Is El Salvador Safe in 2025.
Once known as one of the most dangerous countries in the world, El Salvador has undergone a dramatic transformation. Learn the facts, see the data, and understand what safety looks like for expats and families today.
Safety & Security Transformation
El Salvador has achieved one of the most dramatic security improvements in modern history. With crime reduced by over 70%, the country is becoming one of Latin America’s safer destinations for expats and families.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Citizens from the US, Canada, the EU, and many other countries can enter El Salvador visa-free for up to 90 days. Extensions may be possible, but they are temporary solutions. If you plan to stay long term, residency is the proper path.
- In 2015, El Salvador’s homicide rate was one of the highest in the world at 103 per 100,000.
- By 2023, that number had dropped to fewer than 8 per 100,000 — a reduction of more than 90 percent.
- The government’s crackdown on gangs has restored safety in most urban and rural areas.
- Today, El Salvador’s homicide rate is lower than many US cities.
Where Expats and Families Feel Secure
Expats and returning Salvadorans are finding safety and community in many areas, including:
- San Salvador: Safe neighborhoods such as Escalón, Santa Elena, and San Benito.
- Coastal Towns: Surf destinations like El Zonte and El Tunco with strong international communities.
- Santa Ana and San Miguel: Secondary cities with growing expat populations.
- Mountain Retreats: Areas like Ataco and Juayúa offering quiet, community-focused living.
- While caution is always wise, expats living in these areas report a strong sense of safety and community.
Living Safely Day to Day
For expats and families, safety in El Salvador today feels very different than just a few years ago.
- Walking in central districts at night is safer than before.
- Public events and markets are lively and family-friendly.
- Police and military presence remains strong in many areas.
- Locals report higher confidence in public spaces.
- Practical tips for safety:
- Choose neighborhoods with good security and infrastructure.
- Build local relationships for stronger integration.
- Use common-sense precautions as you would in any developing country.
What You Still Need to Know
While El Salvador is much safer today, challenges remain.
- Bureaucracy and legal systems can still be slow.
- Petty theft and scams occasionally occur in tourist zones.
- Rural areas may have less infrastructure and fewer services.
- Preparation, guidance, and local connections are essential for a smooth transition.
El Salvador Safety Compared to the Region
El Salvador now has a lower homicide rate than:
- Mexico
- Honduras
- Colombia
- Several US cities including Baltimore, St. Louis, and New Orleans
- This makes El Salvador one of the safer relocation choices in the Americas for families, entrepreneurs, and Bitcoiners seeking sovereignty.
The Safety Dashboard
Our interactive Safety Dashboard compiles:
- Government statistics
- UN and NGO data
- Real-time expat community reports
- This allows you to see clear, unbiased information about El Salvador’s transformation.
Free El Salvador Safety Report 2024
Download our comprehensive safety report with neighborhood breakdowns, relocation tips, and security checklists.
El Salvador is Safer Than You Think.
Do not let outdated headlines dictate your future. The country has transformed. Safe neighborhoods, vibrant communities, and a government focused on sovereignty make El Salvador a real option for relocation.
Now is the time to evaluate the opportunity for yourself.