The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to within the 20km exclusion zone along the border with Colombia, except for the official border crossing town of Tulcan in Carchi province

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• the areas of Tarapoa and the Cuyabeno reserve outside the 20km zone in Sucumbios
• the areas of El Angel Ecological Reserve inside the 20 km exclusion zone in the province of Carchi
• all other areas of Esmeraldas province outside the 20km exclusion zone

Due to an increase in violent crime, a state of exception was declared on 29 April 2022, in three provinces: Guayas, Esmeraldas and Manabí. The state of exception is due to end on 28 June 2022. Military forces will be mobilised in these provinces to offer security and prevent crime. During this period there will be a curfew in four districts (parroquias): Parroquia Esmeraldas (Esmeraldas), Parroquia Ximena (Guayaquil), Parroquia Pascuales (Guayaquil) and Parroquia Eloy Alfaro (Durán) between 11pm and 5am.

If you’re planning travel to Ecuador, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.

British Embassy personnel are still mainly working remotely, but are attending appointments in the Embassy and remain in contact with the Ecuadorean authorities to support British nationals. If you need urgent assistance, call +593 2 3972 200.

Around 2,500 British nationals visited Ecuador in 2021. Most visits are trouble free.

There were nationwide protests across Ecuador in October 2019, which caused extensive disruption. Some protests became violent, especially in Quito, and led to a number of fatalities. Remain vigilant, avoid any protests or demonstrations and keep up to date with developments via official local sources (ECU 911 emergency services) and this travel advice.

Although Ecuador doesn’t have a history of terrorism, in 2018 there were a number of bomb explosions and kidnappings in the northern province of Esmeraldas. See Terrorism

The security situation in the province of Esmeraldas can change very quickly. If you’re undertaking essential travel in areas of the province beyond the 20km exclusion zone, you should pay close attention to warnings issued by the Ecuadorean authorities, be particularly cautious and vigilant, and monitor this travel advice regularly. See Local travel

Ecuador is situated in an area of intense seismic activity. There is a high risk of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. You should make sure you are aware of the risks and are familiar with the relevant safety and evacuation procedures. In the event of a natural disaster, you should monitor official channels – the Ecuadorean National Geophysical Institute and the National Service for Risk and Emergency Management (both Spanish only) – and follow the advice of the local authorities. See Natural disasters

Cases of armed robbery are increasing and petty crime is common. See Crime

UK health authorities have classified Ecuador as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information and advice, visit the website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support may be limited in parts of Ecuador.

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