Ecuador travel guide

Travel Advice

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel  

Coastal Region

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Coastal Region provinces of:

• Esmeraldas
• Manabí
• Santa Elena
• Guayas
• El Oro
• Los Ríos
• Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas

This does not apply to airside transit within Guayaquil Airport in Guayas province.

Within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border, except for these areas in Carchi province: 

• El Ángel Ecological Reserve 
• Rumichaca border crossing 
• the town of Tulcán 
• the Pan-American Highway  

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. 

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Ecuador’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Ecuador set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Ecuadorean Embassy in the UK.

Documents required to enter via land or river border

If you wish to enter Ecuador via a land or river border from Peru or Colombia, you must present a criminal record certificate from the country where you lived for the last 5 years. The certificate must be legalised with the Hague Apostille and translated into Spanish if issued in another language. This mandatory requirement was announced on 11 January for implementation with immediate effect.

Alternatively, if you do not have a legalised criminal record certificate, you can ask immigration authorities to carry out a check on their ’SIMIEC’ Ecuadorean Immigration System (which flags any travel prohibitions or INTERPOL alerts). The following people are exempt from the presentation of the criminal record certificate:

• Holders of a valid Ecuadorean visa
• Holders of diplomatic passports
• Children and adolescents under 18
• Victims of human trafficking or those seeking international protection under the Ecuadorean Human Mobility Law.

There are no restrictions in place for anyone flying into Ecuador.

To obtain a UK Police Criminal Record Certificate, check the ACRO website. For information about legalising the document with the Hague apostille check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Legalisation Office website site.

Passport validity requirements 

To enter Ecuador, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. 

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Visa requirements 

You can visit Ecuador without a visa for up to 90 days in any 12-month period.

If you’re already in Ecuador and want to stay longer than 90 days, you can pay to extend your stay (in Spanish) by an extra 90 days. You must apply for an extension before the first 90-day period ends or you could be fined.  

If you overstay your visa, you will get a fine when you leave. You will not be allowed to return to Ecuador unless you pay the fine before you leave the country. 

For immigration information, see Ecuador Migration.

To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you must meet the Ecuadorean government’s entry requirements (in Spanish).

Applying for a visa 

Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility (MFAHM) has an e-visa application process (in Spanish).  Find the relevant MFAHM district zone offices.

To apply in-person, you should get an appointment before visiting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility (MFA). For general guidance contact: consejeria@cancilleria.gob.ec or citasvisas@cancilleriga.gob.ec

Checks at border control 

You may be asked your reason for travel and for evidence of a return or onward journey.  

Peru and Colombia land border crossings 

If you enter Ecuador via land from Peru or Colombia, you must get an official passport entry stamp showing your arrival date. Sometimes buses do not stop at the border, which can lead to foreign visitors not getting a stamp. You could get a fine or be asked to return to the border. Contact an immigration office as soon as possible. 

Galapagos Islands 

Tourists can stay in the Galapagos Islands for up to 60 days. To enter Galapagos, you must have: 

• evidence of a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host  
• evidence of a return flight to the Ecuadorean mainland  
• completed an online Galapagos transit control card at least 24 hours before your flight – you must also keep a copy 
• travel health insurance, which is mandatory for foreign tourists

If you are travelling to or from Galapagos Islands via Guayaquil airport you should check with the airline before booking to ensure you will remain airside at Guayaquil airport.  FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Guayaquil, except for airside transit through the airport.

Check the Ministry of Tourism’s accredited tourism service providers (in Spanish), which includes information on accommodation, transport, tour operators and restaurants.

Travelling with children 

Leaving Ecuador  

British children, including British - Ecuadorean dual nationals, aged 17 and under must have a notarised consent letter (in Spanish) to leave Ecuador if they are:

• travelling alone or with one parent or legal guardian
• resident in Ecuador or have been in Ecuador for over 90 days, even if they are travelling on a British passport

If they are tourists (not resident in Ecuador) British children (or British-Ecuadorean dual nationals) do not need a notarised consent letter (Art.137 Human Mobility Organic Law’ 2017).

If one parent is deceased, the other parent must submit the death certificate to an Ecuadorean public notary to get an indefinite notarial permit to travel with the child. 

In more complex situations, such as legal disputes, a child will need judicial written permission (‘Autorización de Viaje Judicial’) issued by an Ecuadorian judge (‘Juzgado de la Niñez y Adolescencia’).  

