Forest fires are affecting some regions in Ecuador, including Quito. Monitor local media and follow the advice from the local authorities. There’s electricity and water shortages, including planned outages which are affecting the country. Check with your local provider for details.

Ecuador is under a state of ‘internal armed conflict’ due to crime. A separate state of emergency is in effect in the provinces of El Oro, Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Orellana, Santa Elena, and the Ponce Enríquez County in Azuay. Curfews are also in place in some districts of those provinces. The situation may change at short notice. Check for updates from local authorities.

If you’re entering Ecuador via land or river borders from Peru or Colombia, authorities will require a police check covering the past 5 years, or you can request a background check at the border. We advise do not travel within 20km of the border with Colombia, except the official border crossing at Tulcan, due to the high risk of kidnapping and violent crime associated with drug-related criminal organisations.

We advise:

Exercise a high degree of caution in Ecuador overall due to the threat of violent crime.

Higher levels apply in some areas.