A volcano erupted on White Island, New Zealand on 9 December 2019. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Updates are available from the New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.
You can request emergency help in English from your smartphone. Use the application ECU 911.
Use the right emergency number for your location:
Quito and Ibarra: call 911.
Guayaquil, Cuenca and Loja: call 112.
all other areas: call 101.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Ecuador overall.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Ecuador overall due to the high levels of violent crime and the threat of kidnapping.
Do not travel within 20km of the border with Colombia, except the official border crossing at Tulcan.
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.
Reconsider your need to travel to Sucumbios and Esmereldas provinces.
Reconsider your need to travel to Sucumbios and Esmereldas provinces due to the high threat of kidnapping.
Violent crime and theft are common. Thieves target travellers. Distraction is a common tactic. Be careful when using ATMs and credit cards.
The risk of violent crime increases when you travel alone or after dark. Criminals target taxis, buses, transport hubs and crowded areas. Northern regions bordering Colombia and Peru are particularly dangerous. Avoid going out at night. Keep vehicle doors and windows locked, and valuables out of sight, even when moving.
Kidnappings for ransom happen in major cities and places frequented by foreigners. If you decide to travel to an area where there's a threat of kidnapping, get professional security advice.
Ayahuasca tourism is a growing industry. Serious assaults and robbery occur. Thoroughly research ayahuasca tour operators before you sign up.
Political activity by foreigners is illegal. This includes joining protests. If you take part, officials may detain or deport you. Avoid large public gatherings.
Ecuador has several active volcanoes. Before you travel to the areas around Tungurahua volcano, including Baños, check with local officials. If you're in Baños, make sure you know evacuation procedures.
Full travel advice: Safety
Many parts of Ecuador are at high altitudes. You can develop altitude sickness above 2500m. If you're travelling to these areas, consult your doctor before you leave. Ensure your travel insurance covers emergency evacuation from altitude and related medical costs.
Yellow fever is common. Get vaccinated before you travel.
In areas below 1500m, there's a risk of other insect-borne diseases. These include malaria and dengue. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent. Consider taking anti-malaria medication.
Zika virus is widespread. If you're pregnant, discuss your travel plans with your doctor before you leave.
HIV/AIDS is common. Take precautions before doing anything that puts you at risk of infection.
Full travel advice: Health
Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long prison sentences.
Always carry photo ID. Officials may detain you if you don't have it.
Male dual nationals must complete compulsory military service. Seek advice from an embassy or consulate of Ecuador well before you travel.
Full travel advice: Local laws
Australian passport holders can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. Get a visa before you travel if you want to stay longer.
You can visit the Galapagos Islands for tourism for up to 60 days. For other reasons, you must get a visa or special permission before you arrive in Ecuador.
Get your passport stamped on entry. If it isn't stamped, you could be deported or delayed leaving.
Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate. You may need it to enter and leave the country. Check Australia's re-entry requirements following exposure to yellow fever.
The US Dollar is the official currency. ATMs are available, but many places won't change large banknotes. Restaurants and tourist facilities usually accept credit cards.
Unmarked minefields are in the Cordillera del Condor region near the Peruvian border. Seek local advice before travelling there.
Full travel advice: Travel
The Consular Services Charter details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia has a consulate in Guayaquil, Ecuador. It provides limited consular assistance.
The Australian Consulate in Guayaquil and the Canadian Embassy in Quito can issue provisional travel documents.
For after-hours emergencies and passport enquiries, contact the Australian Embassy in Chile.
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
Local authorities may declare:
curfews
a state of emergency
Political activity by foreigners is illegal. This includes joining protests or demonstrations.
