el salvador crime and safety report
Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. The judiciary, due to the lack of familiarity with IPR issues and inconsistent enforcement, continues to be the weak link in IPR protection; using the courts to seek redress for IPR violations is often a slow and frustrating process. There are ⦠Most killings are perpetrated by gangs extorting money or fighting for control of city districts. They concentrate on street-level drug sales, extortion, arms trafficking, murder for hire, carjacking, and aggravated street crime. A copy of the prescription from the prescribing doctor will be helpful if immigration or customs authorities question you about your medications. Air Ambulance: (305) 535-7380 (International SOS, Mount Sinai Hospital, Miami Beach, Florida). The election was generally free and fair, according to international observers. In 2017, there were 1,244 deaths due to traffic accidents; 1,312 occurred in 2018. The U.S. Embassy in San Salvador does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. Non-categorized crime reports totaled 40,522 incidents. Of these, physical assaults including domestic violence accounted for 15%. On the southwest, it exits on the Pacific Ocean and is squeezed in between Guatemala and Honduras. In October 2018, heavy rains forced the government to close schools nationwide for several days. U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information, Hours of operation: 0800-1700, Monday-Friday. El Salvador is in an active seismic subduction zone, producing numerous earthquakes. Complete travel outside of cities and to Guatemala or Honduras during daylight hours and, if possible, with convoys for safety. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as murder, assault, rape, and armed robbery, is common. Pharmacies are plentiful, but not all medicines found in the U.S. are available. The company for ⦠There is no Country Council in San Salvador. There were 2,203 rape cases reported to the police in 2018, up 8% from 2017. Seismic tremors measuring over 5.0 occur on a regular basis, usually causing little damage. It's no lie that crime is a problem in El Salvador, but most travelers get out of the country without trouble. Refrain from driving outside the capital after dark, for personal security and traffic safety reasons. Rapes accounted for 9% of all reported crimes against the person. U.S. Department of State. Tackling crime in El Salvador. reconsider travel to the country due to crime. Disappearance There were reports alleging that members of security and law enforcement were involved in unlawful disappearances. El Salvador has concerns regarding ATM/credit card crime, including at well-known restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and retailers. While direct hits by hurricanes occur less frequently, they are a concern. Don't walk alone at night, or try to avoid walking the streets at night even in groups of travelers. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Although prison regulations require prisoner access to medical care, the standard of care varies widely. Some of these factors push families in lower economic status into marginal housing zones. otherwise distributing OSAC-derived information in a manner inconsistent with this policy may result in the discontinuation of OSAC support. Violent, well-armed street gangs — 18th Street (Barrio 18) and MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) being the largest — are dispersed throughout El Salvador. Due to lax enforcement of traffic laws, drivers must drive defensively. Except in some very rural locations, police are generally aware of a U.S. citizen detainee's right to contact the Embassy. Of these, simple theft, including burglary, accounted for 28% of all reported property crimes. Crime can run the gamut from credit card skimming to homicide, and is characterized by violence directed against known targeted victims and targets of opportunity. El Salvador : Safety by City. Operators generally only speak Spanish. The PNC also has a number of specialized units that investigate specific crimes and traffic enforcement, anti-gang, civil disturbance, VIP protection, and other special operations units. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Latin America Team with any questions. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as murder, assault, rape, and armed robbery, is common. The document was compiled from various
Overseas Security Advisory Council
News media regularly carry reports of riders robbed at stops or while on the bus. We spent some time reviewing the 2014 El Salvador Crime and Safety Report produced by the US Department of State - it makes for some terrifying reading. 2 This Paper was prepared by the Research Directorate of the Immigration ⦠No information suggests that criminals specifically target U.S. citizens. El Salvador's Minister of Justice and Public Safety Mauricio Ramirez has said that the street gangs are expected to become more active ahead of the upcoming presidential election in early-February. (STEP) to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices. El Salvador: Information Gathering Mission Report Part 1 Gangs in El Salvador and the Situation of Witnesses of Crime and Corruption All the sources of information contained in this document are identified and are publicly available Research Directorate Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Ottawa September 2016. It is often quicker for people to transport themselves by private vehicle. The Embassy uses Hospital Diagnostico and Hospital de la Mujer for most routine medical and surgical needs. Publishing or