Entering Ecuador  

Children entering Ecuador with someone other than a parent or legal guardian do not need a consent letter. 

Vaccine requirements  

To enter Ecuador, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from certain listed countries where there is a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Ecuador guide. 

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Ecuador via air and via land. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking money out of Ecuador  

You must declare cash you’re carrying when you leave Ecuador. You will have to pay tax on amounts over 1,350 US dollars. 

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and regional risks advice. 

Terrorism  

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Ecuador  

Terrorist attacks in Ecuador cannot be ruled out. 

Political situation  

Exercise caution around large gatherings. Street demonstrations, protests and strikes are common and can occur without warning. While most are peaceful, they can turn violent. You should: 

• stay alert and monitor local media  
• avoid large gatherings 
• follow updates from the ECU 911 emergency services 
• be wary of unverified information 
• allow extra time to reach your destination  
• check road conditions (in Spanish) on the Ecuadorean government website 

Even peaceful protests can lead to travel disruption.

State of Emergency declared 

A 30-day state of emergency (SOE) was renewed on 2 December due to internal disturbance and armed violence. The SOE currently applies to the following provinces:

• Guayas
• El Oro
• Santa Elena
• Manabí
• Orellana
• Los Ríos
• Quito Metropolitan District (Pichincha province)
• Camilo Ponce Enríquez district (Azuay province)

The SOE allows the military and police to seize assets, conduct inspections and enter private properties without permission. There are additional restrictions on the freedoms of association and assembly and the police and armed forces are permitted to break up gatherings in public spaces.

Curfew hours (10pm until 5am) are in place until further notice, for the following districts (‘cantons’) and/or parishes (parroquias):

Azuay province:

• Camilo Ponce Enríquez

Los Ríos province:

• Baba
• Babahoyo
• Buena Fe
• Mocache
• Montalvo
• Palenque
• Pueblo Viejo
• Quevedo
• Quinsaloma
• Urdaneta
• Valencia
• Ventanas
• Vinces

Guayas province:

• Balao
• Durán
• Parroquia Tenguel del canton Guayaquil

Orellana province:

• La Joya de los Sachas Puerto Francisco De Orellana
• Loreto

If you need to travel to or from the airport for a booked flight during curfew hours, you can do so by presenting your booking reservation.

Energy rationing

There have been nationwide power outages since Monday 23 September which will continue until further notice. These may occur during the day or night and may last several hours or more. For more information on power cut times in your location, check your local power provider’s official website (in Spanish) or social media channels.

Water rationing

There will be water cuts as a result of rationing in several areas of the country. Please check with your local water supplier for the hours and dates of these water cuts.

Crime 

Protecting yourself and your belongings  

Mugging and pickpocketing are common, take care in Quito’s old town and at transport hubs. The methods criminals use include: 

• distraction techniques (for example, requests for assistance, squirting liquids on to you, staged fights and pushing or shoving) 
• bag snatching at knife or gunpoint by a passenger on a motorbike  

To reduce your risk: 

• stay alert in public places  
• avoid walking alone in quiet areas or at night 
• do not wear expensive jewellery in public 
• carry only the money you need for the day 
• take care of your credit cards 
• watch your bags on public transport and wear your rucksack on the front of your body 
• carry a colour copy of your passport, including the visa entry stamp page – keep the original safe
• consider using a money belt or secure inside pocket to keep your passport, credit cards and money safe

For more information on general travel safety in Ecuador, check the Ministry of Tourism website.

Violent crime and armed robbery 

Armed robbery is a risk throughout Ecuador. Crimes with the threat of violence, such as gunpoint robbery and home invasion, can happen throughout Ecuador.  

Take particular care in Esmeraldas, Guayas and Manabi provinces and get local advice on where to visit. Armed thieves have stopped vehicles and threatened passengers.  

Most violent crime is gang-related, but tourists can be affected. The murder rate in Guayaquil is very high, but is mainly gang-related. Be particularly cautious in Guayaquil city centre, southern parts of the city and port areas.

Since March 2023, organised crime gangs have caused small explosions and made false bomb threats in Quito and Guayaquil. If you’re near an incident, follow the instructions of police and local authorities. 

Get local advice about the area you’re visiting and travel in a group when possible. 

