USA has raised to El Salvador at an unprecedented level of security, by qualifying it as a safe destination for travelers Thanks to the drastic reduction of violence in that country.
This change, held by the President Nayib Bukeleoccurs in the context of the fight against gangs started three years ago, after the statement of the state of exception, a measure that has been subject to accusations for human rights abuse.
El Salvador managed to reduce the homicides of 36 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2019 to just 1.9 in 2024.
The news is known just before the US president, Donald Trump, receives Bukele next week at White House.
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubiostressed that the significant decrease in gang activity and violence in El Salvador has been key to improving security, by qualifying the country as Level 1he safer.
And what about Guatemala?
While El Salvador receives praise for your safety advances, Guatemala Continue to face challenges.
From the December 30, 2024, The US government. Maintain the recommendation of “Reconsider travel” To Guatemala, with the same warnings for violence and criminality which have been in force since July 2023.
Despite efforts to improve security, Guatemala remains a risky destination in several areas, mainly in areas controlled by Gangs and associated with drug traffickingit is indicated.
The country maintains its classification of Level 3 (reconsider travel), With specific areas in Red zoneas San Marcos, Huehuetenango and the Zone 18 From Guatemala City, where, according to the warning, violence represents a constant threat to travelers.
San Marcos (except the city of San Marcos) – Level 4: Do not travel
The State Department indicates that San Marcos It is one high -risk area for the significant presence of drug trafficking and gangs.
Violence in this region is, in large part, under the control of drug traffickers that dominate areas outside the city of San Marcos.
In addition, many locations in that department lack sufficient police forces, and the resources of local authorities are limited to face serious crimes.
For these reasons, US government employees are prohibited from traveling to that area for personal reasons, with the exception of the city of San Marcos.
Huehuetenango (except the city of Huehuetenango) – Level 4: Do not travel
The security situation in Huehuetenango is similar to that of San Marcoswith High crime indices related to drug trafficking.
As in San Marcosseveral areas of the department are under control of drug traffickersand some areas lack sufficient police presence to face serious crimes.
Therefore, the US notice also It prohibits its employees and relatives from traveling to the entire departmentwith the exception of the city of Huehuetenango.
Zone 18 of Guatemala City and Villa Nueva – Level 4: Do not travel
The Zone 18 and New Villa They are two of the most dangerous areas of the capital.
Both are marked by high activity of gangs and violenceincluding extortion, robberies and murders.
The US government prohibits travel to these areas due to the high risk of being a victim of a violent crime, including gang attacks that control much of the territory.
The warning also extends to surrounding areas to New Villa; However, outside these areas, US government employees can mobilize within Guatemala City.
This comparison reflects the differences in the security of both countries.
Also read: The six areas of zone 1 where more assaults are recorded, according to complaints