El Salvador National Elections

March 11, 2009

To: All American Citizens
From: American Citizens Services Unit, Consular Section

This Warden Message is to remind U.S. citizens traveling to El Salvador that Salvadoran presidential elections will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2009.  The Government of El Salvador appears to be well prepared for the elections and expects to be able to ensure the safety and security of voting sites.

The U.S Embassy advises American Citizens to take prudent steps to ensure their personal safety in the coming days.  There may be large crowds or traffic disruptions in areas near polling stations.  The Feria Internacional in San Salvador is the largest polling place in the country and traffic will most likely be congested in that area throughout the day and evening.  Additionally, the headquarters for public announcements and election results will be at the Radisson hotel, so we expect heavy congestion in that area beginning in the early evening on Sunday.

24 hours prior to the opening of the polls, "Ley Seca" will be enforced throughout the country.  This means that all bars and stores will be banned from selling alcohol.  This ban continues until 24 hours after the elections.  In addition, beginning at midnight on Saturday, March 14 through 0800 hours Monday March 16 there will be additional road blocks and police checkpoints set up throughout the country.  Police will be checking for alcohol and weapons at these check-points in light of the election.  Please keep this in mind while going about your business.

For your personal security during this time we also suggest:

• Limit your movements on Sunday.  If you do not have a need to leave your place of residence on Sunday, it is best to stay home.
• If you must be out, avoid areas where there are large crowds of people, rallies, protests, and demonstrations.
• Do not wear any garments with the names of political parties, their logos, closely identified colors (e.g., red, or a combination of red, white and blue, or green) or slogans.
• Do not go to any polling station unless it is in an official capacity.  DO NOT accompany Salvadoran friends or family who may be voting.
• Avoid the areas of the Radisson in San Salvador and the Feria Internacional.
• The Embassy in San Salvador has advised its American employees to avoid travel outside of San Salvador, and advises all other American Citizens to minimize their travel on Sunday.  If you must go out use extra caution, ensure your car windows are up and doors locked, and always carry your cell phone with you.

The U.S. Embassy in El Salvador reminds U.S. citizen travelers that their activities in El Salvador are governed by Salvadoran law and the type of visa they are issued.  Under Salvadoran law, all foreigners who participate directly or indirectly in the internal political affairs of the country (i.e. political rallies, protests) lose the right to remain in El Salvador, regardless of visa status or residency in El Salvador.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Americans living or traveling in Honduras are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Honduras.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador is located at Final Boulevard Santa Elena Sur, Urbanizacion Santa Elena, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La Libertad, telephone 011-503-2501-2999, fax 011-503-2278-5522, e-mail: congensansal@state.gov

The Embassy's web site can be accessed here.  The Consular Section is open for U.S. citizens' services from 8:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. weekdays, excluding U.S. and Salvadoran holidays.  After business hours, the Embassy can be contacted by telephone at 011-503-2501-2316 or 011-503-2501-2253.

The U.S. Embassy in Honduras is located on Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa; telephone (504) 238 5114, after hours telephone (504) 236 8497; Consular Section fax (504) 237 1792; E-mail: usahonduras@state.gov Web page: http://honduras.usembassy.gov