ATM and bank customer robbery 

Take care when withdrawing money from a bank or ATM. Where possible use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres, and avoid withdrawing money after dark. There have been violent robberies outside banks. The Ecuadorean national police offers a free escort service if you are withdrawing or depositing large quantities of cash. To request this service, call 911. Only take out as much money as you need. 

Transport robbery 

There is a risk of robbery and pickpocketing on interstate transport and at bus stations, including on routes commonly used by tourists. To reduce your risk: 

• avoid road travel after dark 
• keep valuables safe in a money belt or inside pocket 
• do not store bags in overhead luggage spaces or under your seat 

Criminals pose as uniformed bus inspectors in some Quito bus stations. They might insist you place your luggage overhead so an accomplice can steal it later. You do not have to place belongings overhead. 

If you’re robbed, do not resist attackers or do anything that puts you at greater risk. Report the incident to police as soon as possible.  

Sexual assault 

Serious sexual assaults and attacks against foreign women have happened in Ecuador, particularly in the tourist beach town of Montañita in Santa Elena Province. Check reviews of your accommodation to make sure it is reputable and secure, even if you’re travelling in a group. Avoid travel after dark and be alert to the use of date rape and other drugs in drinks. If you feel unwell, seek urgent help from the police or nearest health centre. Call 911 for the emergency services. 

See information for victims of rape and sexual assault in Ecuador. 

You can report gender-based violence to the Prosecutor Office (‘Fiscalía’) online.  

Criminal kidnap  

Kidnapping rates have risen in Ecuador. Express kidnappings – short term opportunistic abductions, aimed at extracting cash from the victim – are common throughout Ecuador. Victims can be targeted or selected at random. They are held while criminals withdraw money from their bank accounts using their cash cards. Many cases involve victims who have hailed taxis (registered or illegal) from the street. In some cases, victims are subdued with scopolamine (causing amnesia). Be aware of your surroundings and always let someone you trust know your whereabouts, especially after dark.

Business people and visitors perceived to be wealthy may be targeted by kidnappers in search of pay-outs. Be discreet about discussing your financial or business affairs in places where you may be overheard by others, and when arranging meetings use a secure location.

If you are a victim of kidnapping, follow the kidnapper’s instructions.

Drug-assisted robbery 

Criminals may drug victims to rob them. Homemade versions of the drug scopolamine subdue victims and cause amnesia. Scopolamine is absorbed through the skin and can be rubbed onto your hand, face or body without you realising. Be wary if a stranger approaches your offering you something (for example, food, drinks, leaflets and perfume samples), even they’re friendly or well-dressed.

Laws and cultural differences  

Personal ID 

By law you must carry ID. Always carry a printed copy of your passport, including the pages with your photograph and Ecuadorean entry stamp.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences 

The penalties for drug trafficking or drug use are harsh, and prison conditions are very basic.  

‘Spiritual cleansing’ hallucinogens 

In Ecuador people use traditional hallucinogens such as Ayahuasca or San Pedro. These substances are marketed to tourists for ‘spiritual cleansing’ rituals. They often contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a strong hallucinogen that is illegal in the UK.

There are many risks when taking these substances including: 

• serious illness and death 
• assault and robbery while intoxicated 
• lack of nearby medical help as these ceremonies often take place in remote locations  

Consumption of traditional hallucinogens is unregulated. 

LGBT+ travellers 

Same-sex relations are legal in Ecuador. However, local attitudes towards the LGBT+ community can be conservative and there is still societal discrimination. People may be less tolerant of same-sex couples showing affection in public than they are in the UK. Showing affection may attract negative attention, especially in small towns. Transgender people in particular could face unwanted attention. 

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers. 

Money 

US dollars and 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos coins minted in Ecuador are the only legal currencies. Credit cards and travellers cheques are generally accepted in cities but not elsewhere in the country.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism  

Volunteer and adventure activities 

If you join a volunteer or adventure expedition programme, make sure the UK organisation responsible for travel has an official agent in Ecuador able to handle an emergency. Be wary of unauthorised intermediaries (‘enganchadores’) trying to offer you cheap hotels or tour deals. 

British nationals have died while rafting, kayaking and on canopy walks and zip-lines. Make sure you’re fit enough for these activities and others like bungee jumping and quad biking. For water adventure sports, make sure the weather conditions and river currents are safe. 