El Salvador is party to the 1988 United Nations Drug Convention. The government of El Salvadorâs plan to mitigate crime and violence has included decisions that improve procedures, security, and efficiency in the criminal justice sector such as the purchase of electric monitoring bracelets, the integration of a monitoring and communication system, acquisition of new patrol vehicles, patrol vehicle equipment for the police, screening technology for prisons and airports, among ⦠Organized crime in El Salvador is a serious problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for El Salvador due to COVID-19. There are few private hospitals. Police generally treat arrested or otherwise detained foreigners well. Medicines often have a different brand name and are frequently more expensive than in the U.S. Regional "first class" or "executive" commercial bus travel is generally safe, although robberies have occurred in neighboring countries. There were no published incidents of restaurant assault in 2018. Contact Information for Available Medical Services. The release of personal and medical information over the phone, by email, or in person is a common practice. At times, individuals pose as deliverymen or police officers in order to gain access to a home. Judicial procedures are not always clear or easily understood. To date, no cases have been prosecuted as hate crimes. El Salvador has revised several of its laws to comply with CAFTA-DR's provisions on intellectual property rights (IPR), and has a National Intellectual Property Policy that recognizes IPR protection as a key element for the economy’s development and competitiveness. Crimes of every type occur routinely. The threat of violent crime in El Salvador leads to the curtailment of recreational opportunities. Avoid public transportation, especially local buses. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS. Free and fair presidential elections took place in 2014. El Salvador 2018 Crime & Safety Report According to the current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this reportâs publication, El Salvador has been assessed as Level 3: reconsider travel. For public safety emergencies, dial 911. Crime can run the gamut from credit card skimming to homicide, and is characterized by violence directed against known targeted victims and targets of opportunity. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s report, Driving Overseas: Best Practices. ), Embassy 24-Hour Contact Number: (503) 2501-2999. Murder, rape, kidnapping, car-jackings, muggings, beatings, extortion, drug-trafficking and arms-deals. For more information, review OSAC’s report, Central America Natural Disaster Emergency Planning: OSAC Guidance and Resources. Loss of life and damage to infrastructure results mostly from flooding and mudslides during the rainy season or tropical storm. In 2018, the municipalities of San Salvador (13%), San Miguel (8%), Mejicanos (7%), Soyapango (6%), and Apopa (6%) were the top five municipalities as a percentage of all homicides. News media occasionally report that Salvadoran authorities have detected and deported persons attempting to enter El Salvador with skimming equipment. There is serious risk from crime in San Salvador. El Salvador’s gangs are major narcotics trafficking organizations. Monitored beach areas at clubs and public access beaches are less vulnerable to crime. Porous borders with neighboring Honduras and Guatemala aid the movementof illegal goods in and through the country. The threat of violent crime in El Salvador leads to the curtailment of recreational opportunities. Last Update: Reissued with updates to COVID-19 information. The PDDH has the authority to investigate (but not prosecute) human rights abuses and refers all human rights abuse cases to the FGR. In 2018, victims filed 1,628 complaints, slightly up from 2017's 1,588 cases. Reports suggest that nearly 170 people have been murdered in the country since the start of the year. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s report. El Salvador is the most densely populated country in Central America, with more than six million people living in an area the size of Massachusetts, high unemployment and generally low wages, and comparatively high housing costs. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Reconsider travel to El Salvador due to COVID-19. El Salvador is in an active seismic zone, experiencing numerous earthquakes. Efforts to understand or deal with this phenomenon in the small Central American country have been insufficient. Priority Ambulance: Tel: (503) 2264-7911— the only private ambulance service with a fleet of vehicles in San Salvador that has trained personnel and medical equipment to manage emergencies. Homicides accounted for 14% of all reported crime incidents in El Salvador in 2018. In urban and rural areas alike, stray animals, unwary pedestrians and bicyclists, and numerous large potholes (or missing manhole covers) make driving particularly dangerous and hazardous at night. Recognizing the threat posed by MS-13, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated MS-13 a Transnational Criminal Organization in its list of Specially Designated Nationals. Exercise increased caution in El Salvador due to crime. Reach the American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit at U.S. Embassy San Salvador at (503) 2501-2999. El Salvador 2018 Crime & Safety Report According to the current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this reportâs publication, El Salvador has been assessed as Level 3: reconsider travel. Uber operates in San Salvador. Recognizing the threat posed by MS-13, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s, U.S. citizens traveling to El Salvador should register with the. There are close to 2,000 tremors in the country per year. Review OSAC’s El Salvador-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password. Measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, pertussis, and chickenpox are much more common than in the U.S., especially among children. