The U.S. State Department revised its travel advisory for El Salvador this week, elevating the nation’s safety rating to a level exceeding that of several popular European destinations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio attributed this improvement primarily to the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, stating his efforts were “crucial in enhancing security for foreign visitors.”
According to the updated advisory, which now designates El Salvador as “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions,” a significant decline has been observed in various areas:
- Gang activity
- Violent crime
- Murders
“Keeping Americans safe abroad is our top priority,” Rubio affirmed.
The shift in El Salvador’s advisory stands in contrast to travel advisories for countries like Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden, which all currently maintain a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” rating. While the State Department cautions about potential terrorism risks across Europe, specific concerns regarding “civil unrest” have been noted for both France and Spain.
President Bukele responded to the announcement with enthusiasm, declaring, “El Salvador just got the U.S. State Department’s travel gold star: Level 1: safest it gets.”
The news resonated widely online, with one influential X user commenting, “EL SALVADOR NOW SAFER THAN MOST OF EUROPE.” Even Elon Musk responded to this observation with a simple “Wow.” Musk, known for his views on immigration and recent support for the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party in Germany, has previously voiced concerns about mass migration in Western Europe.
Furthermore, President Donald Trump is scheduled to host President Bukele at the White House on April 14th. A White House briefing indicated this meeting will focus on “El Salvador’s partnership regarding the use of their supermax prison for members of Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs, and how El Salvador’s cooperation with the United States has become a model for others.”
The U.S. has been utilizing El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) to house individuals removed under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798; so far, over 200 people have been transferred there, including those associated with criminal gangs.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently toured CECOT, underscoring the significance of this collaboration between the two nations.