You should: 

• only use reputable tour operators with a specific licence to provide these services 
• be aware equipment may not meet UK safety and insurance standards 
• check the company uses the most up-to-date equipment and safety features 
• check the company is properly insured 
• make sure your insurance covers all your activities 

Swimming safety 

There is a risk of drowning caused by strong, rapidly changing ocean currents. Beaches do not always have swimming safety warning flags. Seek local advice on tidal activity. 

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Hiking and mountaineering 

If you’re hiking or mountaineering in Ecuador, prepare for high altitude and unpredictable climates. Hire an accredited guide or tour operator for these activities.

You should: 

• climb at a moderate rate so your body can adjust 
• stay well hydrated 
• keep to established paths or use an experienced guide 
• make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you plan to return 
• avoid walking alone 

For more information on climbing or mountaineering, see the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Tourism and Chimborazo Local Government.

For accredited guides, check the Ecuadorean Mountaineering Accredited Guides Association (in Spanish).

Pichincha volcano  

Tourists take day trips to Pichincha volcano on the cable car (‘teleférico’) from Quito. There have been accidents on the route to one of the peaks, Rucu Pichincha, including deaths from hypothermia. You should: 

• be aware of the risk of altitude sickness  
• take warm, waterproof clothing and high-factor sunblock 
• go with an accredited specialised guide who knows the route 
• start early to reduce risks from unexpected heavy mist or storms 

Lightning has killed tourists climbing Pichincha. Watch the weather and reconsider your plans if conditions look bad. 

Cayambe Volcano

Due to an avalanche on 5 April, high mountaineering activities and access to the glacier are suspended until further notice. For updates, see the Ecuadorean Ministry of Environment X channel.

Chimborazo Reserve  

To  visit Chimborazo Reserve, you must email chimborazo@ambiente.gob.ec at least 5 days in advance to register on the Biodiversity Information System (‘Sistema de Información de Biodiversidad’). The Chimborazo National Reserve is only open for tour operators and accredited mountaineering clubs after an avalanche killed 3 climbers in 2021. Foreign visitors cannot access the reserve until further notice.

Cotopaxi National Park 

High mountaineering in Cotopaxi National Park is restricted. Since November 2023, tour operators, mountaineering clubs and individual visitors can go high mountaineering in Cotopaxi National Park. However, they must  comply with mandatory national park rules and safety regulations.

For information, see the Ecuadorean Ministry of Environment. 

If you’re visiting Cotopaxi National Park, carry: 

• a mask, sunglasses and hat 
• clothing that covers your skin 
• enough water and food 
• an emergency kit

Climbing mountains with glaciers  

It is illegal to climb a glaciated mountain without an official accredited guide.

Transport risks  

Road travel  

If you are planning to drive in Ecuador, see information on driving abroad. 

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Ecuador for the first 6 months after you arrive. If you still have a paper UK driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. After 6 months, you need to take an Ecuadorean driving test to continue to drive on your UK licence.

Always carry your passport, driving licence and vehicle registration with you in the vehicle.  

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as 6 months of driving experience, a minimum age of 18 years old and holding an IDP.

Some cities do not allow vehicles with Ecuadorean plates to drive on certain days or at peak times based on the last digits of their car’s registration plate. Check for restrictions before you drive. You could be fined if you do not follow the rules.  

Driving conditions 

Ecuador has one of the highest rates of road accidents in Latin America due to careless driving, speeding and badly maintained vehicles. There have been many deaths, including British nationals.  

In Ecuador: 

• road conditions vary 
• heavy rains and mudslides often cause roads to be closed or wash away  
• driving can be erratic – be prepared to stop unexpectedly  
• vehicles may move slowly, change lanes without indicating or jump red lights 
• many drivers are uninsured 
• drivers usually ignore zebra crossings 

Always wear a seat belt. If you’re a passenger in a speeding vehicle, ask the driver to slow down. 

Taxis  

Book taxis through your hotel or by calling a known radio-dispatched taxi service. Travel in a group if possible. Using unregistered taxis significantly increases your risk of becoming a crime victim.  

While taxi service apps do exist and provide the driver’s details, the services themselves are unregulated in Ecuador.

If you’re using a yellow registered taxi in Quito or Guayaquil, make sure it has:  

• a municipality registration number sticker on the windscreen and doors 
• orange licence plates or the new white plates with an orange strip on the top 
• video cameras inside 

There are authorised taxi booths at Quito and Guayaquil international airports, and potentially at other domestic airports.

