Ecuador’s safety for travelers can vary depending on the region and the precautions taken, as there are areas with high crime rates.
Anticipating an increase in criminal activity across the country, the Ecuadorian president issued a 60-day state of emergency on January 8, 2024 in response to multiple prison riots and the escape of gang leaders. Under this new SOE, there is a daily curfew from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM.
LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from Ecuador
February 2, 2024 – US warns against traveling to another area in Ecuador
On February 2, the US Department of State updated her travel advice for Ecuador with information about the current state of emergency and crime in the province of Guayas.
“DO NOT TRAVEL to the Canton of Duran, Guayas Province, due to crime,” the consultancy says.
January 24 – Safety alert: changes to the land border crossing between Peru and Ecuador
There was a sixty-day state of emergency declared by the Ecuadorian government on January 8 in response to attacks by organized crime gangs and internal armed conflict.
At the same time, Ecuador’s Ministry of the Interior announced changes to the documentation required for foreigners traveling to Ecuador by land from Peru and Colombia.
All foreigners entering Ecuador through land border crossings with Peru or Colombia during the state of emergency must present an apostille certificate from their home country, or if living abroad, from their country where they have lived for the past five years, proving that they have no criminal record. These rules currently do not apply to passengers by air.
Areas to avoid in Ecuador
Reconsider traveling to:
- Guayaquil north from Portete de Tarquí Avenue because of crime.
- Province of El Oro outside the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas, due to crime.
- Province of Los Rios outside the towns of Quevedo, Quinsaloma and Pueblo Viejo crime.
- All areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to crime.
- The provinces of Sucumbíos, Manabí, Santa Elena and Santo Domingo are the result crime.
Do not travel to:
- Guayaquil, south from Portete de Tarquí Avenue, due to crime.
- The towns of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the province of El Oro are because of crime.
- The towns of Quevedo, Quinsaloma and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios are because of crime.
- The city of Esmeraldas and all areas north of the city of Esmeraldas in the province of Esmeraldas, due to crime.
- DO NOT TRAVEL to the Canton of Duran, Guayas Province, because crime (added February 22, 2024)
Are the Galapagos Islands safe to visit?
The Galapagos Islands are a very popular tourist destination known for their safety, unlike some parts of Ecuador where crime rates are high. The islands are considered a safe place to visit, with minimal crime.
Official travel advice
US travel advice
On January 22 the US Department of State has one Travel advice level 2 for the country, urging greater caution.
Ecuador has a crime problem. Murder, assault, kidnapping and armed robbery are examples of widespread violent crime. Where transnational criminal organizations are concentrated, violent crime rates are noticeably higher.
There are regular protests across the country, usually fueled by political or economic issues. Major highways and local roads are regularly blocked by protesters, often without warning. The length of previous demonstrations has varied; some have lasted several days or even weeks. Blocked roads can severely limit access to airports, public transportation and healthcare. They can also cause travel delays within and between cities.
Canada Travel advice
On January 9, 2024, a nationwide state of “internal armed conflict” was declared by the Ecuadorian government so that security forces could better address a sharp increase in gang violence across the country, including in Guayaquil and Quito. There are reports of car fires, small explosions and attacks on businesses. On January 8, 2024, the Ecuadorian government declared a state of emergency.
There is also a daily national curfew that runs from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. You must stay indoors during the curfew. Travelers can make an exception to get to and from the airport for regular scheduled flights.
Britain Travel advice
There could be more military and law enforcement officers near key public buildings, bus terminals, airports and on the streets. Some public buildings, shops and popular tourist spots may close abruptly. Monitor the media in your area and avoid places where there is more security.
Always follow the instructions of the police and other security personnel if an incident occurs in your area.
Tips to stay safe in Ecuador
- Upon arrival at Quito or Guayaquil airports, you can opt for official airport taxis or pre-arrange a meet-and-greet style pickup from a reputable company.
- Try to schedule arrivals before 10:00 PM to increase safety.
- Pack only essentials for Ecuador, as large and heavy bags can attract unwanted attention.
- Take a photo of your passport and save it on your mobile phone; It is not necessary to carry the physical passport with you. Leave it in a secure hotel safe.
- Avoid displaying your phone openly; Instead, take the necessary photos and then file them away.
- Avoid using busy public transport, especially in big cities like Quito or Guayaquil.
