Health Alert – U.S. Embassy San Salvador, El Salvador (March 23, 2020)
Location: El Salvador
Event:
The United States Embassy in El Salvador continues to arrange transportation options for U.S. citizens seeking to return to the United States. We are in the process of coordinating evacuation flights from the international airport in El Salvador. These flights are for U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States. We are actively working to arrange additional travel possibilities. We urge travelers not to go to the airport without first receiving confirmation from the U.S. Embassy with official flight details.
We are compiling a list of persons seeking to return to the United States. If you have not already done so, please enroll in STEP (see below). If you have not already registered your interest in returning to the United States through the form on our website, please send your name and contact information to our email address, SanSalvadorUSCitizen@state.gov,so that we can contact you as soon as we have any updates. Due to high call volume, we recommend you utilize these communication options.
Your email message should include the following information:
- Your full name as spelled in your passport.
- Information we can use to contact you now – a current phone number and email address.
- Your date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY).
- Your passport number, and its date of issuance and expiration. If it is not a U.S. passport, please note the country that issued it. Please also note any non-U.S. citizen immediate family members traveling with you.
- Please note your current location (city and department) and any special needs you may have, such as medical issues.
- Billing address in the United States.
- Emergency contact in the United States.
- Emergency contact phone number.
Commercial Transportation Options:
- Eastern Airlines notified the U.S. Embassy they will offer a commercial flight from El Salvador to Houston, TX on Wednesday, March 25. Eastern Airlines is a private company and this flight is not arranged by the U.S. government. You can purchase a ticket by visiting https://goeasternair.com/. Please do not contact the Embassy to purchase a ticket.
- Avianca Airlines notified the U.S. Embassy that it created an online signup page for travelers to express interest in flights departing from El Salvador to the United States. These are not guaranteed flights, but rather Avianca is compiling a list of individuals interested in returning to the United States. If you are interested, please respond immediately through the link. Please do not contact the Embassy to purchase a ticket.
All travelers should be aware of the following:
- Anyone with flu-like symptoms will not be allowed to board a flight. Travelers exhibiting flu-like symptoms should not come to the airport.These individuals should self-quarantine and seek medical attention if their symptoms worsen.
- We strongly recommend U.S. citizens utilize a private taxi service (yellow cab) to transit to the airport. The Government of El Salvador has authorized the use of these taxi services during the nation-wide quarantine. We suggest travelers carry additional cash for their trip to cover any unexpected expenses.
- Normal services at the airport are closed. Please take snacks, food, and water that you may need for your trip.
The U.S. Embassy will contiue to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program:
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to receive emergency messages. To enroll in STEP, visit https://step.state.gov/.
Actions to Take:
- Monitor the webpage and twitter account of the Ministry of Health.
- Check the twitter account of the General Directorate of Migration of El Salvador for more information regarding entry restrictions.
- Consult entry restrictions at 503-2213-7778 or 503-2213-7700 or online at www.migracion.gob.sv
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in El Salvador
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy San Salvador, El SalvadorFinal Boulevard Santa ElenaAntiguo Cuscatlán, La LibertadTelephone: 503-2501-2999 (24 hour phone line)ACSSanSal@state.govhttps://sv.usembassy.gov/
- State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- El Salvador Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security update
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter