South America and South Atlantic Islands

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 will enable Ecuadorian military forces to be used in conjunction with police units, with an increase in vehicle checkpoints.  Ecuadorian nationals and foreigners are 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. One US citizen was shot dead in mid-October as a result of an attack, which took place in the 'La Mariscal' area of the city. 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.

For more general information see Victims of Crime.

Political Situation

Ecuador Country Profile

President Rafael Correa took office on 15 January 2007.  General elections took place on 26 April 2009 and President Correa was re-elected.

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 indigenous person and injury to others, including 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 license, 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 recently introduced ‘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.

Ecuador borders Colombia and Peru.  Drug production and trafficking is widespread in both these countries, and resulting criminal activity extends into Ecuador.  You need to be aware that any involvement in the trafficking or use of illegal drugs is a serious crime for which the penalties are harsh and prison conditions are extremely grim.  Over 90% of foreign prisoners are in jail for drug related crimes.

 

It is a legal requirement to carry some form of identification with you at all times.  A photocopy of your passport pages that include your photograph and entry stamp will suffice.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your trip.

Visas

Immigration regulations for entry into Ecuador were amended in June 2008, allowing all foreign nationals to visit the country without a visa. However, people with criminal records in Ecuador may still be denied entry. On arrival in the country, the immigration police will normally allow holders of British passports to remain in Ecuador for up to 90 days.  If you are planning on staying in Ecuador for more than three months, obtain a visa from an Ecuadorian Embassy before your arrival in the country.  In certain circumstances, a 91-day extension for tourist visas can be applied for at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Please check their website for further details and requirements.

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.

Visitors entering Ecuador by land from Colombia have been asked to produce Yellow Fever vaccination certificates, so you should ensure that you have one if coming to Ecuador via this route.

 

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 easily on-line using the LOCATE service.

 

As a British national you do not need a visa before travelling to Ecuador if you intend to marry, but you will be subject to the normal immigration rules and must fulfil the new marriage regulation submitted by the Ecuadorian Registry Office on 4 June 2009. Any foreigner must reside in Ecuador for at least 75 consecutive days before being entitled to get married in this country, except for those foreigners who have registered children with Ecuadorian citizens, who are entitled to get married immediately. This new requirement aims to prevent marriages for convenience.  In certain cases, a good immigration record showing regular previous visits to Ecuador might be taken as an exception, but you should not assume that to be the case. You can contact us for further information on how to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment, or refer to the Consular services section of our UK in Ecuador website.

 

If you wish to work or study in Ecuador, you should check visa requirements with the Ecuadorian mission in London before travelling. This is also vital if you have any record of criminal activity in Ecuador, to check whether you will be allowed into the country.

 

Passport validity

 

You must ensure that your passport is valid for at least of six months from the date of your arrival.

 

Travelling with children

 

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting their children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required please contact the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.

AH1N1 virus (Swine Flu)

There are confirmed human cases of the AH1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Ecuador, including some recent deaths.  You can check for updates on the number of cases and their locations through World Health Organisation (WHO) website. The WHO Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6. The World Health Organisation website has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine flu page on the FCO website.  Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.

The Government of Ecuador is imposing quarantine conditions on any passenger arriving in Ecuador who displays flu-like symptoms, from the airport to assigned public hospitals. This policy is extended to both locals and foreign residents.  Medical brigades are also conducting daily visits to homes to ensure the quarantine is maintained. On 29 July the Government of Ecuador and the Health authorities declared a national health state of emergency to get further funds to tackle the increase of cases and deaths. 300 extra doctors and 200 nurses will be contracted on a temporary basis to expand the attention in hospitals and medical centres. The Health authorities will be also in a position to ban any public event if there is a risk involved; so far this only applies to people with flu symptoms.

There are confirmed cases in Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca, Machala, Portoviejo, Riobamba, Azogues, Ambato, Tena, Tulcán, Esmeraldas, Loja, Latacunga, Ibarra, Puyo, Zamora, Macas and Santa Cruz.  As a result some schools in these areas have been closed.

