Message for U.S. Citizens: U.S. Embassy San Salvador, El Salvador (March 30, 2020)

Location: El Salvador

As of March 30, the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador has assisted 1,438 U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents to return to the United States through humanitarian and evacuation flights. Seven additional humanitarian and evacuation flights with an estimated 1,224 passengers are scheduled through April 3.

Humanitarian Flights:

United Airlines notified the U.S. Embassy that they will offer humanitarian flights for U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents from El Salvador to Houston, TX. United Airlines is a private company. To purchase a ticket, please visit www.united.com, email corporativosal@united.com or call 2207-2040 / 2136-7590. Please do not contact the Embassy to purchase a ticket.

Eastern Airlines notified the U.S. Embassy that they will offer a humanitarian flight for U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents from El Salvador to Los Angeles, CA. Eastern Airlines is a private company and you can purchase a ticket by visiting https://goeasternair.com/. Please do not contact the Embassy to purchase a ticket. Eastern Airlines is offering a flight on the following date.

  • Tuesday, March 31 – Los Angeles, CA (LAX) – Departure: 5:30 p.m. (tickets still available)

Evacuation Flights:

The United States Embassy in El Salvador continues to coordinate U.S. government operated evacuation flights from the international airport in El Salvador. These flights are for U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents only. While the exact cost of the flights has not been determined, the price should be comparable to a full-fare economy commercial flight available before the COVID-19 outbreak.

You must fill out this form (CLICK HERE) as soon as possible if you want to be contacted by phone or email when evacuation flights become available. Please do not call the U.S. Embassy to place your name on the list for possible evacuation flights. Evacuation flight departure times and destinations within the United States are subject to change without notice.

Traveling to the airport:

  • Passengers with return tickets to the United States should consider 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
  • We strongly recommend U.S. citizens utilize a private taxi service (yellow cab) or Uber to transit to the airport. The Government of El Salvador has authorized the use of these

services during the nation-wide quarantine. We understand the Government of El Salvador regulations stipulate one person per vehicle.

  • The airlines will provide documents confirming your flight. Please print this letter and a copy of your ticket to present at checkpoints when traveling to the
  • Normal services at the airport are closed. Please take snacks, food, and water that you may need for your
  • We suggest travelers carry additional cash for their trip to cover any unexpected expenses.

Please continue to monitor the Embassy website and social media accounts for additional options as they become available.

The U.S. Embassy will continue 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:

Assistance: