State Department officials decreased the risk level in the public travel advisory for El Salvador earlier this month as crime and gang activity decrease amid aggressive reforms in the nation.

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has overseen an effort to break the power of gangs in the Latin American country and to incarcerate violent criminals who once dominated the nation. The new travel advisory noted that there has been a “drop in violent crimes and murders,” meaning that Americans can now travel with an increased level of safety in El Salvador.

“While crime remains a concern in El Salvador, there has been a significant reduction in gang-related activity and associated crime in the last two years,” the updated advisory said.

American government employees can travel “throughout the country during daylight hours” but still cannot travel between most “cities or departments after dark” or utilize public buses.

The number of homicides reported by the government of El Salvador decreased substantially last year, falling from 495 murders in 2022 to a much lower 154 murders in 2023. That marks a homicide rate of 2.4 per every 100,000 people, which is one of the lowest in the Americas.

El Salvador entered into a state of emergency two years ago, allowing government officials to arrest anyone suspected of gang activity. The country has constructed a new high-security prison complex for those convicted of life sentences for the most severe gang offenses.

State Department officials also warned Americans to use major highways, and avoid travel outside of cities after dark, refrain from displaying open signs of wealth such as watches or jewelry, and hire local certified guides when hiking through backcountry areas.