This advice has been reviewed and reissued. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

There is a general threat in Ecuador from domestic terrorism. Commercial and public areas, as well as buildings and symbols associated with the government of Ecuador, are potential targets.

North-east border region: We strongly advise you not to travel to Carchi, Orellana, Sucumbios and Napo provinces in north-eastern Ecuador bordering Colombia and Peru. There is a high threat of terrorist and serious criminal activity in these provinces. A number of foreign workers have been kidnapped, and one killed. In March 2008, tensions between Ecuador and Colombia led to troop movements to regions along the Colombian border.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

Protests and demonstrations are frequent in Ecuador. Protests often involve road blocks and may result in serious disruption to travel and have the potential to turn violent. The government may at short notice declare a state of emergency – including curfews – in provinces affected by protest action. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Local laws expressly prohibit political activity by foreign nationals while they are in Ecuador. This includes participation in protests or demonstrations. Such activity may result in detention or deportation.

Crime

Violent crime, including murder, kidnapping and armed assault, has been reported, particularly in Guayas province and in the cities of Guayaquil, Quito and Cuenca. This risk is heightened when travelling alone or after dark.

Serious crime, including assaults and armed robberies, has been reported on city buses and on long distance and international buses. The routes between the cities of Guayaquil and Cuenca and between Guayaquil and Riobamba are particularly affected by crime. The number of muggings and sexual assaults has increased.

Travellers have been robbed and assaulted after accepting 'spiked' gifts of food, chewing gum, cigarettes and drinks. The use of aerosol sprays containing incapacitating chemicals has been reported. In neighbouring Colombia, thieves have used similar chemicals on paper handouts, which are especially dangerous if the chemicals touch your face (via your hand).

There have been reports of river tour boats being commandeered and robbed at gun point, with passengers left stranded.

Armed criminals have robbed travellers staying at jungle lodges in the Lower Rio Napo and Cuyabeno National Reserve areas. Travellers have also been robbed when hiking in Cerro Mandango near Vilcabamba Loja.

Theft and pick-pocketing is common, especially in areas frequented by tourists and particularly the Mariscal district of Quito at night. Visitors should be alert and always aware of their belongings.

Antennas of Pichincha volcano, west of Quito: Following several reports of robbery and rape at gunpoint, we strongly advise you not to hike to the antennas of the Pichincha volcano.

Local Travel

Driving in Ecuador can be hazardous due to poorly maintained roads and vehicles, local driving practices, and inadequate road lighting. Heavy rains and mudslides often close or wash away roads. Heavy fog is common in mountainous areas. Be cautious about driving after a volcanic eruption, as ash can clog and stall engines.

You should monitor local media for information on access to the areas you intend to travel to.

The safety standards Australians might expect of tour operators, including those operating in the Galapagos Islands, are not always met. You should obtain written confirmation from the travel agent or tour operator that their vessel is certified by the Ecuadorian Navy to meet the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention standards. For further information on travel to the Galapagos Islands see the Galapagos National Park website.

Cordillera del Condor region: Unexploded and unmarked minefields are a danger in the Cordillera del Condor region near the Peruvian border. You should exercise particular caution in Zamora-Chinchipe, Morona-Santiago and El Oro provinces when travelling off-road.

Strikes and disturbances by local fishermen in the Galapagos Islands sometimes disrupt travel and access.

Be aware that piracy can occur in the coastal areas of Ecuador.

Laws require you to carry identification at all times. Authorities may detain individuals unable to provide proof of identity.

Airline Safety

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns this will be included in travel advice.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

The rainy season is May to November and the hurricane season from June to November. Heavy rain often results in landslides and mudslides. Unseasonal rain can cause flooding outside these times.

In the event of an approaching hurricane, you should identify your local shelter. We encourage Australians in affected areas to follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor the media for the latest developments. Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. The hurricane could also affect access to sea ports in the region. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay. You should familiarise yourself with your hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. You should carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. passport, photo identification) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that you contact friends and family in Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts. For further information, see our Travel Bulletin: Severe Weather – Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons.

Several volcanoes in Ecuador are active. Three have erupted recently: Guagua Pichincha (11km west of Quito), Tungurahua (overlooking the town of Banos, 135km south of Quito) and El Reventador (95km northeast of Quito).

The Tungurahua volcano, located 135km south of Quito in central Ecuador, erupted on 6 February 2008. Ongoing volcanic activity could lead to further eruptions and endanger lives. The entire region surrounding the volcano should be avoided.

If you are in Banos, you should familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures, evacuation routes and the location of designated shelters. You should also monitor local information sources for details of the current situation and follow the instructions of officials. For further advice regarding current conditions, refer to the Smithsonian Global Volcano Programme website or the Instituto Geofisico (in Spanish).

