Travel Vaccines and Advice for El Salvador
With a rich history of native tribes and colonialism, El Salvador is a great destination.
From the capital city of San Salvador to its beautiful coasts, the country has much to offer travellers.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for El Salvador?
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for El Salvador?
What Is the Climate Like in El Salvador?
How Safe Is El Salvador?
Volcanoes In El Salvador
What Should I Take To El Salvador?
Canadian Embassy in El Salvador
Do I Need Vaccines for El Salvador?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for El Salvador. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for El Salvador: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for El Salvador |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for El Salvador |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Zika is a risk in El Salvador. Pregnant women should avoid travelling to El Salvador. Zika can cause severe birth defects. All travellers should prevent mosquito bites and sexual exposure to Zika. Cover exposed skin, stay inside as much as possible and sleep with a mosquito net.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for El Salvador?
A passport which is valid for at least 6 months beyond the expected departure date is required to enter El Salvador. No business or tourist visa is required but upon arrival, all tourists must purchase a tourist card for $10 USD and is valid for 30 to 90 days.
El Salvador Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to El Salvador? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of El Salvador and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Due to border agreements, travellers can enter Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua if they have entered El Salvador. You are able to travel between these four countries for up to 90 days.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in El Salvador?
The climate of El Salvador is tropical and has a wet and dry season. The rainy season is from May to October with rainfall reaching over 175 centimetres. The dry season is from November to April. Average temperatures in El Salvador are in the low-20’s. The mountain regions are much cooler throughout the year, especially in winter.
How Safe Is El Salvador?
Travellers should consider the risks of travel to El Salvador as they plan their trip. High crime rates and the presence of high profile gangs like MS-13 has increased travel risks.
If you are travelling to El Salvador to visit their national parks, do not travel alone. Armed robberies are common in national parks. It’s important to always bring a guide or a person of authority with you. The National Civilian Police are able to provide this for you.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in tourist areas. Travellers should not walk, run or cycle in insecure areas. Avoid travel on public transit and only use taxis stationed at major hotels.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
Volcanoes In El Salvador
The largest tourist attractions in El Salvador are national parks. The country’s national parks dedicated to volcanoes are a must-visit. El Salvador is home to a variety of volcano types including dormant and active.
Some of the most popular and well-known volcanoes in El Salvador include Praque Nacional Los Volcanoes, Volcan Izalco, and Volcan Chaparrastique.
Praque Nacional Los Volcanoes is a lush national park. It is home to tropical bird species such as toucans. The park provides opportunities for both hiking and camping as well as day trips. The park holds three volcanoes and is one of the largest national parks in El Salvador.
What Should I Take To El Salvador?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to El Salvador:
- Mosquito net and repellent to prevent against Zika and dengue.
- Bring rain gear especially if you’re travelling during the rainy season. Warmer clothing may help when travelling to higher altitudes.
- Try to pack modest clothing if you want to fit in with the locals.
- Do not forget your medication! You can find some in El Salvador, but you may not be able to find your prescriptions.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against the sun.
Canadian Embassy in El Salvador
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in El Salvador, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Embassy of Canada to El Salvador
Centro Financiero Gigante
Tower A, Lobby 2, Alameda Roosevelt and 63 Avenue S,
Colonia Escalón, San Salvador, El Salvador
Tel.: (503) 2279-4655 / (503) 2279-4657 / (503) 2279-4659
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for El Salvador
“Great service! Friendly, knowledgeable, well prepared written instructions. Confident my health is well protected for my trip to El Salvador.”
“Their nurse is the best. She is helpful, knowledgeable and professional. Can’t wait to go to El Salvador!”
“We definitely appreciated the advice provided to us. Not only we got health advice but also entry and Exit requirements, climates info and safety for El Salvador which we were not expecting. The nurse was really nice and she knew what she was talking about. Overall it was still a good experience.”
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