Gang leader Adolfo Macias escaped from prison on January 7, sparking a wave of violent incidents and riots across the country. Reports include kidnappings of police officers, gunfire, explosions, car burnings and looting.
Following these events, President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency for 60 days on January 8. The military has been deployed to monitor security in both prisons and urban areas to tackle escalating gang violence.
The Ecuadorian Presidency’s General Secretariat for Communications said in a January 22 statement that the armed forces and national police have already carried out nearly 34,000 operations to dismantle narco-terrorist groups. During these operations, more than 3,000 people were captured and more than 1,000 firearms, cash and drugs were taken, totaling more than £30,000.
US travel advisory updated
On March 8, 2024, the US Department of State announced updated the travel advice, information about crime rates and the ongoing state of emergency in the province of Guayas in Ecuador.
According to the agency U.S. citizens should “exercise increased caution” when visiting Ecuador due to concerns about crime, kidnapping and civil disorder.
They further highlight a notable increase in violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, murder and assault. However, they clarify that areas under the influence of transnational criminal groups tend to exhibit significantly higher levels of violent crime.
For these reasons, the U.S. government needs citizens reconsider traveling to:
- Guayaquil north of Portete de Tarquí Avenue due to crime.
- The province of El Oro is located outside the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas due to crime.
- Province of Los Rios outside the cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma and Pueblo Viejo due to crime.
- All areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province due to crime.
- The provinces of Sucumbíos, Manabí, Santa Elena and Santo Domingo due to crime.
And do not travel to:
- Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarquí Avenue, because of crime.
- The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the province of El Oro have been hit by crime.
- The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios due to crime.
- The canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas, due to crime.
- The city of Esmeraldas and all areas north of the city of Esmeraldas in the province of Esmeraldas due to crime.
What is the current travel situation in Ecuador?
Ecuador currently has a curfew for the entire country. In certain states, visitors and residents are advised to remain in their hotels or homes after 2 a.m. in some states and from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. in others.
On Thursday, March 7, President Daniel Noboa spoke the state of emergency extended was extended in January with an additional 30 days.
This means that the country will be under a state of emergency and curfew until April 8, 2024.
On January 23, he reformed the decree and set different times for the curfew. For example, regions with a high risk level, such as Quito, Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, Durán and Manta, have a curfew from midnight to 5 a.m.
Safety tips for Ecuador
Along with the spike in police kidnappings that began in January, there has also been a notable escalation in violence. However, currently the situation seems to have stabilized somewhat. Nevertheless, it is essential to follow these safety guidelines to ensure a safe trip to Ecuador:
- Dress like a local to avoid unnecessary attention. If you look like a tourist, you become a target.
- Protect your money with a Money Belt.
- Trust your instincts and leave immediately if anything seems suspicious.
- Please ask safety advice from the hotel staff, who will be happy to provide local safety recommendations.
- Try to avoid arriving after 10pm on late flights. Please note that there is a national curfew.
- Travel light and pack only the essentials, as even large and heavy bags can attract unwanted attention.
- Keep your valuables, passports and important documents in a safe place in your accommodation.