Even at a considerable distance, an eruption may endanger your health. See our health section below for further information.

Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands, is subject to earthquakes.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife Watching

Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

The US dollar is the only legal currency in Ecuador. It is useful to have smaller denominations, especially $1 notes, as many smaller shops and taxi drivers do not change large notes.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or child care facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or child care facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select child care providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Ecuador, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

It is a legal requirement to carry some form of identification with you at all times.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy prison terms served in local jails. The minimum sentence for trafficking of any illegal drug is 12 years imprisonment.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Information for Dual Nationals

Australian/Ecuadorian dual national males are subject to compulsory military service and should seek advice from the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Ecuador well in advance of travel.

Minors under the age of 18 years who have dual nationality must travel with both passports.

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Ecuador for the most up to date information.

If you are travelling to Ecuador through the United States of America (USA), including transiting Honolulu or other USA points of entry, you must meet USA entry/transit requirements. You should check your visa needs well in advance of travel with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. See also our travel advice for the United States of America.

If you are travelling from a yellow fever endemic country, a valid Yellow Fever Certificate is required for entry into Ecuador. The World Health Organization (WHO) can provide a list of yellow fever endemic countries.

Ecuador is listed by the World Health Organization as endemic for yellow fever. Some airlines flying out of Ecuador require evidence of a valid yellow fever vaccination before allowing passengers to board. In the case of at least one airline, evidence of a valid yellow fever vaccination is required if the passenger is travelling to Australia within six days of departing Ecuador. If in doubt, check with your airline.

If you have visited Ecuador in the last six days prior to your date of return to Australia, Australian Customs officials will ask you to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on entry into Australia.

For children (under 18 years of age) travelling alone or with one parent, local immigration authorities may require a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent(s) and a copy of the child's birth certificate. Both documents should be translated into Spanish and notarised and certified by the Ecuadorian Embassy or Consulate in Australia.

Health Issues

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

The standard of medical facilities provided by private hospitals in Quito and Guayaquil is reasonable. Outside these areas and in the Galapagos Islands facilities are very limited. Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is expensive. Doctors and hospitals expect cash payment prior to providing medical services, including for emergency care. In the event of a serious illness or accident on the Galapagos Islands, medical evacuation to the mainland would be necessary. Costs would be considerable.

Decompression chambers are located at Protesub (Sub-aquatic) Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island of the Galapagos Islands and the Ecuadorian Navy base (San Eduardo Naval Base) in Guayaquil.

The altitude in Quito (2800 metres) and other parts of Ecuador may cause problems for travellers, particularly those who suffer from lung, heart or chest problems. Healthy travellers may also feel the effects of the decrease in oxygen. We advise you to take it easy for the first few days.

Malaria is a risk in all coastal provinces below 1,500 metres elevation, as are other insect-borne diseases (including yellow fever, dengue fever, Chagas' disease and leishmaniasis). There is less risk in Guayaquil and Quito. You should consult your doctor or travel clinic about prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times.

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, typhoid, hepatitis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. Outbreaks of diarrhoeal diseases are common during the rainy season. We recommend that you boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

Be aware that falling ash following a volcanic eruption can be distributed over a wide area. Exposure to ash can harm your health, particularly your breathing. The ash, dust and toxic fumes emitted following an eruption represent a significant health risk especially to those with existing respiratory problems. If there is falling ash in your area you should stay inside with the windows and doors shut and place damp towels at door thresholds and other draft sources. When ash has ceased to fall or you need to go outside, wear a disposable face-mask if available and change it frequently. Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants to protect your skin, and goggles to protect your eyes. Avoid unnecessary contact with ash.

Where to Get Help

Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Ecuador. You can obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy which is in Chile:

Australian Embassy
Isidora Goyenechea 3621
13th Floor, Tower B
Las Condes
Santiago de Chile, Chile
Telephone +56 2 550 3500
Facsimile +56 2 331 5960
Email: consular.santiago@dfat.gov.au
Website: www.chile.embassy.gov.au/

By agreement between the Canadian and Australian governments, the local Canadian Embassy provides consular assistance to Australians in Ecuador. This service does not include the issue of Australian passports. The address is:

Canadian Embassy
Av. Amazonas 4153y Union Nacional de Periodistas
Eurocenter Building 3rd floor (one block north of the Supreme Court Building)
Quito, Ecuador
Telephone (+593 2) 245 5499
Facsimile (+593 2) 227 7672
Email: quito@international.gc.ca

If you are travelling to Ecuador, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register on-line or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.