Emergencies: how to reach the Salvadoran consulate
If you or a Salvadoran relative are in an urgent situation in the United States, these are the channels for help.
If a life is in danger, call 911 first.
Quick answer
For consular emergencies from the United States, call the Virtual Consulate at 1-888-301-1130 (toll-free) or message WhatsApp +503 7070-1071. For detained people, repatriation and locating relatives, the Foreign Ministry answers at +503 2231-2950. We found no official 24-hour line: if a life is in danger, call 911.
Help lines
- Virtual Consulate: information, appointments and assistance (toll-free from the US and Canada) (888) 301-1130 Monday to Friday 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The time zone is not stated.
- Virtual Consulate WhatsApp +503 7070-1071 Free from any country.
- Humanitarian assistance and protection: detained people, locating relatives, repatriation of sick and deceased persons, migrant children +503 2231-2950 Foreign Ministry number in San Salvador (international call).
- Repatriation of the deceased (Foreign Ministry) +503 2231-1373 The +503 2231-2950 line also handles these cases.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (switchboard) +503 2231-1000
What to do in your situation
A relative was detained by immigration or the police
Call the Virtual Consulate (1-888-301-1130) or the humanitarian line (+503 2231-2950) with the person's full name, date of birth and, if you have it, their DUI or passport number and place of detention. The consulate can guide the family and the detained person, but it does not replace a lawyer. For legal defense, look for an accredited immigration attorney or an organization recognized by the Department of Justice.
A Salvadoran relative died in the United States
Contact the local consulate or the Foreign Ministry (+503 2231-1373 or +503 2231-2950) for guidance on repatriation. The consulate legalizes the documents needed to transport the remains (consular fee: $20). Have the death certificate and the person's DUI or passport at hand.
You lost your passport and need to travel soon
Book a passport replacement appointment as soon as possible. Replacement after theft or loss costs $80 (passport plus sworn statement) and is usually issued the same day. Bring your valid DUI. Read the passport guide.
You are looking for a relative or a migrant child
The Foreign Ministry's humanitarian line (+503 2231-2950) handles locating relatives and cases involving migrant children. Have the person's details, last known location and a recent photo ready.
Sources
- Cancillería: Consulado Virtual
- Portal de Citas del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores
- Cancillería: repatriación de salvadoreños fallecidos en el exterior
- Cancillería: contacto
Confirm this detail with the consulate before you go.