From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- El Salvador
Date: 17 Dec 1992 10:53:30 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - El Salvador
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El Salvador - Consular Information Sheet
 December 15, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in El Salvador is located at 
Final Boulevard Santa Elena, Urbanizacion Santa Elena, Antiguo 
Cuscatlan; telephone 78-4444.

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 
to El Salvador.  There are no airport visas or tourist cards 
available for last-minute entry.  For additional information, 
travelers can contact the consular section of the Embassy of El 
Salvador at 1010 16th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, DC  
20036, tel. (202)331-4032, or the nearest consulate in Houston, Los 
Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, New Orleans, New York or Chicago.

Security:  The Peace accords signed on January 16, 1992 between the 
Government of El Salvador and the Farabundo Marti National 
Liberation Front (FMLN) have resulted in a cessation of hostilities 
and have been marked by increased travel throughout the country by 
Salvadorans and foreigners alike.

--Although all of the accords have not been fulfilled within the 
timeframe originally prescribed, particularly the demobilization of 
the FMLN forces, there is no indication that hostilities will 
resume.  Indiscriminate attacks by the FMLN against civilian targets 
should no longer pose a particular threat to travelers.

--The U.S. Embassy in San Salvador advises its personnel to avoid 
travel on unpaved roads in the northern and eastern regions of El 
Salvador and all travel after dark outside of metropolitan areas 
because of poor road conditions, the unavailability of emergency 
services and random banditry.

--Travelers into back country regions may risk injury from land 
mines which have caused numerous unintended casualties and which 
will continue to pose a threat until extensive demining occurs.

--Former conflictive zones and safe conduct passes 
(Salvaconductos):  Government of El Salvador regulations governing 
the issuance of Salvaconductos for travel to certain areas of the 
country are still in place.  At present, however, these regulations 
are not being implemented and travel throughout the country is 
permitted without prior permission.  Travel into the 15 zones of 
FMLN concentration prior to demobilization is risky and access to 
these areas may be impeded or controlled by FMLN security forces.  
Those planning to travel outside of major metropolitan areas may 
consult the Consular Section about the location of these zones.

Crime Information:  Common crime is prevalent throughout El 
Salvador, including the capital, the beach areas and the road from 
the capital to the international airport.  United States citizens 
are not singled out for robberies or assaults.

--The U.S. Embassy advises its personnel to drive with their doors 
locked and windows partially raised, and strongly discourages travel 
via car on roads or highways outside of the capital or other 
metropolitan areas between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. because of the 
crime situation and general road safety conditions.

Deserted park or beach areas in particular can be dangerous.  
Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal 
security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of 
State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad".  It is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office 
Washington, DC  20402. 

Medical Facilities:  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.  For additional health information, 
travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control's 
international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy 
jail sentences and fines.

Tips for Travelers:  The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for 
Travelers to Central and South America" is also available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Registration:  Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy during a 
visit to El Salvador can also obtain current information on travel 
and security.

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.

 No. 92-126

This Consular Information Sheet replaces the one issued October 27, 
1992 to provide updated information on the crime and security 
conditions.


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