If you’re using a yellow registered taxi in Quito, make sure the driver resets the meter. In Guayaquil and other cities, taxis use fixed prices rather than meters. In these places, or if you or your hotel calls a taxi in Quito, agree a price before you get in. 

Sea travel 

There has been piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around Ecuador’s waters. Sailors should stay alert and take appropriate precautions.

If you’re travelling by sea, read about the regional risks at sea.

There have been several serious accidents in the Galapagos Islands involving tour company boats and smaller vessels transporting people between islands. Some of the smaller boats do not follow safety measures, such as holding the right licence, respecting maximum capacity for passengers, checking their motor or fuel and providing enough life vests. Use reputable boat operators and ask about safety features before you book, even for short trips. Check they provide life vests and lifeboats (if appropriate) before boarding.

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.  

Landslides 

Landslides are common in Ecuador and can have a serious impact on travel. Heavy rains can lead to landslides, which frequently lead to road closures. Check the weather forecast if you are travelling by road.  

Earthquakes 

There is a high risk of earthquakes across Ecuador, particularly in the province of Esmeraldas on the north-western coast. Earthquakes and aftershocks can cause landslides, which block roads.  

Familiarise yourself with safety procedures and any instructions in your hotel. If there is an earthquake, follow instructions from the authorities and keep essential belongings, such as your passport and money, with you.  

Get information (in Spanish) following an earthquake from the: 

• Ecuadorean National Geophysical Institute
• Secretariat for Risk Management (Secretaría Nacional de Gestión de Riesgos) – check current alerts
• ECU 911 emergency services

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake. 

You can also get earthquake alerts with an Android phone. 

Tsunamis 

There is a high risk of tsunamis along the coast and in the Galapagos Islands. If there is a tsunami alert, sirens will sound in Esmeraldas, El Oro, Guayas, Santa Elena, Manabí and Galapagos. See evacuation route maps and follow the advice of the authorities. 

Rainy season 

The rainy season usually runs from October to May but can last until June. 

Ecuador is facing a severe El Niño and La Niña in 2024. This climatic phenomenon occurs every few years. There can be heavy rains, widespread flooding, drought and a hotter climate across Ecuador. The risk of landslides, which can cut off roads, is higher with heavy rainfall.

During heavy rainy seasons: 

• monitor local media 
• check your itinerary with your tour operator to avoid disruption 
• avoid river crossings due to potential strong currents  
• take care in affected areas 

The weather can change quickly. Check weather forecasts. Get local advice on tides if you’re near the coast. 

If you’re climbing or mountaineering, get official advice from the authorities and tour operators.  

Forest fires 

Forest fires happen in many areas, especially in Pichincha, Loja, Azuay and Cotopaxi provinces , due to high temperatures, strong winds, dry conditions and arson. Call 911 if you see a fire. 

On 17 November, a 60-day state of emergency was declared due to the forest fires, water shortages and drought the country is experiencing.

Volcanic eruptions 

There are many volcanoes in the highlands of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Some are currently erupting, active or potentially active. Check the current volcano alerts (in Spanish). Follow instructions issued by the local authorities. 

Ashfall from volcanoes can disrupt flights and close airports at short notice. Before going to the airport, check with your airline and on the airport website. Ash is also a health hazard, especially for travellers with respiratory problems. 

There is a high risk from mixed flows of water, mud, lava and debris (‘lahars’) around glaciated volcanoes, including Cotopaxi. These flows can be very destructive. The towns of Latacunga and Salcedo and low-lying areas in the valley to the east of Quito (Los Chillos and Rumiñahui) are particularly vulnerable. 

Access to the Reventador volcano (Napo province) is currently restricted.

This section has safety advice for regions of Ecuador. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.  

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.  

Coastal regions

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Coastal Region provinces of:

• Esmeraldas
• Manabi
• Santa Elena
• El Oro
• Los Ríos
• Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas

This is due to a high level of gang-related violence linked to the presence of organised crime relating to the production and trafficking of illegal drugs.

Tourists are not usually targeted. However, you could be a victim of violence due to mistaken identity or be caught up in a security incident involving others.

Guayas

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Coastal Region province of Guayas, except:

• airside transit within Guayaquil Airport in Guayas province.

If you are travelling to or from the Galápagos Islands via Guayaquil airport you should check with the airline before booking to ensure you will remain airside at Guayaquil Airport.

