Ecuador is at Level 2: exercise increased caution

There was no change to the advisory level.  The "terrorism” risk indicator was added.  Advisory summary was updated.  

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

Do Not Travel to these areas due to terrorism and crime:

• Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue.
• The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the province of El Oro.
• The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios.
• The canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas.
• 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.

Reconsider Travel to these areas due to terrorism and crime:

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

Advisory Summary: 

Crime and kidnapping

Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador. Violent crime typically associated with narcotrafficking is common. It includes murder, assault, kidnapping, and armed robbery.  Areas with transnational criminal organizations see much higher rates of violent crime. U.S. citizens and LPRs 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. 

Demonstrations

• Demonstrations happen across the country.
• They are usually driven by political or economic reasons.
• Demonstrators often block local roads and major highways without warning, disrupting access to important infrastructure.  

Local and U.S. Government Assistance

• Most of Ecuador’s land is empty and remote, especially outside big towns and cities.
• Local and U.S. government help may be very limited in remote areas. This may cause delays for U.S. citizens in remote areas.

Land Border Restrictions

• Foreign citizens entering the country by land from Colombia or Peru must show a certificate of no criminal record. This certificate must be apostilled. You can find more information on the Ministry of Tourism’s webpage and at Ecuador.Travel.
• The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General in Ecuador cannot help you get the necessary documents for crossing a land border.
• U.S. citizens planning to enter Ecuador via a land border should check the State Department’s Office of Authentications webpage and Criminal Records Check webpage. These pages have information on getting a criminal record check and apostille from the United States.

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

Risks in specific areas

Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to these areas for any reason due to terrorism and crime.

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

Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.

Terrorists, Transnational Criminal Groups, and Local Gangs

• Terrorist and other criminal organizations often commit violent acts in these areas, including sudden attacks in public places, often without warning.
• Violent crimes can involve murder, targeted assassinations, armed robberies, bombings, kidnappings, and assaults.
• Violence in these areas has risen both in frequency and brutality recently, posing a security risk to U.S. citizens.
• U.S. government employees working in Ecuador must get special permission to travel to these areas.  
• The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel to these areas due to terrorism and crime:

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

Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.

Terrorist and other criminal organizations have engaged in violent activity in these areas. Recently, this violence has increased. U.S. government personnel must be very careful and stay alert when traveling in and around these areas. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas.

If you decide to travel to Ecuador:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. 
• Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones. If you are taken hostage, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to confirm that you are being held captive and alive.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds. 
• Check local media for breaking news.
• Review the Country Security Report for Ecuador.
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Ecuador.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel.  Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
• Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime.

Review Travel to High-Risk Areas