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided. Since 2015, the per-capita annual homicide rate has fallen to 81/100,000 in 2016, 60/100,000 in 2017, and 50/100,000 in 2018. Reconsider travel to El Salvador due to crime. The relatively small volume of drugs transiting the country in comparison with some regional neighbors, as well as active efforts by Salvadoran authorities to combat transit routes, has kept El Salvador from becoming a major transit location. There were no legal cases involving instances of terrorism affecting U.S. citizens or facilities brought before the judicial system in 2018, nor were there any judicial developments that would appear to have a significant impact on U.S. counter-terrorism efforts. Since the late 1990s, waves of violent crime have hit the country, making its murder rate one of the worldâs highest. In late 2017, the police reported at least three instances of armed robberies of restaurants in San Salvador's Colonia Escalon. Cameras, concertina wire, and grilles on all windows/doors appear to dissuade some would-be burglars; residences without these features are targets of crime more frequently. The Attorney General's Office and the National Civilian Police enforce trademark and IPR by conducting raids against distributors and manufacturers of pirated goods. For more information, refer to OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medications. During the rainy season (May-October), heavy and persistent storms can cause landslides, topple trees/power lines, and wash away roads and bridges. Other impediments to effective law enforcement are unsupportive laws, general distrust, and the occasional lack of cooperation between the police, prosecutors, and corrections. The same report from Igarape shows that 80% of all the murder victims in El Salvador are males and 50% are between the ages of 15 and 29. Homicide rates in El Salvador fell by around 20% in 2016, reports AP, but an average of 14.4 killings every day still took place last year. As a practical matter, however, the Attorney General’s Office lacks a trained team of IPR investigators and prosecutors, and, in a country with limited resources and a high crime rate, IPR cases do not receive a high priority. El Salvador Safety and Crime. This strategic geography makes El Salvador attractive to organized crime groups wanting to link drug producers with drug consumers using land, air and maritime trafficking routes. These zones, located throughout urban areas, including in upscale neighborhoods, provide a point of origin and safe haven for criminals. The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses El Salvador at Level 3, indicating travelers should reconsider travel to the country due to crime. Although usually non-violent, these public displays sometimes create security problems and impede traffic. The national police had a 24-hour crime-reporting hotline and Twitter account, which resulted in no trafficking leads; however, its 911 emergency hotline resulted in 46 potential trafficking leads. Carry an adequate supply of any required medication in its original, clearly labeled container. Each major city, municipality, or town has a PNC delegation. Overseas Security Advisory Council Bureau of Diplomatic Security U.S. Department of State Washington, D.C. 20522-2008 Phone: 571-345-2223 Fax: 571-345-2238 The police’s investigative units have shown great promise; however, routine street-level patrol techniques, anti-gang work, and crime suppression efforts remain a constant, difficult challenge. Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns. El Salvador. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. There is negative sentiment toward individuals who identify as LGBTI. U.S. citizen residents/travelers should insist on speaking to U.S. Embassy representatives upon arrest or detention. Refworld contains a vast collection of reports relating to situations in countries of origin, policy documents and positions, and documents relating to international and national legal frameworks. Review the. It's amazing that any Americans EVER visit. El Salvador suffers a major earthquake approximately every 10 years. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Engage local guides certified by the national or local tourist authority when hiking in back country areas. Each major city, municipality, or town has a PNC delegation. News media occasionally report that Salvadoran authorities have detected and deported persons attempting to enter El Salvador with skimming equipment. Carry an adequate supply of any required medication in its original, clearly labeled container. El Salvador 2020 Crime & Safety Report U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security This report details El Salvador's crime and safety reports. Embassy assistance is limited to ensuring U.S. citizens are not mistreated, contacting family/friends, protesting breaches of due process, and providing a list of local attorneys. As a small nation, El Salvadorâs relatively high population density and mountainous terrain impede traffickers from transporting their goods by air. Refworld is the leading source of information necessary for taking quality decisions on refugee status. âBecause she had spent three years immersed in the criminal structure, they told her that they could only help her if she accepted to testify under a plea agreement. El Salvador is located between North and South America with a coast on the Pacific Ocean. ⦠Together, the five municipalities registered 40% of crime, but only 22% of the country’s population. Many prisons and detention facilities supply only the bare minimum of basic necessities. To avoid theft, keep your valuables out of sight and avoid wearing expensive jewelry. