Ecuador Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

U.S. government employees working in Ecuador are not allowed to travel to these areas due to safety risks:

• In Guayaquil, Nueva Prosperina and Pascuales districts, and all areas south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue.
• Huaquillas and Arenillas, in El Oro province.
• Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo, in Los Rios province.
• Duran, in Guayas province.
• Esmeraldas City and all areas north of Esmeraldas City, in Esmeraldas province.
• The area north of Esmeraldas City to the Colombian border and east to Carchi province.
• The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas due to the safety risks.

Crime and kidnapping.

Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador. Violent crime connected to drug trafficking is common, including murder, assault, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

• Areas with transnational criminal organizations have much higher rates of violent crime.
• U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents have been victims of kidnapping and extortion.

Local and U.S. government assistance

• Most of Ecuador’s land is empty and remote, especially outside big towns and cities.
• Help from local authorities the U.S. government may be very limited in remote areas, causing delays.

Do Not Travel to these areas due to crime and terrorism:

• In Guayaquil, Nueva Prosperina and Pascuales districts, and all areas south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue.
• Huaquillas and Arenillas, in El Oro province.
• Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo, in Los Rios province.
• Duran, in Guayas province.
• Esmeraldas City and all areas north of Esmeraldas City, in Esmeraldas province.
• The area north of Esmeraldas City to the Colombian border and east to Carchi province.

Reconsider Travel to these areas due to crime and terrorism:

• In Guayaquil, all areas north of Portete de Tarqui Avenue.
• El Oro province, outside Huaquillas and Arenillas.
• Los Rios province, outside Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo.
• All areas south of Esmeraldas City, in Esmeraldas province.
• Sucumbios, Manabi, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo provinces.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

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.

Flooding on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

Heavy rains have caused flooding on Santa Cruz Island, prompting Gobierno Galapagos to declare an emergency on 31 October. Road closures, power outages, and disruptions to travel to Baltra Airport have been reported.

You should follow the instructions of the local authorities, avoid flooded areas, and confirm travel arrangements with airlines or tour operators.

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 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

Due to the current State of Emergency, expect heightened police and military presence nationwide without previous notice, and potential travel disruptions due to extra security checks.

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.

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
• use 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

On 14 October 2025, a car bomb exploded near the Mall del Sol shopping centre and the Sheraton Hotel in northern Guayaquil, resulting in multiple injuries and at least one fatality. Secondary explosions were reported on 15 October 2025 on a road connecting the provinces of Guayas and El Oro.

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 (currently the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to those 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 can 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 are robbed, do not resist attackers or do anything that puts you at greater risk. Report the incident to the 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 use drugs to incapacitate victims and facilitate robbery. Homemade versions of the drug scopolamine can disorient individuals and impair their ability to resist or remember events. Scopolamine can be absorbed through the skin and may be applied to your hand, face or body without you realising.

Remain cautious if approached by strangers offering items such as food, drinks, leaflets or perfume samples, even if they appear friendly or well-dressed. Some British nationals have reported incidents involving this type of drug in private rented accommodation. You should exercise caution when inviting unfamiliar people into your home or rented accommodation.

Methanol poisoning

There has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world.

Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Spiking and methanol poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.

Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.

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 since 2023 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.

Risk level

Ecuador - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Ecuador due to high levels of crime.

Regional risks

Border areas - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the area within 20 km of the border with Colombia in the following provinces due to drug trafficking and criminal activty:

• Carchi (except for the Panamerican Highway which connects to the official border crossing with Colombia at Tulcán/Ipiales)
• Esmeraldas
• Sucumbíos

Minefields near the southern portion of the border with Peru - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to within 2 km of the border with Peru in the following cantons in the province of Zamora-Chinchipe, due to the presence of landmines and unmarked minefields:

• Chinchipe
• El Pangui
• Nangaritza
• Yantzaza

Esmeraldas province, parts of El Oro, Guayas and Los Ríos provinces - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the following areas (except within 20 km of the border with Colombia where we advise against all travel) due to risks of violent crime:

• the province of Esmeraldas
• in the province of El Oro: Machala Huaquillas
• in the province of Guayas: Durán Milagro the following areas of northern Guayaquil: Bastión Popular El Fortín Flor de Bastión La Florida Las Orquídeas Monte Bello Monte Sinaí Mucho Lote Nueva Prosperina Paraíso de la Flor Pascuales the following areas of southern Guayaquil: Esteros Portete Sur
• in the province of Los Ríos: Babahoyo Quevedo

Galápagos Islands - Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in the Galápagos Islands.

State of exception

A state of exception is in effect in the following provinces due to increasing criminal violence and organized crime:

• Azuay, in Camilo Ponce Enriquez canton only
• Bolívar, in Las Naves canton only
• Cotopaxi, in La Maná canton only
• El Oro
• Esmeraldas
• Guayas
• Los Ríos
• Manabí
• Pichincha
• Santa Elena
• Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas

While the state of exception is in effect, security forces have the power to:

• enter private homes
• read private mail and phone records
• conduct raids, inspections and searches
• prohibit assembly

If you are in Ecuador:

• expect an increased police and military presence
• always carry your identification
• follow the instructions of local authorities

State of internal armed conflict

Ecuador is in a state of “internal armed conflict.” There is an increased presence of security forces to contain gang violence across the country, including in Guayaquil and Quito.

If you are in Ecuador:

• expect an increased police and military presence, especially near prisons
• carry your ID at all times
• follow the instructions of local authorities

厄瓜多尔风险等级为黄色（中风险）。

外交部提醒在厄瓜多尔中国公民，密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。