Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Wally Doerge)
Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- El Salvador
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Wed, 2 Jun 1993 18:01:40 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - El Salvador
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El Salvador - Consular Information Sheet
 May 27, 1993

Country Description:  El Salvador has a developing economy.  Its 
tourism facilities are not fully developed.  Credit cards are widely 
accepted.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and a visa are required for entry 
into El Salvador.  Travelers may be asked to present evidence of 
employment and finances at the time of visa application.  There are 
no airport visas or tourist cards available for last-minute entry.  
For additional information, travelers may contact the Embassy of El 
Salvador at 1010 16th Street N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 
20036, tel (202) 331-4032, or the nearest consulate in Houston, Los 
Angeles, San Francisco, New Orleans, Miami, New York, or Chicago.

Crime and Security Information:  Common crime is prevalent 
throughout El Salvador, including in the capital of San Salvador, at 
the beach areas and on the road from San Salvador to the 
international airport.  Deserted park or beach areas in particular 
can be dangerous.  The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be 
reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. 
embassy or consulate.  Useful information on guarding valuables and 
protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in 
the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad."  This 
publication and others, such as "Tips for Travelers to Central and 
South America," are available from the Superintendent of Documents, 
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.

The Peace Accords signed in 1992 between the government of El 
Salvador and the FMLN have brought a halt to fighting in El 
Salvador.  Areas formerly considered conflicted zones or zones of 
concentration for demobilizing guerrillas are now open for travel.  
The U.S. Embassy warns its personnel to drive with their doors 
locked and windows raised, to avoid travel after dark, and to avoid 
travel on unpaved roads at all times because of random banditry, car 
jackings, criminal assaults and lack of police and road service 
facilities.  Most fatal accidents or robberies and assaults occur 
during the evening or early morning hours.  Travelers with 
conspicuous amounts of luggage, late-model cars and foreign license 
plates are particularly vulnerable even in the capital.  Many 
Salvadorans are armed and shootouts are not infrequent.  Travelers, 
however, may not carry guns, even for their own protection or for 
use on the road from the United States, without first procuring from 
Salvadoran officials a gun license.  Failure to do so will result in 
detention and confiscation of the traveler's firearm even if it is 
licensed in the U.S.

Medical Information:  Medical care is limited.  Doctors and 
hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.  
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United 
States.  In some cases, medical insurance with specific overseas 
coverage may prove to be useful.  Most hospitals accept credit cards 
for hospital charges, but not for doctors fees.  Tap water is 
generally not considered safe to drink in El Salvador.  There have 
also been numerous incidents of cholera in recent months.  The U.S. 
Embassy advises its personnel to avoid shellfish and other food sold 
by streetside vendors or in establishments where hygiene may be 
dubious.  For additional health information, travelers may contact 
the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at 
(404) 332-4559.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the 
country in which they are traveling.  Penalties in El Salvador for 
possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and 
convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.

Other Information:  The Salvadoran constitution prohibits 
foreigners from participating in domestic political activities, 
including public demonstrations.  The government of El Salvador 
considers such involvement to be a violation of the participant's 
tourist visa status.

Mine removal efforts are underway, but land mines in back country 
regions have caused numerous unintended casualties and pose a threat 
to off-the-road tourists, backpackers and campers.

Registration:  Americans who register with the Consular Section of 
the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador may obtain updated information on 
travel and security within El Salvador.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in El Salvador is located at 
Final Boulevard Santa Elena, Urbanization Santa Elena, Antigua 
Cuscatlan, San Salvador, El Salvador, telephone (503) 78-4444.

No. 93-137

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 27, 1992 
to add updated information on crime and security in El Salvador.