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Ecuador Travel Advisory

Travel advisory march 8, 2024, ecuador - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Updated with information about the current state of emergency and crime information in the province of Guayas.

Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to  civil unrest,   crime , and kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. U.S. embassy and consulate personnel are prohibited from traveling to some areas due to increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to:

  • Guayaquil north of Portete de Tarquí Avenue due to crime .
  • El Oro province outside the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas, due to crime .
  • Los Rios province outside the cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo, due to crime .
  • All areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to crime .
  • The provinces of Sucumbíos, Manabí, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo due to crime .

Do not travel to:

  • Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarquí Avenue, due to  crime .
  • The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the province of El Oro, due to crime .
  • The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios, due to crime .
  • The canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas, due to crime .
  • Esmeraldas city and all areas north of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to crime .

Country Summary : Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador. Violent crime, such as murder, assault, kidnapping, and armed robbery, is prevalent and widespread. The rate of violent crime is significantly higher in areas where transnational criminal organizations are concentrated.

Demonstrations occur frequently throughout the country, usually motivated by political and/or economic factors.  Demonstrators routinely block local roads and major highways, often without prior notice. Past demonstrations have varied in duration, with some extending for several days or weeks. Blocked roads may significantly reduce access to public transportation, health services, and airports and may disrupt travel both within and between cities.

Outside of Ecuador’s urban and semi-urban population centers, much of the country’s territory is sparsely populated and isolated. First responders’ and U.S. government officials’ access to rural and remote regions of the country is often extremely limited and can lead to significant delays in assistance to U.S. citizens in these areas.

Ongoing State of Emergency:  On January 8, 2024, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a nationwide state of emergency for a period of 60 days. On March 7, 2024, President Noboa announced a 30-day extension to the state of emergency through April 8, 2024. U.S. citizens should be aware of several temporary rules applicable to residents and foreigners in Ecuador due to the state of emergency:

  • There is a nationwide curfew in effect for the duration of the state of emergency. Curfew restrictions vary based on location. For specific guidance, please refer to official curfew guidance issued by the Government of Ecuador. There is an exception for individuals traveling to and from the airports with a scheduled flight during curfew hours. U.S. citizens traveling to or from the airport during curfew hours should carry their flight itinerary and passport. 
  • All foreign citizens entering the country via land border crossings from Colombia or Peru are required to present an apostilled certificate showing a lack of criminal record. See Travel.State.Gov ’s Office of Authentications webpage and Criminal Records Checks webpage for information on how to obtain a criminal record check and apostille from the United States. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Ecuador cannot assist citizens crossing a land border in obtaining the required documentation. 
  • For additional information and updates to the state of emergency, please track official communications from the Government of Ecuador.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on traveling to Ecuador.

If you decide to travel to Ecuador:

  •  Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook ,  Twitter , and  Instagram
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Ecuador.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Level 4: Do Not Travel

Guayaquil,  south  of Portete de Tarquí Avenue, due to  crime .

The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the Province of El Oro, due to  crime .

The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios, due to  crime.

The canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas, due to crime.

Esmeraldas city and all areas north of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to  crime .

Transnational criminal groups and local gangs regularly engage in violent criminal acts in these areas, including indiscriminate attacks without warning in public spaces. Violent crimes have included murder, targeted assassinations, armed robberies, bombings, kidnappings, and assaults, among others. Violence in these areas has steadily increased in frequency and brutality in recent months, posing an increased security risk to U.S. citizens. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to these areas without prior authorization. As a result, the U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Guayaquil  north  of Portete de Tarquí Avenue, due to  crime .

El Oro province outside the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas, due to  crime .

Los Rios province outside the cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo, due to  crime .

All areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to  crime.

The provinces of Sucumbíos, Manabí, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo, due to  crime.

Transnational criminal groups and local gangs have sporadically engaged in violent criminal activity in these areas, with violence increasing in recent months. U.S. government personnel are directed to exercise extreme caution and maintain increased vigilance when traveling in and around these areas. 

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Travel Advisory Levels

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department of state travel advisory ecuador

Following ‘nationwide state of emergency,’ State Dept. issues travel advisory to South American spot

  • Published: Mar. 25, 2024, 7:51 p.m.

