El Salvador: Easter Holy Week March 25 to April 1 /update 1

Event

Christian Holy Week will take place this year between Sunday, March 25 (Palm Sunday), and Sunday, April 1 (Easter Sunday). Holy Week is a major travel period in the region, when individuals visit family, go on vacation, or go on pilgrimage to religious sites. As such, increased congestion at travel hubs, demand for hotels (and higher prices), and car traffic in cities and on highways is to be anticipated, along with possible business, store, and government office closures.

On Thursday, March 22, Salvadoran authorities announced a plan to ensure safety and security at border crossings during the week. The plan includes increased numbers of border personnel to account for the increase in demand as well as the reinforcement of security at borders and on adjacent roads. Earlier, on March 13, the Salvadoran National Civil Police (PNC) announced that 17,000 officers will be deployed nationwide to secure religious events, recreational areas, and tourist areas.

Advice

Individuals in El Salvador are advised to remain vigilant, report all suspicious objects and behavior, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

More generally, visitors to El Salvador should note that some Western governments advise against using all public transportation in El Salvador, including passenger buses, and to avoid nonessential travel to various parts of the country due to security concerns. Individuals present in El Salvador are advised to maintain a low profile (conceal signs of wealth), drive with windows closed and doors locked, and keep in mind that criminals may be armed (do not resist if confronted, and do not look your attacker directly in the eye).