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking illegal drugs are strict; convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. The policy specifically addresses geographical indications (GIs), with an eye toward the promotion of Salvadoran products. Private hospitals and physicians expect up-front payment (by cash or, for hospitals, credit card) for all bills. Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights, Central America Natural Disaster Emergency Planning: OSAC Guidance and Resources. Large numbers of people in El Salvador are internally displaced by criminal violence, extortion, and other threats. The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud. Embassy health professionals assess the standards of these hospitals to be less than those of the United States. Violent crime, such as murder, assault, rape, and armed robbery, is common. A significant percentage of vehicles are in disrepair, underpowered, beyond their service life, or otherwise do not meet U.S. road safety standards. In November the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged El Salvador to end the extraordinary security measures adopted since 2016 to combat gang violence and organized crime, which failed to comply with international human rights standards. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Most demonstrations concentrate in/around city centers or public buildings and other public areas. Rather, they are primarily involved in retail street-level drug sales. Building on Creativeâs success with violence prevention programs elsewhere in Central America, this five-year project has to date reached ⦠Privately owned cabs are unregulated. El Salvador introduced hate crimes into its penal code in September 2015. Check with insurance providers to ensure you have adequate medical insurance valid for El Salvador, including coverage for medical evacuation (medevac). Pharmacies are plentiful, but not all medicines found in the U.S. are available. External links to other internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. Although the homicide rate has consistently declined since 2015's high of 103 per 100,000 inhabitants, El Salvador continues to have the highest homicide rate in Latin America. All routinely recommended immunizations for the U.S. should be up to date. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. The PNC also has a number of specialized units that investigate specific crimes and traffic enforcement, anti-gang, civil disturbance, VIP protection, and other special operations units. EL SALVADOR 6 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2014 United States Department of State ⢠Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor the PNCâs effectiveness. Use only taxis you can call via telephone or that you find at major reputable hotels. How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment. No known international terrorist groups operate in El Salvador. Burglaries during daylight hours occur in residential neighborhoods throughout San Salvador. No hospitals or medical offices will bill U.S. insurance companies. Significant delays during the investigation and legal process are common. Overall Crime and Safety Situation For more information, review OSAC’s report, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud. (PNC). The U.S. Agency for International Development-funded El Salvador Violence and Crime Prevention Project is addressing this troubling situation by improving the ability of communities, municipalities and national institutions to address violent crime. Crimes against the person (e.g. Members of the LGBTI community engaged in sexual work or gang activity are at the highest risk of victimization. El Salvador: IPC Acute Food Insecurity Analysis November 2020 â August 2021, Issued in December 2020 Format Analysis Source. There are few incidents of identity theft. at the date of this report’s publication assesses El Salvador at Level 3, indicating travelers should. Property crimes (e.g. Equipment shortages (particularly radios and vehicles) limit their ability to deter or respond to crimes expeditiously. Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence. There is moderate risk from civil unrest in San Salvador. Salvadoran law authorizes the seizure, forfeiture, and destruction of counterfeit and pirated goods and the equipment used to produce them. open sources and (U) embassy reporting. On March 7, ⦠If you are traveling for an already existing business, most of your safety recommendations and preparations should already be in place. For more information, review OSAC’s report. There is only one national police service: The Policia Nacional Civil (PNC). Recent regulatory changes that established price limits for pharmaceuticals may affect quality and availability of certain medicines. Females accounted for 11% of all homicide victims in 2018. (Closed on U.S. and Salvadoran holidays. Public buses are often in poor mechanical condition. Crimes of every type occur routinely. On February 3, voters elected Nayib Bukele as president for a five-year term. Likewise, road lighting in urban areas is generally fair, but generally non-existent on roads and highways outside urbanized areas. U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. There are an estimated 25,000 gang members at large in El Salvador; another 9,000 are in prison. One study estimated the number of displaced in 2017 to be nearly 300,000. El Salvador has lifted stay at home orders, and resumed some transportation options and business operations. They concentrate on street-level drug sales, extortion, arms trafficking, murder for hire, carjacking, and aggravated street crime. El Salvador has lifted stay at home orders, and resumed some transportation options and business operations. Property crimes (e.g. Consequently, it is common for Salvadorans to include their photo, national ID number, date of birth, address, and other personal information on resumes and other documents. The contents of this (U) report in no way represent the policies, views, or attitudes of the United States Department of State,