TRAVEL ADVISORY ECUADOR

Soldiers patrol the perimeter of Inca prison during a state of emergency in Quito, Ecuador, Jan. 9, 2024, in the wake of the apparent escape of a powerful gang leader from prison. (Associated Press/Dolores Ochoa) AP

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The U.S. Department of State is urging citizens to avoid traveling to Ecuador and is currently limiting travel for U.S. personnel in the country due to civil unrest, crime and kidnapping.

The level 2 travel advisory follows the March 7 extension of a nationwide state of emergency to continue through April 8.

According to the travel advisory, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared on Jan. 8 that a nationwide state of emergency was in effect for 60 days due to an “internal armed conflict” and military action being taken against organized criminal gangs throughout the country.

The U.S. Embassy in Ecuador points out that violent crimes such as murder, assault, kidnapping and armed robbery are common across the country and that the rate of violent crime is significantly higher in areas where criminal organizations operate.

The embassy also warns that demonstrations frequently take place in the country and that demonstrators often block local roads and major highways.

With some demonstrations lasting weeks, blocked roads may significantly reduce access to public transportation, health services and airports, and travel within and between cities.

The embassy goes on to say that with much of the country’s territory being sparsely populated and isolated, first responders’ and U.S. government officials’ access is extremely limited and can lead to significant delays in assistance to U.S. citizens.

In 2023, there were approximately 44.5 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in Ecuador — almost double the homicide rate of 25.9 reported in 2022.

If you decide to travel to Ecuador, the State Department suggests you:

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram
  • Review the Country Security Report for Ecuador.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

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department of state travel advisory ecuador

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US Department of State - Ecuador Travel Advisory

Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Demonstrations and road blockades continue throughout the country and are expected to continue in the coming weeks. There are reports of associated pockets of violence. Police have responded with tear gas. Travel, including flights, may be seriously disrupted. 

The U.S. Embassy has restricted its personnel from traveling within and between cities and provinces until further notice, except for travel to the Galapagos Islands and domestic airline connections that are part of an international itinerary. This includes both travel by air and road. For Embassy Quito personnel, travel is restricted to within the greater Quito metropolitan area. For U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil personnel, travel is restricted to within the city of Guayaquil.

Do not travel to:

  • Azuay, Bolívar, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Guayas (including Guayaquil), Imbabura, Loja, Los Ríos, Manabí, Pichincha (including Quito), and Tungurahua provinces due to civil unrest .
  • Within and between cities and provinces due to civil unrest .
  • Carchi, Sucumbíos, and the northern part of Esmeraldas provinces, including Esmeraldas city, due to  crime .

Read the Safety and Security section on the  country information page .

If you decide to travel to Ecuador:

  • Do not travel within and between cities and provinces.
  • Avoid demonstration areas.
  • Monitor local media for updates on road closures and flight cancellations.
  • Ensure you have adequate supplies of water, food, and fuel.
  • Review your flight status with your airline or at the Quito / Guayaquil airport websites.
  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook ,  Twitter , and  Instagram .
  • Review the  Crime and Safety Reports  for Ecuador.
  • U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Azuay, Bolivar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Guayas (including Guayaquil), Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabí, Pichincha (including Quito), Sucumbíos, Tungurahua, and northern Esmeraldas provinces – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Transnational crime groups operating in Esmeraldas province have engaged in violent crime and killed local citizens in addition to carrying out bombings targeting Ecuadorian military and law enforcement.

The U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Colombian border area, as U.S. government personnel cannot travel to the provinces of Esmeraldas, Carchi, and Sucumbíos without permission from the Embassy’s security office. However, U.S. government personnel are permitted to travel to the northern bank of the Napo River in Sucumbíos, an area approximately four miles wide, and the portion of Esmeraldas province that is south of Esmeraldas city.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ecuador.html

