South America and South Atlantic Islands

Ecuador
Still current at: 26 November 2009 Updated: 16 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and Natural Disasters (El Niño) section (power cuts due to severe drought). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Local laws and customs

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.