Ecuador travel advice – GOV.UK

The International, Commonwealth and Progress Place of work (FCDO) advises from all but crucial vacation to places inside of 20km of the Ecuadorean border with Colombia, besides:

• the El Angel ecological reserve in Carchi province
• the Rumachica border crossing, the town of Tulcan, and the Pan American Highway in Carchi province

Travelling to parts in just 20km of the Ecuadorean border with Colombia to which the FCDO advises from all but vital vacation to carries significant pitfalls owing to the presence of organised crime linked to the generation and trafficking of prescription drugs.

Because the conclude of March 2023 there has been a series of smaller explosions, and also untrue alarms, in Quito and Guayaquil. Some were being detonated by safety forces in controlled explosions. The explosions have resulted in some home problems but no accidents or deaths. Should really an incident come about in the vicinity of wherever you are, comply with the recommendations of police and area authorities.

Thanks to a sequence of safety incidents in and all-around the metropolis of Guayaquil, a condition of emergency was declared, with outcome from 2 April 2023, in Ecuador’s Zone 8. Zone 8 handles the towns of Guayaquil, Samborondón and Duran, and areas in the provinces of Santa Elena and Los Ríos. See map of Ecuador’s Zones below. A curfew is in location from 01:00 to 05:00 local time.

At the end of February 2023, safety and crime incidents were being noted in Esmeraldas province. A 60 working day state of emergency (from 3 March) was declared in Esmeraldas province, with a curfew staying in put from 21:00 to 05:00 nearby time. British people are advised to be additional vigilant if travelling to this region and to observe community information and official guidelines. See Crime

The protection situation in the areas of Esmeraldas, Carchi and Sucumbios provinces, which lie outside the house the 20km border zone can adjust rapidly. If you are travelling to these places, together with Cuyabeno, the Napo river, and the El Angel ecological reserve exactly where there are a number of eco lodges, you should really acquire community guidance, shell out close notice to warnings issued by the Ecuadorean authorities and be specially careful and vigilant. Unlawful armed teams and legal gangs are present in these areas. Travelling in the course of daylight hours and with a reliable operator with official guides, unexpected emergency designs and very good interaction programs will minimize hazards. Some lodges are a extended distance from the nearest main medical center and helicopter evacuation may be vital in an emergency. See Neighborhood journey

In 2019 and 2022, Ecuador saw nationwide political protests. Some protests grew to become violent, particularly in Quito, and led to a variety of fatalities. Steer clear of any protests or demonstrations and keep up to date with improvement through formal neighborhood sources.

It is far more essential than at any time to get journey insurance policy and test it gives sufficient include. See the FCDO’s direction on international vacation insurance coverage.

All over 2,500 British nationals frequented Ecuador in 2021, and 12,400 among January and September 2022. Most visits are problems no cost.

Terrorist assaults in Ecuador can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism

Ecuador is positioned in an region of powerful seismic exercise. There is a substantial risk of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. You ought to make guaranteed you are conscious of the threats and are common with the applicable protection and evacuation methods. In the function of a pure disaster, you really should keep track of formal channels – the Ecuadorean Countrywide Geophysical Institute and the Nationwide Provider for Threat and Unexpected emergency Management (each Spanish only) – and observe the assistance of the area authorities. See Pure disasters

Circumstances of armed theft are expanding and petty crime is widespread. See Crime

Uk wellness authorities have classified Ecuador as owning a threat of Zika virus transmission. For extra information and facts and information, go to the website of the National Travel Wellness Network and Centre web-site.

If you’re overseas and you have to have crisis assist from the British isles federal government, speak to the closest British embassy, consulate or superior fee. Consular guidance may be minimal in elements of Ecuador.

The Overseas Organization Possibility support provides information and facts and tips for British providers working overseas on how to take care of political, financial, and business protection-similar challenges.