© 2006-2024 Seven Corners Inc. + 303 Congressional Blvd., Carmel, IN 46032 + 800-335-0611 Seven Corners is one of the industry's most experienced travel health insurance providers. The company serves leisure, student, business, government and missionary/volunteer travelers. It offers an extensive selection of international medical and travel insurance policies to U.S. citizens traveling overseas, or foreign nationals visiting the United States. Seven Corners has thousands of policy holders and a worldwide network of over 30,000 agents. The company created and maintains the industry's most comprehensive network of international health care providers that includes thousands of doctors, pharmacies and hospitals around the globe. Seven Corners is a member of the United States Travel Insurance Association; is GSA certified and is currently pursuing a SAS 70 Type II compliant designation. In addition to travel medical insurance, Seven Corners also offers health care administration to the government sector. The company is privately held and headquartered just north of Indianapolis in Carmel, IN.

department of state travel advisory ecuador

Travel to Ecuador Amid State of Emergency - What You Need to Know

This is not the right time to visit the popular South American tourist destination of Ecuador.

The country is under turmoil and in a state of emergency after the escape of an infamous gang member. 

Ecuador officials set it as a 60-day state of emergency. 

The United States posted security alerts about the state of emergency. However as of Monday, January 15, there have been no new travel advisories issued by the United States Department of State. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11p.m. to 5 a.m.

Visitors are asked to stay abreast of the situation through the Ecuador Ministry of Tourism.

The issues have been going on since January 7 when gang leader Adolfo Macias escaped from prison. That began a spate of violence, including a well-publicized takeover of a television station in city of Guayaquil.

Ecuador’s military has been patrolling certain cities for more than a week now.

The airports in the country remain open, but several commercial airlines have canceled their flights. Visitors are advised to check with their individual airline.

Though no travel advisory has been issued, it is better to be more cautious and be safe than sorry. Most of the country is safe, however, although it is probably best to avoid big cities like Quito.

For those who have already booked a trip, travel insurance is unlikely to reimburse you since there is no travel advisory. There is only a warning from the Ministry of Tourism that read “Exceptions to the curfew include passengers travelling to/from airports who will need to show their passports or ID and their relevant boarding pass or flight booking. … For all airports, only passengers will be allowed to enter the airport, family members and friends will not be allowed into the terminals to drop off or pick up passengers. … Travelers are likely to see increased military and police presence around key public buildings, airports and on the streets. This may also include closure of the public buildings, shopping centers and key tourist destinations. You should monitor local media and stay away from areas involving increased security activity.”'

Panorama of Quito

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Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

Map - Ecuador

There are no notices currently in effect for Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

  • Chickenpox (Varicella)
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
  • Flu (influenza)
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Ecuador.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Ecuador. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Ecuador.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Ecuador take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Ecuador.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Ecuador. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Ecuador, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

  • Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
  • Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
  • Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Ecuador. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in any of these countries .

Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to areas <2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, east of the Andes Mountains, in the provinces of Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbíos, Tungurahua,* and Zamora-Chinchipe. Generally not recommended for travel limited to areas <2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, west of the Andes Mountains, in the provinces of Esmeraldas,* Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Santa Elena, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, and designated areas in the provinces of Azuay, Bolívar, Cañar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Imbabura, Loja, and Pichincha. Not recommended for travel limited to areas >2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, the cities of Guayaquil or Quito (the capital), or the Galápagos Islands *CDC recommendations differ from those published by WHO .

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

  • Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
  • Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
  • Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
  • Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites, chagas disease (american trypanosomiasis).

  • Accidentally rub feces (poop) of the triatomine bug into the bug bite, other breaks in the skin, your eyes, or mouth
  • From pregnant woman to her baby, contaminated blood products (transfusions), or contaminated food or drink.
  • Avoid Bug Bites

Chagas disease

  • Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

  • Sand fly bite
  • An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

  • Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
  • Bite from an infected rodent
  • Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
  • Avoid rodents and areas where they live
  • Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

  • Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Ecuador, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

  • Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
  • Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
  • Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
  • Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Ecuador. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
  • 2-undecanone
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Ecuador include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Ecuador. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Ecuador’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Ecuador. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Ecuador may be poor.
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Ecuador, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Ecuador, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Ecuador .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Ecuador for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Quito, Ecuador

Is it safe to travel to Ecuador right now? Latest travel advice amid state of emergency

Here is everything we know about travelling to Ecuador following the declaration of a 60-day state of emergency

Grace Beard

Ecuador, o ne of South America ’s most popular travel destinations, is currently under a state of emergency after an infamous gang member escaped from prison. There have been reports of violence, explosions and abductions of law enforcement officers in cities like Quito, Guayaquil and Quevedo. 

