Preparations, Logistics, Necessary Information
Travel Documents
The following information applies to U.S. citizens. For other nationalities, please verify information with a Salvadoran Embassy (San Francisco).
A snapshot of Antiguo Cuscatlan
A valid passport is required. A visa is not required. However, at no cost, the Salvadoran Embassy will issue a multiple visa that is good for five (5) years. A tourist card can be purchased at the airport upon arrival in El Salvador for $10. The tourist card is usually issued for no more than 90 days. A departure tax of approximately $28 is required at the airport when leaving.
Health Recommendations
The following are one physician's recommendations for staying healthy while in El Salvador. Please contact your local travel clinic or consult the Center for Disease Control's traveler's health website for further information.
You will need a Hepatitis A injection. This should be given at least two weeks prior to arrival in El Salvador. Gamma Globulin (2 ccs) is an alternative. (Hepatitis B vaccine and the Yellow Fever vaccine are not necessary.)
Exposure to Malaria is possible in rural areas. Chloroquine 500 mg. weekly for two weeks before arrival, while in the country, and for four weeks after your return is advised. Bring mosquito repellent. (This may be purchased in El Salvador.)
An oral Typhoid vaccine (one capsule every other day for four doses) will prevent typhoid fever. Long-term volunteers, especially those in rural communities, should consider this but it probably is not necessary for the short-term volunteer.
Travel to a developing country is a good time to update your other immunizations such as Tetanus and Measles.
The best way to avoid Traveler's Diarrhea is to watch what you eat and drink. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables that are not peeled. Anything that is well cooked and hot is usually o.k. Bottled water is a must for North Americans and will always be made available.
Accommodations
Short-term volunteers (e.g. surgical intervention "campaigns") will generally be housed at our base house or a simple guesthouse in the city. Long-term volunteers most often will be provided housing with a family in the community where the clinic or service is located. Rural accommodations are sparse. Indoor toilets are a rarity.
Learn more about the San Salvador Base House.
Local Currency
The Salvadoran currency is the U.S. Dollar. Salvadoran banks will not change U.S. bills that are torn, stained, or worn-out. Small denominations are usually best.
Weather, Clothing
The weather is warm to hot. The rainy season generally runs from late May to early October. December and January are cooler in the evenings. Dress in rural areas is lightweight and casual, generally jeans or "Dockers" and T-shirts. Shorts usually are restricted to leisure activities. Comfortable shoes are a must; it is good to have both closed shoes and a pair of sandals. The dress code in San Salvador and other larger cities is more formal than in rural areas. Salvadorans make a significant effort to present themselves well and appreciate it when visitors do the same.
Itinerary
The El Salvador Health Mission Coordinator, Kathy Garcia (541) 686-7324, will assist the volunteer with travel arrangements to El Salvador. Volunteers will be met at the Comalapa (San Salvador) airport by the El Salvador based staff and transported to the San Salvador base house. The El Salvador based staff will provide orientation to the country, appropriate to the stay (short- or long-term), as well as transportation and orientation to their place of service.
Luggage
We will ask that you take one or more pieces of check-in luggage that will be provided by the El Salvador Health Mission Coordinator. These will have supplies and medicines to be used for this and future missions. This will enable you to take one piece of check in luggage as well as a carry on for personal use.
Safety & Security Reminders
In order to accompany the people of El Salvador, we must be aware of the many levels at which violence affects their daily lives. You should be aware that although political crime is not nearly as common as it was during the civil war, civil crime has increased and gang activity recently introduced. Some reminders are important:
Always be aware of where you are going and the people around you.
Follow advice of staff regarding your passport, plane tickets, extra cash, etc.
Do not wear conspicuous jewelry or watches.
Be aware that El Salvador continues to be a very politicized country. Avoid speaking in public places or with strangers about political views. Be sensitive about El Salvador's history and realize that in conversation you may unknowingly touch sensitive political, personal and religious issues. Always respect the right of Salvadorans not to answer certain questions.
At the Airport in El Salvador
Immigration and customs have been made much more efficient than in the past. If you have not applied through the Salvadoran Embassy in San Francisco for a Visa, you must purchase a Tourist Card in the Customs line for $10. (If you are a long-term volunteer, the U.S. El Salvador Health Mission Coordinator will have advised you to secure a visa that is provided at no charge and is valid for five years.) Once you have your bags, you will proceed through the bag check area. A green light lets you pass; a red light means that your bags will be inspected. It's "the luck of the draw!" Mission staff will meet you outside the baggage area.
When You Leave El Salvador
You will be accompanied to the airport by Mission staff. You will need approximately $28 for the exit tax.
© El Salvador Health Mission