A state of emergency is in place across Ecuador and cities are under curfew following days of chaos in the South American country. The decision follows the escape of notorious gangster Adolfo Macias from his prison cell during riots on Sunday, January 7, and an incident on Tuesday, January 9, in which masked gunmen broke into a television studio during a broadcast and ordered staff to lie down on the floor.
It is unclear whether the events are related, but both took place in Guayaquil — Ecuador’s largest and most crime-ridden city. Ecuador’s president Daniel Noboa said on Tuesday, January 9, that an “internal armed conflict” was unfolding in the country and he was mobilising the armed forces to carry out “military operations to neutralise . . . transnational organised crime, terrorist organisations and belligerent non-state actors”. Since the state of emergency, there have been reports of explosions, shootings, vehicles set on fire and abductions in the cities of Guayaquil and the capital, Quito, according to the UK Foreign Office.
Until recently considered one of South America’s safer countries, Ecuador — which lies between Peru to the south and Colombia to the north — has seen an upsurge in gang-related violence and drug-trafficking in the past decade. If you’re planning a trip there, or to the Galapagos, here’s what you need to know.
Main photo: soldiers enforce security measures on Ecuador roads (Getty Images)
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What is happening in Ecuador?
The 60-day state of emergency in Ecuador, which took effect on Tuesday, January 9, enables the authorities and military on the ground to increase security. The ruling restricts the freedom of movement with an enforced curfew from 11pm to 5am. However, travel to and from airports during the curfew period is permitted for passengers travelling on scheduled flights.
Travellers will see increased military and police presence around key public buildings, airports and on the streets. Some public buildings and shopping centres could be closed at short notice. All visitors must carry ID at all times.
Is it safe to travel to Ecuador right now?
The border, along with roads and airports, remains open; and currently there’s no prohibition on entry to the key tourist destinations of the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon region and the national parks. There have been reports of violence in the cities of Guayaquil and Quito in particular. However, the situation on the ground is subject to change — stay up to date with the Ministry of Tourism via its official channels on Twitter/X and Facebook.
What is the Foreign Office travel advice?
The UK Foreign Office currently considers most of Ecuador safe to travel to, even with the state of emergency and the fallout from it. Britons should observe the 11pm-5am daily curfew, and should leave extra time to travel to the airport as additional security checks are likely to be carried out. The Foreign Office advice adds: “All airports are currently open but some airlines have cancelled flights. Please check your flight status with your airline or airport website (Quito airport, Guayaquil airport) before proceeding to the airport.”
“If an incident occurs near you, follow the instructions of police and other security officials at all times.”
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While most of Ecuador is considered safe, the only area that the Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to is within 12 miles of the Ecuador-Colombia border, due to the presence of armed organised crime groups which have carried out attacks on local indigenous communities. Even here, four areas are excluded from the advice: the El Angel Ecological Reserve; Rumichaca border crossing; town of Tulcán; Pan-American Highway.
Neighbouring Peru has declared an emergency on its border with Ecuador and increased its own security, and travellers should expect increased checks if crossing the border between the two. More Peruvian police and army officials will be stationed at the border, according to updated advice from the UK Foreign Office.
What are Ecuador’s entry requirements?
British passport holders can travel to Ecuador for up to 90 days in any 12-month period without a visa. The passport must have an expiry date at least six months after the date of arrival. Anyone entering Ecuador overland from Peru or Colombia must get an official passport entry stamp showing the arrival date. Sometimes buses do not stop at the border, which can lead to foreign visitors entering without a stamp. They can be fined or asked to return to the border.
Are the Galapagos Islands affected?
The islands are in the Pacific Ocean, around 740 miles (or a two-hour flight) from Guayaquil. While many island-bound travellers make a stop in the city or in Quito before or after, it’s possible to avoid a mainland stay by using connecting flights.
The islands are currently unaffected by the security crisis. The population of 33,000 works mainly in tourism and some islands have few or no residents at all.
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Tourists can stay in the Galapagos Islands for up to 60 days. To enter they must have evidence of a hotel booking or an invitation letter from a host and evidence of a return flight to the Ecuadorean mainland. They must also complete an online transit control card at least 24 hours before the flight and retain a copy. Health insurance is mandatory for foreign visitors.
Is Ecuador safe for female travellers?
The UK Foreign Office advises that serious sexual assaults and attacks against foreign women have happened in Ecuador, in particular in the tourist beach town of Montañita in Santa Elena Province. Travel after dark is not recommended and tourists are advised to be alert to the use of date-rape drugs and others in drinks.
Is Ecuador safe for LGBTQ travellers?
Same-sex relations are legal in Ecuador. However, local attitudes towards the LGBTQ community can be conservative in this Catholic, tradition-minded country, 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, especially outside the main towns and cities. Transgender people in particular could face unwanted attention.
What do tour firms say?
Sarah Bradley, managing director of Journey Latin America, says: “At present the situation is calm and all airports are open. We are in the process of contacting our clients who are due to travel to Ecuador in the next few months to discuss their travel arrangements.
“For clients who are due to travel imminently, as a precautionary measure, we have decided not to operate any excursions in the city of Guayaquil where the attack on the TV station took place and to seek alternative accommodation for those booked to stay in the centre of Guayaquil.
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“Although very serious, these recent acts of violence are rare in Ecuador and most visitors will have a trouble-free stay.”
Danny Callaghan, CEO of the Latin American Travel Association (Lata), which represents dozens of UK tour firms, says: “We are in close contact with the Ecuadorean authorities and our partners on the ground to gather more information to enable us to update our members accordingly.
“We recommend all those looking to travel to Ecuador in the foreseeable future to book via a reputable Lata tour operator to ensure their trip is protected.
“We advise anyone with a trip planned to Ecuador during the state of emergency time frame to consult their tour operator and check the official UK Foreign Office advice.”
Ecuador-based Metropolitan Touring, which provides services to many UK operators, says it is cancelling mainland tours until Sunday, January 14, and using Guayaquil only for connecting flights.
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