Understandably, foreigners in the country and those with trips booked are concerned about how safe it is to visit. Here’s everything we know so far about travelling to Ecuador right now.

Is it safe to travel to Ecuador?

While there has been no official advice issued against travelling to Ecuador, a 60-day state of emergency was declared on January 8, and tourists were advised to stay put in their accommodation. That advice has since been lifted, but there is a daily curfew from 11pm to 5am. Travellers are advised to follow updates from Ecuador’s  Ministry of Tourism on official channels.

What is going on in Ecuador right now?

On Sunday, January 7, notorious gang leader Adolfo Macias escaped from prison, sparking a series of riots and violent attacks across the country. There have been reports of looting, burning vehicles, gunfire, explosions and abductions of police officers. A live TV broadcast was stormed by gunmen in the city of Guayaquil.

President  Daniel Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency on January 8. In an attempt to crack down on gang violence, the military has been enlisted to patrol cities and prisons. 

What is the UK Foreign Office advising?

The UK  Foreign Office has not officially advised against travel to the country, but it updated its advice on January 10 to advise against all but essential travel within 20 km of the Ecuador-Colombia border. On January 12, this advice was expanded to include the following coastal region provinces:

  • Manabí
  • Santa Elena
  • Los Ríos
  • Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas

What are your rights if you’ve booked a trip to Ecuador?

Until the FCDO issues advice against all but essential travel to the country, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to claim your money back through travel insurance. If you’d like to postpone your trip, your best bet is to contact your accommodation, flight or trip provider and see what can be done. 

Have flights been cancelled?

While airports remain open, some airlines have cancelled flights. Please check your flight status with your airline or airport website. Stay in the loop: sign up to our  free Time Out Travel newsletter  for the latest travel news.

  • Grace Beard Travel Editor

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Ecuador's youngest mayor, Brigitte García, killed with her advisor amid state of emergency

department of state travel advisory ecuador

Ecuador’s youngest mayor and her press officer were found Sunday shot to death in a vehicle amid an ongoing state of emergency, police said.

Brigitte García , the 27-year-old mayor of San Vicente and member of the left-wing Citizen Revolution Party, was found alongside her advisor, Jairo Loor, in the vehicle, Ecuadorian police said in a social media post on X.

Ecuadorian police found the two that morning without vitals and with gunshot wounds, according to the social post.

Police said they’re working to figure out a motive for the shooting.

After collecting ballistics evidence and conducting a preliminary investigation, police determined the shots were fired from inside the vehicle.

Investigators continue to analyze the car's route, which appears to be rented, Ecuadorian police said in an X post shared later that afternoon.

More world news: WikiLeaks' Julian Assange may get a shot at freedom as UK court asks for US 'assurances'

'No one is safe in Ecuador,' Luisa Gonzalez, fellow Citizen Revolution Party member, says

Luisa Gonzalez, a member of the Citizen Revolution Party who ran to become president of Ecuador in 2023, called García’s death an assassination.

“I've just found out they've assassinated our fellow mayor of San Vicente Brigitte Garcia," Gonzalez said in a post on X. “I have no words… no one is safe in Ecuador.”

García’s death comes after President Daniel Noboa issued a nationwide state of emergency in January and declared Ecuador was in a “state of war” against gangs after violence ensued following "internal armed conflict” and the prison escape of alleged "Los Choneros" gang leader Adolfo "Fito" Macías.

Macías' gang is accused of numerous car bombings, kidnappings and murders, NBC News reported.

President Daniel Noboa extends nationwide state of emergency

Noboa extended the emergency order by an additional 30 days on March 7.

The 36-year-old president who designated 22 gangs as terrorist groups said the extension would help "keep military patrols going in prisons and violent areas of the country, maintain order and reduce homicides," Reuters reported.

During the emergency order, intentional homicides have been halved — dropping from an average of 24 a day to 12 a day, according to the outlet.