If you take part, authorities may detain or deport you.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
avoid all demonstrations, protests and political activity
leave an affected area if it's safe to do so
follow the advice of local authorities
monitor the media for news of possible unrest
More information:
Violent crime and theft are common. This includes:
armed robbery
car break-ins
Travellers have reported serious assaults and theft in Quito at:
El Panecillo
La Mariscal
Guapulo
the old town
southern Quito
Outside Quito, thieves target travellers at:
Guayaquil's downtown, waterfront and market areas
Cerro Mandango near Vilcabamba Loja
the Antennas of Pichincha
Lower Rio Napo's jungle lodges
Cuyabeno National Reserve areas
Some riverboat tours have been robbed at gunpoint, with passengers left stranded.
Thieves target backpackers and foreigners for bag-snatching and pickpocketing, even in large tour groups. Travellers have been injured when they resist.
Petty crime is common around Quito at:
La Mariscal
La Marin
La Carolina and El Ejido parks
Theft also occurs:
after using an ATM or leaving a bank
through credit card fraud and card skimming
Thieves working in pairs or groups use distraction methods, such as:
staged fights
asking for help
pushing or shoving
To protect yourself from petty crime:
don't leave your luggage, food or drinks unattended
be alert when using ATM and credit cards
don't let your credit or debit card out of your sight
Travellers have been robbed and sexually assaulted after accepting 'spiked' drinks and food, as well as chewing gum and cigarettes.
Spikers use drugs, such as scopolamine, including through aerosol sprays and paper handouts, to incapacitate, rob and assault their victims.
Never accept things from strangers or people you have just met.
More information:
Risk of violent crime increases when you travel alone or after dark.
Violent crime and theft occur in:
airports
city, long-distance and international buses
taxis
transport terminals
internet cafes
public markets and crowded streets
Armed criminals have boarded buses to rob passengers.
North of Quito, high risk security situations can develop quickly. Dangerous areas include Ecuador's norther borders with Colombia and Peru in:
Sucumbios province
Esmeraldas province
Armed groups and other criminals engage in kidnapping and other violent criminal activity. Foreigners have been kidnapped in these regions, including in Cuyabeno wildlife reserve.
If you plan to travel there, check warnings issued by local authorities.
The official border crossing town of Tulcán in Carchi province is in a high-risk area, but is usually safer than its surrounds.
To protect yourself from crime:
pay attention to your safety and security
keep doors locked and windows up, even when moving
secure your accommodation against intruders
avoid going out alone, especially at night
if camping, only stay at authorised campsites
Kidnappings for ransom happen, including in:
major cities, such as Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca
places frequented by foreigners
'Express kidnappings' have increased in recent years. Victims are forced to withdraw funds from ATMs to secure their release. These often involve unofficial taxis.
Kidnappings occur around:
Sucumbios
Esmeraldas, including San Lorenzo
Cuyabeno wildlife reserve
areas within 20km of the border with Colombia
If, despite our advice, you decide to travel an area where there's a threat of kidnapping:
seek professional security advice
have effective personal security measures in place
pay close attention to warnings issued by local authorities
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
Ayahuasca tourism is a growing industry in Ecuador and Peru. It involves shamans guiding visitors through psychedelic rituals, often referred to as 'spiritual cleansing'.
It's not illegal, but serious assaults and robbery can occur. Victims report a range of experiences, from being alert but unable to maintain control of their surroundings, to total amnesia.
Credit card fraud and debit card scams are increasing.
To reduce your risk of scams:
research ayahuasca tour operators before you sign up
avoid participating in ayahuasca rituals without a trusted friend present
always keep your debit and credit cards in sight
Ecuador can experience severe weather and natural disasters, such as:
flooding and landslides
If a natural disaster occurs:
secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
monitor local media and other sources
follow the advice of local authorities
keep in contact with your family and friends
More information:
Rainy seasons are from:
December to May in the coastal region
May to November in El Oriente, east of the Andes
Heavy rain often results in landslides and mudslides. Unseasonable rain can cause flooding outside these times.
All parts of Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands, can experience earthquakes.
