Travel Summary
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We advise against all travel to the areas bordering Colombia in the province of Sucumbios, due to the risks of guerrilla activity in these areas. Visitors to southern parts of Sucumbios should exercise caution due to the risks of criminal activity.
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We advise against travel to Baños City due to increased activity of the Tungurahua volcano, which began on 31 December 2009. See the Natural Disasters (Tungurahua) section of this Travel Advice.
- In November 2009, a series of power cuts were ordered by the Ecuadorian Government. Please see the Natural Disasters (El Niño) section of this Travel Advice.
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Crime is still on theincrease. See the Crime section of this Travel Advice.
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Road travel can be dangerous due to bad driving, poor condition of roads and ill-maintained vehicles. In April 2008 five British Citizens were killed and others injured in a collision between a bus and a lorry in Manabi. See the Road Travel section of this Travel Advice.
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Around 27,600 British nationals visited Ecuador in 2008 (Source: Ecuadorian Immigration Records). Most visits were trouble-free. 33 British nationals required consular assistance in Ecuador in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (14 cases); hospitalisations (8 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (2 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (92 cases). See the Crime section of this Travel Advice.
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There is a low threat from terrorism, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
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With effect from 4 June 2009, foreigners wishing to marry to an Ecuadorian citizen in Ecuador must have resided in Ecuador for at least 75 continuous days before being eligible. See the Entry Requirements section for more details.
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We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should ensure that your policy covers you for all the activities you plan to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
On 30 September 2009, the Ecuadorian Government announced a 60 day ‘state of exception’ (state of emergency) for the cities of Guayaquil, Quito and Manta in response to the current crime wave. This enabled Ecuadorian military forces to be used in conjunction with police units, with an increase in vehicle checkpoints. Although this action ended in December 2009, Ecuadorian nationals and foreigners are still advised to carry their identity documents at all times. If driving, ensure you have your driving licence, vehicle insurance papers (SOAT) and registration card (matricula) with you at all times.
Cases of serious armed robbery are on the increase, and muggings and pick pocketing are common. Backpackers are seen as an easy target. In Quito, you should be particularly wary in ‘La Carolina’ and ‘El Ejido’ parks, and in ‘La Mariscal’, 'La Carolina', 'La Floresta' and ‘La Marin’ districts, as well as in the old town and the central bus station. In Guayaquil, be particularly cautious in the Kennedy, Alborada, Urdesa and Malecon Simon Bolivar districts. You should avoid wearing expensive jewellery when walking in the streets and travelling on public transport. We recommend that you wear your rucksack on the front of your body and avoid storing anything under your seat or in overhead luggage space. Keep a close watch on your bags and belongings when in restaurants or cafes as thieves are constantly on the lookout to make a ‘grab and run’.
Rape and sexual assault is a growing problem in Ecuador. The most recent case involving a British national took place in November 2008 in Vilcabamba in the south of the country, where the victim was drugged. There have also been a growing number of reports of rape and armed attacks on visitors in both rural and urban areas. British and other foreign nationals have been affected. The areas surrounding the antennas of Volcan Pichincha and the 'Teleferico' (cable car), in Quito are particularly vulnerable. In July 2008 the police arrested a suspect thought to have been responsible for the attacks around the 'Teleferico'. However, because of its isolation we continue to recommend that you avoid hiking in the area outside the 'Teleferico' upper platform, towards the Ruco Pichincha, and to be very wary when in the vicinity of the cable car installation.
For more information see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad.
A British national was shot dead in February 2009 in Pedernales, in the north west of Manabi province, in the coastal region of Ecuador, while undertaking conservation work. We advise you to seek as much local information as possible about the safety of the area you will be visiting before travelling. We also advise you to be alert and to travel in a group whenever possible.
There has also been a large increase in the number of robberies outside banks in Quito, especially in the northern part of the city. The authorities suspect that gang members inside banks inform others outside when a potential target withdraws cash. Both Ecuadorians and foreigners have been targeted. You should exercise caution when withdrawing money from a bank or cash point. Avoid isolated cash machines and/or ATM's in the street.
There has been an upsurge in cases of assailants using drugs to subdue victims. Home made versions of the drug 'scopolamine', which is made in Ecuador for medical use, leave victims in a sedated, compliant state and cause amnesia. The drug is administered through food, drinks, cigarettes, aerosols, or powder. In at least one incident drugs were administered through a chemical soaked into a leaflet. You should be wary of unsolicited approaches from strangers offering you food, drinks, leaflets, telephone cards or cigarettes, no matter how friendly or well dressed they appear.
Armed robbery is a constant hazard throughout Ecuador. In early March 2008 a hotel in the Mindo area, north-west of Quito, was robbed at gunpoint. Nine British tourists were among the victims, though none were physically injured. Armed robberies have also taken place over the years in other areas where jungle lodges are located. For this reason we advise general caution when booking or staying in remote hotel locations throughout Ecuador.
Armed assaults involving serious violence continue to increase throughout Ecuador, especially in Quito and Guayaquil. On 13 September, in an attempted robbery, a French citizen was shot by two men while in a taxi in the area of Guapulo in Quito, and later died, allegedly as a result of having not received prompt medical attention. The clinic which treated her has been reported to have demanded prior payment guarantees as a condition for treatment.