So far, the Ecuadorian government confirmed that 1,534 people have been arrested and five “terrorists” were killed during more than 15,000 operations around the state, the Guardian reported.

US citizens advised to 'exercise increased caution' in Ecuador, US Embassy and Consulate says

The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Ecuador advised Americans abroad to follow "all local laws, including curfew guidance and the requirement for a criminal record check for foreigners entering the country via land border crossings from Colombia or Peru."

“U.S. citizen residents and travelers should continue to exercise increased caution throughout the country, should reconsider travel to areas marked as ‘Level 3,’ and should not travel to areas marked as ‘Level 4’ in the advisory,” according to a U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Ecuador news release.

Three U.S. citizens were murdered in Ecuador in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs . The data for 2024 and 2023 was unavailable as of Tuesday.

"U.S. citizens should be aware that individuals not connected with criminal organizations may use the current conflict to commit crimes of opportunity," according to the release.

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IMAGES

  1. Ecuador Travel Advisory

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  2. Be Informed Before Takeoff: Travel Advisories Define Country-Specific

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  3. Ecuador travel advice

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  4. Understanding the State Department’s updated travel advisories

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  5. United States Travel Advisory Ecuador

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  6. Updated Ecuador Travel Advisory from the US Department of State

    department of state travel advisory ecuador

COMMENTS

  1. Ecuador Travel Advisory

    Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to civil unrest, crime, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. U.S. embassy and consulate personnel are prohibited from traveling to some areas due to increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Reconsider travel to: Guayaquil north of Portete de Tarquí Avenue due to crime.

  2. Ecuador: Travel Advisory Raised to Level 3

    Office of the Spokesperson. June 22, 2022. The Department of State raised the Travel Advisory Level for Ecuador to Level 3 - Reconsider Travel on June 22, 2022. This replaces the previous Travel Advisory issued on April 19, 2022. The full text of the updated Travel Advisory is as follows:

  3. Updated Travel Advisory and Changes to Curfew Restrictions

    Location: Nationwide. Event: Due to ongoing security concerns, the U.S. Department of State has updated the Travel Advisory for Ecuador to include the canton of Duran, located in the province of Guayas, in the list of Level 4 - Do Not Travel regions. The updated Travel Advisory also includes information for U.S. citizens about the ongoing state of emergency in Ecuador, which is also ...

  4. Travel Advisories

    Ecuador Travel Advisory : Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution: March 8, 2024: Egypt Travel Advisory : Level 3: Reconsider Travel ... Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel ...

  5. Alerts and Messages

    Alerts. Treasury Sanctions Ecuador's Notorious Los Choneros Gang and Its Leader (7 February, 2024) Updated Travel Advisory and Changes to Curfew Restrictions (2 February, 2024) Message for U.S. Citizens Nationwide State of Emergency (16 January, 2024) Security Alert: 12 January 2024 Nationwide State of Emergency in Ecuador (12 January, 2024)

  6. U.S. State Department Issues Travel Advisory Update For Ecuador

    Updated Travel Advisory For Ecuador . Ecuador has been awarded a level 2 travel advisory rating by the U.S. Department of State. This is because there is currently a state of emergency in the country.

  7. Ecuador Travel Advisory

    U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS. Travel.State.Gov > Travel Advisories > Ecuador Travel Advisory . Congressional Liaison; Special Issuance Agency; Legal Resources

  8. Is it safe to visit to Ecuador?

    The U.S. Department of State issued a travel advisory in June 2023 recommending tourists to visit the country with increased caution.

  9. Is It Safe to Travel to Ecuador Right Now?

    The U.S. Embassy in Quito noted in a Security Alert on January 12 that the June 2023 travel advisory for Ecuador remains in effect. Nationwide, the State Department rates Ecuador Level 2: Exercise ...

  10. Ecuador: As of June 23, US advises travelers to reconsider travel to

    As of June 23, the US Department of State (DoS) has raised their advisory to "Level 3 - Reconsider Travel" to Ecuador due to social unrest and crime. Additionally, the DoS "Level 4 - Do Not Travel" advisory is still in effect for areas south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue in the city of Guayaquil and Carchi and Sucumbios provinces due to crime.

