Foreign travel advice

Ecuador

! Warning FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Ecuador.

Warnings and insurance

Still current at:
324 May 2024
Updated:
324 May 2024
Latest update:
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Download a more detailed map (PDF)

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel  

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.  

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, including onward or return travel to the Galapagos Islands.

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. 

State of Emergency declared

A nationwide 6060-day day state of emergency (SOE) was declared on 19 April due to the energy crisis in Ecuador. It will end on 18 June. This may see increased military and police presence around public buildings, including key energy infrastructure, to avoid threats or sabotage.

A separate 60-day state of emergency (SOE) was declared on 3022 AprilMay due to armed violence. This covers five7 provinces:

  • Guayas
  • El Oro,Oro
  • Santa Guayas, Elena
  • Manabí
  • Sucumbíos
  • Orellana
  • Los Ríos,Ríos
  • and Manabíthe anddistrict SantaCamilo Elena.Ponce Enríquez in the province of Azuay

It will end on 2921 June.July. There is no curfew in placeplace, but the SOE allows the military and police to seize assets, conduct inspections and enter private properties without permission.

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics. 

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated. 

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. 

View a printable version of the whole guide