check with El Salvador’s nearest embassy.
Although Norwegian citizens do not initially need a visa to travel to Central America, only a passport (including an emergency passport) is the approved identification document. The passport must be valid for at least six months after scheduled departure.
It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure that travel documents are valid and that entry and stay regulations are complied with.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): Norwegian travelers should keep abreast of how the coronavirus is developing in the country. Follow local authorities’ advice, guidance and instructions on how to deal with the situation.
Due to the corona virus, foreign travelers will not enter the country.
Also, keep track of information from local authorities for exceptional entry regulations. Please note that information may change quickly.
See also the Foreign Ministry’s travel and coronavirus information.
You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.
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There is acceptable medical and hospital quality in all the major cities. Off-town offers are of varying standards. Private hospitals are recommended.
Malaria and dengue fever occur. Therefore, one should guard against mosquito bites with clothing, mosquito nets and/or mosquito spray, possibly also with malaria tablets, in areas where there is a lot of mosquitoes. Dengue is a growing problem in the tropical regions. The number of infected with both traditional dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) has increased, and more have died. Zika also happens. For official health professional travel advice and health professional guidance , you can contact the Institute of Public Health.
For Norwegians with the insurance in order, there is acceptable medical and hospital quality in the capital. However, for serious or difficult diagnoses, it is recommended to use laboratories and hospitals in the United States.
For Norwegians with the insurance in order, there is acceptable medical and hospital quality in the capital. However, for serious or difficult diagnoses, it is recommended to use laboratories and hospitals in the United States.
The tap water is highly chlorinated. Bottled drinking water should be purchased. Supermarkets in major cities can buy chlorine for disinfecting raw vegetables and fruits. It is recommended to avoid buying food on the street (in stalls, etc.) or in places where you have doubts about hygiene. If in doubt or have no choice, choose well-cooked and cooked dishes and avoid raw vegetables and fruits without peel.
No vaccines are required for entry into El Salvador. For information on travel vaccines, see the recommendations of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
The access to medicines is acceptable. There are no official rules for the import of medications for personal use only.
Practical information
El Salvador is one of seven countries that form Central America. The official language is Spanish.
The climate is tropical/subtropical, with rainy season usually lasting from May to October. It is warm and humid on the coast, the temperature may be somewhat lower inland, but there are generally high temperatures throughout the country.
Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Diners are accepted credit cards in most major locations. It is mostly problematic to withdraw cash from vending machines with these cards, but cloning of cards occurs.
El Salvador has no railroad. There are well-developed express bus networks from San Salvador to Guatemala, Mexico and Tegucigalpa (in Honduras). Tica bus operates all over Central America with modern buses that have air cooling and toilet. The big hotels often have their own cars/buses.
Local bus transport can be time consuming and can be susceptible to assault. There are regular bus routes across the country. Few taxis have a taximeter, and the price should be agreed in advance. Car hire is available at the airport and at several hotels. Many local companies operate in the country, but also the major international ones such as Budget and Hertz.
According to allcitycodes, the area code for El Salvador is +503. The telephone and mobile networks are stable. The Internet domain is.sv.
Public offices and shops are normally open between 10 am 8 and 12, and between 8 p.m. 13 and 17, Monday through Friday. Most shops are also open on Saturday. Banks normally stay open between 9 and 16 Monday through Friday.
Holidays: January 1 (New Year’s Day), Wednesday before Cutting Thursday, Cutting Thursday and Good Friday, May 1 (Workers ‘Day), July 19 (Revolution Day), September 15 (Independence Day), November 1 (All Saints’ Day), and
December 25 (Christmas Day).
Different cities have their saints celebrated every year. Christmas Day and Easter Sunday are regular work days in El Salvador.