‘Express kidnappings’ are a common crime in Ecuador. Both Ecuadorians and foreign visitors are targets. In June 2009 a British tourist was ‘express-kidnapped’ from a hotel in the north of Quito. The kidnappings involve short-term opportunistic abductions aimed at extracting cash from victims who are selected at random. They are held while criminals empty their bank accounts using the victims’ bank cards. Once the money has been taken the victim has usually been released in an isolated area. However, victims are now often forced to take their abductors to their homes once the money has been withdrawn, and violence against victims is becoming more common. Be particularly aware of the dangers in Guayaquil and in the south of Ecuador, including at the Ecuador/Peru border crossings of Macará and Huaquillas, as most reported incidents happen in these areas.
The number of cases of attacks by drivers of unregistered taxis has also risen. For your own safety, you should only use authorised taxis (yellow cabs) that display their taxi registration sticker on the windscreen or doors. You should avoid hailing taxis on the street, and should instead book one through your hotel or by calling a known radio taxi service. Larger supermarkets and airports also have taxi ranks.
Armed gunmen regularly hold up buses at night. You should not travel by road after dark, in particular on long distance and international buses. Cases involving British nationals have been reported at the Macará and Huaquillas Ecuador/Peru border crossings and in the provinces of El Oro, Los Rios, Guayas, Azuay, Manabi, Tungurahua, Chimborazo and Imbabura. You should also avoid taking interstate buses that have a reputation for stopping en route to pick up passengers as many bandits use this means to attack passengers.
Political Situation
Ecuador Country Profile
In September and October 2009 there were several demonstrations against the government. On 30 September, a demonstration in Macas in the province of Morona Santiago reportedly led to the death of at least one person and injury to others, including members of the security forces.
Local Travel
Street demonstrations, protests and strikes are common in Ecuador. Although most are peaceful, some can turn violent. You should monitor local media and take care to avoid any area in which large crowds are gathering.
You should avoid all travel to the border areas in the northern province of Sucumbios including the town of Lago Agrio. Colombian guerilla groups and criminal gangs are known to have influence in all areas bordering Colombia. Foreigners, including oil workers, are targets in these areas and the crime rate is high. In July 2002, a British oil worker and his driver were kidnapped and subsequently killed.
Travel to the areas immediately bordering Colombia in Carchi province (except Tulcan city) and San Lorenzo town in the north of Esmeraldas province are particularly dangerous as a result of criminal activity and organised crime, including drug trafficking, armed assaults, extortion, kidnapping, the illegal arms trade and violent murder.
Road Travel
To hire a car you must hold a valid British or international driving licence. The Ecuadorian police also recommend the use of a local temporary driver permit. You should carry your passport, driving licence, vehicle registration and proof of insurance with you.
Road conditions are generally unpredictable in Andean and coastal areas. The situation around the country always deteriorates following heavy rains, particularly between January and June and heavy rains and mudslides often close or wash away roads. There were serious landslides on the routes Aloag-Santo Domingo connecting Quito and Guayaquil, and Calacali-La Independencia as a result of heavy rains in February 2009. The Loja-Vilcabamba route in the south of Ecuador was also damaged by heavy landslides on 4 April, and road access was restricted.
Serious accidents are common due to poor road conditions. Driving can also be dangerous because of the poor condition of vehicles and careless driving. On 12 April 2008 near the coastal town of Jipijapa in the province of Manabi, a collision between a bus carrying foreign tourists and a lorry resulted in the deaths of five British nationals. When taking public buses in Ecuador, you are advised to check the reputation of the bus company and ensure that that the company is insured with a 'SOAT', a ‘mandatory traffic accident insurance policy’.
Road conditions in the Amazon region are generally very poor and driving is hazardous.
When taking yellow taxis in the major cities you should ensure that the taxi meter is reset. The minimum charge in Quito is USD 1, even if the meter registers less.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
Rail Travel
Some tourists travelling by train on the Riobamba to Devil’s Nose route follow the local custom of travelling on the roof of the train. We advise against this because of the serious risks posed by cables and bridges along the route. In early 2007 two Japanese passengers travelling on the roof died after being struck by a cable suspended across the track. Two British tourists were also injured.
Air Travel
You should reconfirm your onward flight at least 72 hours before departure, even if you have an electronic ticket.
Quito international airport departure tax is US$40.80. International departures from Guayaquil cost US$27.16.
For more general information see Airline Security.
Sea Travel
There have been incidences of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around Ecuador’s waters. Mariners are advised to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions.
For more general information see River and Sea Safety.
Local laws and customs
For more general information for different types of travellers see Your trip.
Entry requirements
Visas
If you enter Ecuador via the border with Peru or Colombia you must insist on being given an entry stamp at the border showing the date of your arrival. There have been cases of buses not stopping at the border, which has caused difficulties for foreign visitors.
