What's New in El Salvador
El Salvador is changing fast. Here are the new projects and programs that matter most to families moving here, newest first, each with a link to the announcement.
October 13, 2026: Spanish group plans $2.9 billion for energy and water
President Nayib Bukele announced that Spain's Grupo Cox plans to invest about $2.9 billion in El Salvador: about $1.8 billion in natural gas infrastructure, about $500 million in solar plants and power storage, and more than $600 million in water and sanitation. He called it the largest private investment in the country's history. No timeline was announced. El Diario de Hoy
In the book: Chapter 22.
October 13, 2026: A new bridge to Guatemala at La Hachadura
President Nayib Bukele inaugurated the General Manuel José Arce binational bridge over the río Paz, linking La Hachadura, in Ahuachapán, with Ciudad Pedro de Alvarado, Guatemala. At 420 meters, it is the second-longest bridge in the country, with new migration offices and access roads. Traffic was crossing by October 15, 2026. El Diario de Hoy
In the book: Chapter 18. See also Driving & Vehicles.
September 23, 2026: A new center for chronic illness in San Salvador
The Ministry of Health (MINSAL) opened the Centro Especializado de Enfermedades No Transmisibles (CENT) for patients in San Salvador department with diabetes, some cancers, kidney disease, and other chronic conditions. Patients are referred by their public health unit. MINSAL
In the book: Chapter 26.
September 15, 2026: A new road to Los Toles, near the Guatemalan border
President Nayib Bukele inaugurated a 15-kilometer road from Arco Durán, in Ahuachapán, to the Los Toles area near the border with Guatemala. The road was widened from 3 or 4 meters to 8 meters. Infobae
In the book: Chapter 18. See also Driving & Vehicles.
June 25, 2026: The US keeps El Salvador at "Level 1," its safest travel rating
The US State Department reissued its travel advisory at Level 1, "Exercise normal precautions," on June 25, 2026. El Salvador has been at Level 1 since April 8, 2025, after the sharp drop in gang activity since 2022. US State Department
June 23, 2026: A new Arrivals Terminal at the international airport
CEPA, the government's port and airport authority, opened a 24,000-square-meter Arrivals Terminal at the Aeropuerto Internacional de El Salvador, San Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez, with escalators straight to immigration. CEPA
June 1, 2026: The new Hospital Rosales opens
President Bukele opened the new Hospital Rosales, the national public hospital in San Salvador, with nine operating rooms, 61 intensive and intermediate care spaces, and a robotic surgery room. Diario El Mundo
In the book: Chapter 26.
March 2026: Family lanes at the airport
The international airport earned the Family Friendly seal, part of First Lady Gabriela de Bukele's "El Salvador Family Friendly" initiative. Families now have their own lanes at check-in and at immigration on arrival, plus family bathrooms, nursing rooms, and play areas. CEPA
November 15, 2025: The new Mercado San Miguelito opens to shoppers
San Salvador's rebuilt Mercado San Miguelito, inaugurated by President Bukele on August 26, 2025, opened to shoppers with 1,040 stalls on four levels: produce, spices, food, crafts, and clothing. El Diario de Hoy
August 21, 2025: The diaspora law takes effect
The Ley Especial de Beneficios y Protección para la Diáspora, proposed by President Bukele's government and approved by the Legislative Assembly on August 7, 2025, lets qualifying Salvadorans bring household goods, vehicles, and work tools home duty-free. Diario Oficial
In the book: Chapter 7. See also The Repatriación Benefit.
August 12, 2025: Two cable-stayed bridges over the Torola River
President Bukele inaugurated the San Antonio (157 meters) and Carolina (179 meters) cable-stayed bridges in northern San Miguel. Diario El Mundo
In the book: Chapter 18. See also Driving & Vehicles.
May 22, 2025: "Dos Escuelas por Día" begins
President Bukele launched a program that starts work on two public schools every day, weekends and holidays included. By May 2026, 210 schools had been completed. Infobae
April 3, 2025: The El Cuco to Punta Mango coastal road
The first phase of Surf City circuit 2, a road of about 13 kilometers between El Cuco and Punta Mango, opened access to beaches and coastal communities in the east. Presidencia de la República
In the book: Chapter 18. See also Driving & Vehicles.
Also worth knowing
- BINAES, the new National Library, opened in San Salvador's Centro Histórico on November 14, 2023, with a youth floor and technology areas. Ministerio de Cultura
- Crecer Juntos, First Lady Gabriela de Bukele's national early-childhood policy, and the Ley Nacer con Cariño for respectful birth and newborn care. Presidencia de la República
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Last checked: October 2026
The book behind these resources
Moving to El Salvador
One family's real move, turned into a clear, step-by-step roadmap.
Paperwork and residency. Banking and taxes. Shipping a household, finding a home, schools, health care, and getting around. Written for those returning home and those arriving for the first time.