The Ecuadorian Government and Health authorities have strengthened controls at both international airports (Quito and Guayaquil), as well as at the borders with Colombia and Peru and in the Galapagos Islands. The health authorities continue asking passengers arriving to register contact details and to immediately seek medical advice if they show symptoms.  Controls and inspection of ships are also taking place in the main ports (Manta/Guayaquil).  The Ecuadorian Ministry of Health has received courses of treatment of Tamiflu. These will be distributed to the main public hospitals and private hospitals and clinics have been included.  Flu medication is sold only with a medical prescription and any related advertising campaigns are banned to prevent self-medicating.  The Ecuadorian Government has ordered preliminary supplies of the new vaccination for public health workers.

On 25 August the health authorities imposed a "yellow alert" in Santa Cruz (Galapagos Islands) as a precautionary measure.  The Ecuadorian authorities are suggesting passengers with flu symptoms not to fly to the islands but there is no restriction in place.  The controls at the airport have been strengthened.

A hotline telephone has been set up to report suspected cases (+593 9 6051 134/+593 4 2684 545). Apart from Hospital Eugenio Espeio in Quito (+593 2 2230 212) and Hospital de Infectologia in Guayaquil (+593 4 2294 25), other hospitals throughout Ecuador have been designated to treat suspected cases of Swine Flu. A free toll call centre line has also been set up: 1800 374 336. The Ministry of Health regularly submits information bulletins on their website. 

General Health

Good medical treatment can be expensive and is not always available outside the main cities.

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.  

 

On 21 May 2008, the Ecuadorian Health Ministry recommended Yellow Fever vaccinations for all travellers to the provinces of Morono-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Zamora-Chinchipe and Sucumbíos in the Amazon basin.

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.

In late 2007 and early 2008 volcanic activity in Tungurahua, near the resort of Baños, 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. The Ecuadorian authorities have forbidden all access to the volcano and its immediate surroundings. Since July 2009 the volcanic and seismic activity has remained low and there are no major changes or signs of potential increase.  However, the volcanic activity is always susceptible to sudden increase.  We advise caution if you intend to travel to Baños city or nearby the Tungurahua volcano area within Tungurahua and Chimborazo provinces. You should always monitor media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.

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 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.  

For further information, for those who speak Spanish, the Civil Defence Committee can be contacted on 00593 3 2741789 or 740.  You should also check the website of the National Ecuadorian Geophysics Institute (in Spanish) for the very latest information. For easier reference see the Baños Evacuation Map on the British Embassy Quito website.

Cerro Azul

On 29 May 2008, the Cerro Azul volcano, located in the south west of Isabela Island in the Galapagos Islands, 48 km from Villamil Port, erupted with lava flows that descended down the south eastern flank of the volcano. Neither the local population nor tourist routes have been affected.

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.  More recently, there were a series of noticeable tremors in Quito in 2007, the most recent in September of that year, due to a moderate earthquake (6.8 at the epicentre) on the southern coast of Colombia.  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. 
 

El Niño

 
Ecuador is vulnerable to the irregular 'El Niño' climatic phenomenon and was last affected in 1997 and 1998.  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 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.

Weather patterns have been changing over the past few years.  From January to June 2008 there were heavier rains than usual all over Ecuador, which affected the roads in the coastal areas (Guayas, Manabi, Esmeraldas, Los Rios and El Oro provinces) and the Sierra regions (Santo Domingo, Azuay, Cañar, Chimborazo and Bolivar provinces). Heavy flooding, landslides and rivers bursting their banks were commonplace in these provinces. The rainy season started in January 2009, mainly affecting the provinces of Guayas, Los Rios, Loja, Pichincha and El Oro.  There were heavy rains in coastal regions in January and February 2009, and in the south of Ecuador at the beginning of April 2009.  The rainy season has also affected some routes from Quito to the coastal region.

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 Travel Insurance.

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. 

Money

 

Besides Ecuadorian-minted 5c, 10c, 25c and 50c coins, which are used in parallel with the US equivalents, the US Dollar is the only legal currency in Ecuador.  Credit cards and travellers’ cheques are generally accepted in the cities.  You should ensure you bring enough money, in the form of US Dollars (preferably in small denominations up to US$20 notes), or travellers' cheques.

 

You should use your credit and debit cards with caution.  If you use an ATM, do so during business hours at a location inside a bank, supermarket or large commercial building.