Overstaying without permission from the immigration authorities is an offence and will result in a US$200 fine and deportation. In order to avoid a fine you should ensure that you get an entry stamp in your passport on arrival in the country and that you leave before the 90 days is up. If for any reason you overstay, you will have to pay the fine at a bank and take the deposit slip to show to the immigration authorities at the airport. You need to be aware that once you have paid the fine you have 48 hours to leave the country. We recommend that you avoid overstaying because you will not be allowed back into Ecuador for six months and your name could remain on immigration records.
If you are thinking of joining one of the “volunteer” or “adventure expeditions” programmes, particularly popular with gap-year students, we advise you to ensure that the organisation is fully represented or partnered in Ecuador. It is important to reassure yourself that any agent in Ecuador has sufficient autonomy to act in an emergency. We recommend that you register with the British Embassy on arrival in Ecuador. This can be done on-line using the LOCATE service.
Passport validity
Travelling with children
Health
Malaria and Dengue Fever are health risks in all coastal and jungle provinces, the interior and in the highlands below 2000 metres. Malaria is found mainly in the coastal province of Esmeraldas. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of Dengue Fever across the region, for which there is no vaccination or immunisation. Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year.
High altitude, such as in Quito (2,800 metres) can affect your health. If visiting Quito you are advised to take it easy for the first few days and drink plenty of water.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 25,000 adults aged 15 or over in Ecuador were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.3% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Ecuador and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Natural disasters
Volcanoes
One of Ecuador's attractions are the many active volcanoes found throughout the country, but their natural beauty hides serious dangers For further information, see the National Ecuadorian Geophysics Institute website (in Spanish) or Smithsonian Global Volcano Programme website (in English). If travelling in these areas, you should follow media reports and the advice or instructions of the local authorities.
Tungurahua
Tungurahua volcano, near the resort of Baños has shown increasing activity since late 31 December 2009. Baños city experienced seismic tremors and light ash falls. On 3 January, lava started to flow from the volcano and explosive noises could be heard in the surrounding area. Activity has increased since 11 January 2010, with greater ash flow towards the south west part of the volcano. The presence of lava, ash and volcanic rocks could generate mud flow (lahars) and landslides during the expected rains, cutting off roads. The Ecuadorian authorities have forbidden all access to the volcano and its immediate surroundings. We therefore advise against all travel to the volcano in all directions, including Baños city until further notice.
In late 2007 and early 2008 volcanic activity in Tungurahua, increased significantly. On 6 February 2008 Tungurahua erupted, expelling burning rocks towards the north west, west and south west of the volcano. The ash affected many areas in Tungurahua and Chimborazo provinces, and parts of the province of Cañar. Some rural families were evacuated. Intensity of the volcano's activity was variable in 2008, increasing in frequency and force in June 2009. Landslides, known locally as 'lahars' - created by rain mixed with volcanic rocks and mud - regularly cut off road communication between Baños and Ambato and/or Puyo, but access is usually re-established relatively quickly.
If you are in Baños when an emergency occurs you should to try to reach the evacuation shelters on the east side of town, around 'Santa Ana' neighbourhood. This is on the main road out of Baños towards Puyo. Evacuation routes are marked with yellow arrows throughout the town. There is also a siren system to alert people to evacuate.
Reventador
On 8 November 2008 Reventador volcano, in Napo Province, began to show increased activity, expelling burning rocks, lava and ash. The volcano's activity has now reduced, but you are still advised not to attempt to climb the volcano.
Sangay
Sangay volcano, located between the provinces of Chimborazo and Morona Santiago, has increased in activity since the end of December 2006.
Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi volcano, in Cotopaxi province, is a popular visitor location due to its closeness to the capital, and it is climbed by many amateur mountaineers. Its activity closely monitored by the Ecuadorian authorities and considered active, but not currently dangerous.
Earth tremors
Earth tremors happen most of the time, although many are not felt. Generally there are between 100 and 200 noticeable tremors (4 and above on the Richter Scale) per year throughout Ecuador and most happen in coastal regions. On 15 August 2007, there were minor tremors throughout Ecuador, although mainly felt in the southern coastal regions, due to a major earthquake in Peru. In 200 the seismic activity decreased, with only two major events in the Guayaquil Gulf and Santa Elena province (above 5 on the Richter scale). In 2009 most of the seismic events were located in the coastal region (Guayas, Manabi, Esmeraldas Provinces and in the Pacific Ocean) with 4 and above on the Richter scale.
El Niño
Ecuador is vulnerable to the irregular 'El Niño' climatic phenomenon. Coastal regions are normally the most affected but also at risk are the jungle regions of Orellana, Morona Santiago and Sucumbios (for security reasons we advise against travel to the north of this Province), where heavy rains and widespread flooding can occur. Other 'El Niño' effects include the risk of landslides in the regions of Bolivar, Cañarand Azuay; and a hotter climate in all parts of Ecuador.
In November 2009, the Ecuadorian Government announced a national energy emergency due to severe drought which has affected the whole country. Power cuts have been ordered during certain hours throughout Ecuador, which could be extended until the February-March 2010.
General
Insurance
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see our Travel Insurance page.
Here's how we can help if things go wrong.
Registering with the British Embassy
We advise all travellers to register with the British Embassy using our on-line LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.
