Ecuador Travel Risk Level

Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to risk of crime , terrorism , unrest , and kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. U.S. government employees working in Ecuador are not allowed to travel to these areas due to safety risks: In Guayaquil, Nueva Prosperina and Pascuales districts, and all areas south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue. Huaquillas and Arenillas, in El Oro province. Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo, in Los Rios province. Duran, in Guayas province. Esmeraldas City and all areas north of Esmeraldas City, in Esmeraldas province. The area north of Esmeraldas City to the Colombian border and east to Carchi province. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas due to the safety risks . Crime and kidnapping. Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador. Violent crime connected to drug trafficking is common, including murder, assault, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Areas with transnational criminal organizations have much higher rates of violent crime. U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents have been victims of kidnapping and extortion. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Ecuador. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Unrest Demonstrations happen across the country. They are usually driven by political or economic reasons. Demonstrators often block local roads and major highways without warning. Demonstrations can also disrupt transportation and other essential services. Local and U.S. government assistance Most of Ecuador’s land is empty and remote, especially outside big towns and cities. Help from local authorities the U.S. government may be very limited in remote areas, causing delays. Do Not Travel to these areas due to crime and terrorism : In Guayaquil, Nueva Prosperina and Pascuales districts , and all areas south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue . H

Higher-risk regions — Level 4 (Do Not Travel): due to crime and terrorism : In Guayaquil, Nueva Prosperina and Pascuales districts , and all areas south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue . H

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel Coastal Region FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Coastal Region provinces of: Esmeraldas Manabí Santa Elena Guayas El Oro Los Ríos Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas This does not apply to airside transit within Guayaquil Airport in Guayas province. Within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border, except for these areas in Carchi province: El Ángel Ecological Reserve Rumichaca border crossing the town of Tulcán the Pan-American Highway Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel . State of Emergency The Ecuadorean government has declared a 60-day state of emergency as of 15 September, for security reasons in the following 8 provinces: Guayas Manabí Santa Elena Los Ríos El Oro Pichincha Esmeraldas Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas The state of emergency includes the following cantons: La Maná (Cotopaxi province) Las Naves (Bolívar province) Camilo Ponce Enriquez (Azuay province) The State of Emergency will mean greater police and military presence on the streets. It includes curfew hours (from 12am to 5am) for the provinces of El Oro, Guayas, Los Rios and Manabi, from 17 to 30 September. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expense

Higher-risk regions — Advise against all but essential travel: Coastal Region FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Coastal Region provinces of: Esmeraldas Manabí Santa Elena Guayas El Oro Los Ríos Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas This does not…

France Diplomatie : vigilance renforcée sur l'ensemble du pays (jaune).

Higher-risk regions — Travel formally advised against: (en rouge sur la carte) En raison de la présence de groupes armés, notamment liée au narcotrafic, les voyages sont formellement déconseillés sur toute la zone frontalière entre l’Équateur et la…

Auswärtiges Amt: Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise (general travel and security advice); no travel warning in effect.