Driving while intoxicated is common and is a major contributing factor to traffic accident fatalities. Most theft cases reported to the Embassy involve the loss of a U.S. passport during a surreptitious theft of bags, backpacks, or purses. Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance. Road conditions in urban areas are generally fair; rural area conditions are poor. Reach the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in Washington, D.C. at (888) 407-4747. There is minimal risk from terrorism in San Salvador. Please note that all OSAC products are for internal U.S. private sector security purposes only. Extortion continues to be a common and lucrative criminal enterprise in El Salvador. El Salvador | Annual country report 2018 6 El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America with a total population of 6.5 million. U.S. victims of crime should contact the police and the U.S. Embassy. In some cases, prisoners may have to purchase their own food, clothing, and bedding. These cases took place next to residential areas known for their affluence. El Salvador suffers a major earthquake approximately every 10 years. Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in El Salvador. Would you like to continue with this session or log out? El Salvador is not considered a major transit point for illegal narcotics, though maritime smuggling routes do exist in the eastern Pacific. When she first went to authorities in 2016 with the help of Cristosal, El Salvadorâs attorney generalâs office considered Maria a repenting criminal rather than a victim. Local law allows the police to detain individuals for up to 72 hours for administrative processing. There are approximately twenty active volcanoes in El Salvador. Because of perceived and actual corruption, they do not enjoy the full confidence and cooperation of much of El Salvador’s citizenry. assault, homicide, rape, and sexual assault) accounted for 38% of all reported crime incidents in 2018. Medicines often have a different brand name and are frequently more expensive than in the U.S. EL SALVADOR 2018 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY El Salvador is a constitutional multiparty republic. No information suggests that criminals specifically target U.S. citizens. Private tour companies frequently employ national police officers from the tourist police division to accompany their groups for personal security. Their resources are typically very limited, and they do not see patients quickly that are not assessed to have an obvious life threatening emergency. robbery, burglary, theft, and theft of vehicles) are the most common crimes committed in El Salvador, accounting for ⦠Your session will expire soon and log you out. El Salvador, still recovering from its 1980-1992 civil war, is beset with endemic poverty and police corruption. Many restaurants and business owners hire private security for their premises; this has the tendency to deter most petty crime and spontaneous robberies. Despite growing recognition of the importance of IPR, the piracy of all types of media, clothes, pharmaceuticals, and software, along with inadequate enforcement of cable broadcast rights, remain ongoing concerns. The measures included prolonged and isolated detention under inhuman conditions, and prolonged suspension of family visits to prisoners. The Government of El Salvador tracks eleven specific categories of crime, and logged 23,914 reports of crime in 2019 in the categories of theft, bobbery, injuries, homicide, extortion, theft of vehicle, carjacking, rape, road deaths, truck jacking, and kidnapping. Armed robberies accounted for 14% of all reported property crimes. For more information, refer to OSAC’s report, The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for, There is no Country Council in San Salvador. for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password. Nonetheless, the country is home to overland smuggling routes that have been used for decades to traffic humans, weapons, contraband, and more recently, illicit drugs. Gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, and narcotics and arms trafficking, is widespread. While receiving significant support from U.S. and other partners, the police often experience inadequate funding and limited resources. Here are a few more considerations when thinking about safety in El Salvador. It also allows authorities to initiate raids ex officio. This is a common practice for most automobile accidents resulting in personal injury, apprehensions for DUI, and for criminal acts, including accusations. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. El Salvador has concerns regarding ATM/credit card crime, including at well-known restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and retailers. In 2018, the Government of El Salvador commissioned the National Division for the Protection of Women, Children, Adolescents, and Other Vulnerable Populations; this agency employs prosecutors specially trained to investigate crimes against the LGBTI community.