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?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in 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?
Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site
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: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- 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. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - 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. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - 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. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for El Salvador |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| 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. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for El Salvador |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| 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. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads through contaminated food and water sources. Vaccination is recommended for travellers and those at risk, along with maintaining good hygiene and food safety.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. The hepatitis A vaccine is an effective prevention method, administered in two shots over six months. The vaccine is recommended for travellers to areas with high hepatitis A rates and certain high-risk groups.
- Rabies – Rabies is a life-threatening viral infection transmitted primarily through bites and scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is the key to prevention, offering pre-exposure protection to high-risk individuals and post-exposure treatment for those exposed to rabies.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B prevention relies on vaccination as the most effective measure, recommended for all travellers and critical for healthcare workers. Practicing safe sex and using sterile equipment for body modifications are also key in reducing transmission risks.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are contagious diseases transmitted via respiratory droplets and touch. Preventing these illnesses is primarily achieved through vaccination, using the MMR vaccine. It’s administered in two doses and provides immunity against all three viruses.
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.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in El Salvador
Prevent Bug Bites in El Salvador
Prevent bug bites by covering up and using insect repellents with DEET or picaridin. If bitten, wash the bite, resist scratching, and soothe with hydrocortisone or antihistamines. Seek urgent care for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in El Salvador
When eating abroad, prioritize cooked and hot foods, choose reputable eateries, and practice good hand hygiene. Stick to bottled or sealed beverages, avoid tap water, and enjoy hot drinks or alcohol responsibly. To avoid travellers’ diarrhea, follow these tips: eat well-prepared foods, drink safe water, maintain hand hygiene, consider probiotics, and be selective about local dishes.
Altitude Sickness in El Salvador
Altitude sickness, marked by symptoms such as headaches and fatigue due to low oxygen levels at high elevations. AMS can be avoided through gradual ascent, hydration, and certain medications like acetazolamide. If AMS strikes, descending promptly to lower altitudes, resting, and seeking medical assistance if symptoms persist are crucial steps for recovery.
Infections To Be Aware of in El Salvador
- Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis) – Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by kissing bugs, requires prevention through insecticide control and avoiding the kissing bug.
- Dengue – Dengue fever, a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, is characterized by symptoms like high fever and rash. Prevention involves protective measures against mosquito bites and eliminating breeding sites. For those affected, seeking prompt medical care, staying hydrated, and using specific pain relievers under guidance is essential for recovery.
- Leishmaniasis – Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by infected sand flies. It poses a significant health threat to humans and animals. Preventive measures include using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and staying indoors during peak sand fly activity.
- Zika – Zika, a virus carried by Aedes mosquitoes, can pose risks, particularly for pregnant women. Preventing Zika requires using mosquito repellent, practicing safe sex, and getting rid of mosquito breeding sites.
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 180 centimetres. The dry season is from November to April. Average temperatures in El Salvador are around 20. The mountain regions are much cooler throughout the year, especially in winter.
How Safe Is El Salvador?
If you’re travelling to El Salvador, it’s important to stay safe. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
- Do some research before you go, so you know what areas are safe to visit.
- Stick to well-lit and well-traveled areas, especially at night.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts.
- Don’t show off your valuables, like jewelry or electronics, and try not to carry too much cash.
- Use reputable transportation services, like licensed taxis.
- Keep your important documents, like your passport, in a safe place.
- Learn some basic Spanish to help you communicate with locals.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip to El Salvador.
Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site
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Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site is a special place in El Salvador where you can see what an ancient Mayan village looked like a long time ago. The village was covered by volcanic ash almost 1,400 years ago and was preserved under the ash. This makes Joya de Cerén a unique site where you can learn about the daily life of the Mayan people from a long time ago.
People may want to visit Joya de Cerén to learn about history and culture, and because it’s a special experience. It’s an opportunity to see something that’s not found in many places in the world. Visitors can explore the ruins, see what the Mayan people used to cook with, sleep on, and use for communal activities. There are also artifacts like pottery, tools, and jewelry to see.
Guided tours are available in different languages to help people understand the site and the history of the Mayan people. The museum on the site shows artifacts and provides more information about Mayan culture and history. Visiting Joya de Cerén can be a great way to learn something new and interesting.
What Should I Take to El Salvador?
If you are travelling to El Salvador, you should pack appropriate clothes for the country’s warm and humid weather. Bring lightweight clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops. You should also pack sun protection items such as sunscreen with a high SPF, a hat, sunglasses, and a cover-up. Mosquitoes can be common, so don’t forget insect repellent with DEET.
Comfortable shoes are necessary for walking and hiking on El Salvador’s uneven terrain. If you plan on going to the beach, bring swimwear. El Salvador has a rainy season from May to October, so pack rain gear like a poncho or rain jacket.
In El Salvador, cash is widely used, so it is a good idea to bring small bills. Credit cards are also widely accepted in major cities. A basic first-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic cream, and pain relievers is recommended. Spanish is the official language, so it is helpful to bring a phrasebook or download a language app.
If you are travelling from outside the Americas, you may need a travel adapter for your electronic devices.
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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