  11. Ecuador

    Since June, 2021 the United States has donated 2,000,000 safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine doses with the people of Ecuador. This includes 2,000,000 Pfizer doses. Of the 2,000,000 vaccine doses, 100% were donated through bilateral agreements. The United States is committed to leading an international and coordinated effort to accelerate ...

  12. Following 'nationwide state of emergency,' State Dept. issues travel

    STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The U.S. Department of State is urging citizens to avoid traveling to Ecuador and is currently limiting travel for U.S. personnel in the country due to civil unrest, crime ...

  13. Security Alert: Travel Advisory Update and Suspension of Routine

    Date: June 22, 2022 Location: Nationwide Event: The Department of State elevated the travel advisory for Ecuador on June 22 to Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) due to civil unrest and crime. Demonstrations in the City of Quito continue to grow in size and intensity, with some reports of violence. The State of Emergency for six provinces remains in place, with a curfew in Quito from 10:00 p.m. to 5: ...

  14. Security & Emergency Messages

    Location: Ecuador Event: Please be advised that the Department of State has changed the Travel Advisory for Ecuador. The Travel Advisory has been reissued with updates to the kidnapping indicator and crime information in the provinces of El Oro, Manabí, Santo Domingo, Los Rios, Santa Elena, Cañar, and Carchi.

  15. WellAbroad

    US Department of State - Ecuador Travel Advisory : Ecuador : Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Demonstrations and road blockades continue throughout the country and are expected to continue in the coming weeks. There are reports of associated ...

  16. Travel to Ecuador Amid State of Emergency

    Ecuador officials set it as a 60-day state of emergency. ... there have been no new travel advisories issued by the United States Department of State. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and ...

  17. US Issues New Travel Advisories for Popular Destinations to Start

    The U.S. Department of State has issued a handful of new travel advisories covering Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, and Peru. In many cases, the advisories were already in place but now include various updates. All of the countries are currently categorized as a Level 2 advisory, which means "exercise increased caution" when visiting.

  18. Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands Traveler View

    Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home. Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace. While at your ...

  19. Is it safe to travel to Ecuador right now? Latest travel advice

    While there has been no official advice issued against travelling to Ecuador, a 60-day state of emergency was declared on January 8, and tourists were advised to stay put in their accommodation ...

  20. Security Alert: France Elevates Its Security Alert System (25 MAR 2024)

    U.S. Embassy Paris, France +33 (1) 43 12 22 22 [email protected]. U.S. Consulate General Marseille, France +33 (1) 43 12 22 22 [email protected]. U.S. Consulate General Strasbourg, France +33 (1) 43 12 22 22 [email protected]. State Department - Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444. France Country Specific ...

  21. Public Schedule

    SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN. Secretary Blinken is on travel to Austria, Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Israel from March 14-23, 2024. 10:00 a.m. LOCAL Secretary Blinken meets with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo, Egypt.

  22. Security Alert: 12 January 2024 Nationwide State of Emergency in Ecuador

    See Travel.State.Gov for information on how to obtain a criminal record check and apostille from the United States. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Ecuador cannot assist citizens crossing a land border in obtaining this required documentation. The guidance provided in the travel advisory of June 22, 2023 remains valid. U.S. citizen residents ...

  23. Brigitte García, Ecuador's youngest mayor, found shot to death

    Three U.S. citizens were murdered in Ecuador in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs. The data for 2024 and 2023 was unavailable as of Tuesday. The data for ...

  24. Travel Advisory: The Department of State Updated its Travel Advisory

    30-Day Extension of Nationwide State of Emergency in Ecuador; Treasury Sanctions Ecuador's Notorious Los Choneros Gang and Its Leader; Updated Travel Advisory and Changes to Curfew Restrictions; Message for U.S. Citizens Nationwide State of Emergency; Visas. Diversity Visa Program 2024; Information about the current status of visa operations

  25. Alert: Nationwide State of Emergency in Ecuador

    Alert: Nationwide State of Emergency in Ecuador. Location: Nationwide. Event: Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared on January 8 a nationwide state of emergency for a period of 60 days following the escape of a high-profile prisoner and subsequent prison riots. The state of emergency includes a nationwide curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., with exceptions for certain essential workers and ...