This is due to a high level of gang-related violence linked to the presence of organised crime relating to the production and trafficking of illegal drugs.

There are instances of express kidnapping, where individuals have been kidnapped for a short period of time, and are often driven to an ATM to withdraw money and then abandoned.

There have been several security incidents in and around the city of Guayaquil in Guayas province in 2023 and 2024 including an increase in murders and small explosions. There have also been fatal armed attacks against the police and prosecutors.

Tourists are not usually targeted. However, you could be a victim of violence due to mistaken identity or caught up in a security incident involving others.

Within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border, except for these areas in Carchi province: 

• El Ángel Ecological Reserve  
• Rumichaca border crossing 
• the town of Tulcán 
• the Pan-American Highway  

This is due to the presence of organised crime linked to the production and trafficking of drugs. 

The security situation can change quickly in areas outside the 20km border zone, including Esmeraldas, Carchi and Sucumbíos provinces. There are illegal armed groups and criminal gangs in these areas. If you are travelling to these areas, including Cuyabeno, the Napo River, and the El Ángel Ecological Reserve, where there are ecolodges, you should: 

• stay alert and take local advice 
• pay close attention to warnings issued by the Ecuadorean authorities  
• travel during daylight hours with a reputable, official guide 
• have an emergency plan and good communication systems in place 
• be aware some lodges are far from a major hospital  

If you cross the northern border at Tulcán (Rumichaca official land border point), enter and exit the town on the Pan-American Highway.  

Lago Agrio (also known as Nueva Loja) the main town in Sucumbíos province, and San Lorenzo, in Esmeraldas province, are both within the 20km border zone where FCDO advises against all but essential travel. 

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation 

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

Call 911 and ask for an ambulance. 

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

You can get emergency assistance and register medical issues using the ECU 911 smartphone application. 

Vaccine recommendations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip: 

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Ecuador 
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page 

See what health risks you’ll face in Ecuador, including Oropouche virus.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Ecuador. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro. 

Ultraviolet radiation is a risk in Ecuador. Read more about sun protection on TravelHealthPro.

Drinking water 

To avoid getting sick, drink boiled, filtered or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.  

Medication 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.  

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. 

Pharmacies in Ecuador may accept some UK prescriptions. They will accept antimicrobial prescriptions up to 3 days old and narcotic or psychotropic prescriptions up to 5 days old. 

Healthcare in Ecuador  

The Ecuadorean public healthcare system provides the same level of care to locals and foreigners at no cost. However, a high standard of healthcare and specialised medical treatment may not always be available outside main cities. Private treatment can be very expensive, and private hospitals require a credit card guarantee for admission. 

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Ecuador where some staff will speak English.

See hospitalisation information pack for further details on healthcare in Ecuador, including a list of hospitals. 

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Ecuador. 

Healthcare in the Galapagos Islands 

There are limited medical facilities in the Galapagos Islands. Make sure your insurance includes evacuation by air ambulance. If you travel to the Galapagos Islands by boat, you may be asked to supply information such as your blood group and emergency contacts when you board. 

San Cristóbal Island has a well-equipped public hospital. Santa Cruz Island has a basic hospital. Isabela Island has a very small and extremely basic health centre.  

Travel and mental health 

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro. You can find information about mental health support for British nationals in Ecuador.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel. 

Emergency services in Ecuador  

Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police) 

Tourism police  

Quito has a tourism police unit with branches in the north, old town, airport and at bus terminals. There are also tourism police units in the cities of Guayaquil, Cuenca, Santa Elena and Galapagos provinces. Read more information on the tourism police from their website.

Reporting robbery and theft online 

You can report robbery and theft online in English to the Ecuador Attorney General’s Office (‘Fiscalía General’). 

Complaining about tourism services 

To complain about tourism services, email the Ministry of Tourism: denuncias@turismo.gob.eca. 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including: 

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider 
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim 

Support from FCDO 

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Ecuador 
• dealing with a death in Ecuador  
• being arrested or imprisoned in Ecuador   
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime  
• what to do if you’re in hospital  
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack 

Contacting FCDO  

Help abroad   

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.  

Help in the UK   

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.   

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)   

Find out about call charges 

Get travel advice updates   

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.   

Follow and contact FCDO:  

• travel advice on X 

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies  

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Ecuador on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.