Several volcanoes in Ecuador are active, including:
El Reventador, 95km east of Quito
Guagua Pichincha, 11km west of Quito
Cotopaxi, 50km south of Quito
Sangay, 40km south-east of Rio Bamba
Tungurahua, overlooking the tourist town of Banos, 135km south of Quito
Eruptions can occur at any time and without warning. Ash falls can affect air travel.
Falling ash following an eruption can spread over a wide area.
Exposure to ash, dust and toxic fumes after a volcanic eruption is a major health risk. This is especially the case for those with existing breathing problems.
If you're in Banos, make sure you know evacuation procedures.
To protect yourself if there's a volcanic eruption:
stay inside with the windows and doors shut
place damp towels at door thresholds and other draft sources if ash is falling in your area
wear a disposable face mask and change it frequently if you need to go outside
wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants and goggles
avoid unnecessary contact with ash
Before you travel to the areas around Tungurahua volcano, including Banos:
monitor local media
check with local authorities for information on volcanic activity
More information:
Ecuador is at risk of tsunamis. A tsunami can arrive very soon after a nearby tremor or earthquake.
Be alert. Don't wait for official warnings.
Move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:
feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
hear loud and unusual noises from the sea
Once on high ground, monitor local media and weather services.
More information:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
what activities and care your policy covers
that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
have a basic health check-up
ask if your travel plans may affect your health
plan any vaccinations you need
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Ecuador. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
what the medicine is
how much you'll take
that it's for personal use
More information:
Many areas of Ecuador are higher than 2500m, including Quito at 2800m. Altitude sickness is a risk.
The risks increase if you:
ascend too quickly, especially if you're at a higher altitude
exercise or drink alcohol before you can adjust
have breathing problems
have had altitude sickness before
Altitude sickness can be deadly. It can affect anyone, even if you're physically fit.
To protect yourself if you'll be travelling above 2500m:
seek advice from your doctor before you travel
get travel insurance that covers costs relating to evacuation from high-altitude areas
Yellow fever is common in Ecuador. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.
Other insect-borne diseases are present in areas below 1500m. These include:
Risk of these diseases is lower in Guayaquil.
Zika virus is widespread. The Australian Department of Health advises pregnant women to:
discuss travel plans with your doctor
consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas
To protect yourself from disease:
check that your accommodation is insect-proof
use insect repellent
wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
onsider taking medicine to prevent malaria
Get urgent medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
More information:
HIV/AIDS is common. Take precautions before you do anything that puts you at risk of infection.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
Gastrointestinal diseases are common during the rainy season.
To protect yourself from illness:
drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
avoid ice cubes
avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
avoid contact with dogs and other mammals
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
Some private hospitals have reasonable medical facilities in:
Quito
Guayaquil
Facilities are limited outside these locations.
Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is expensive. You'll need to pay cash before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even for emergency care.
You can access decompression chambers in:
the Protesub (Sub-aquatic) Puerto Ayora
Santa Cruz Island of the Galapagos Islands
Ecuadorian Navy base (San Eduardo Naval Base) in Guayaquil
If you become seriously ill or injured at the Galapagos Islands, you'll need to be moved to the mainland. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long prison terms in local jails.
Minimum sentence for trafficking or consuming 'soft drugs', such as marijuana (cannabis), can be 1 to 2 years in jail.
More information:
You must always carry photo identification in Ecuador. Authorities may detain you if you don't.
Political activity by foreigners is illegal. This includes joining protests or demonstrations. See Safety
If you participate, authorities may detain or deport you.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Male dual nationals must complete compulsory military service. Seek advice from an embassy or consulate of Ecuador well before you travel.
Dual nationals younger than 18 years must travel with both passports.
More information:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.
Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.
Australian passport holders can stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days without a visa.
If you want to stay longer, you'll need a visa. If you overstay without a visa, you may be fined and barred from future visits.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. This includes currency, customs and quarantine rules. Contact an embassy or consulate of Ecuador for details.
You can visit the Galapagos Islands for tourism for up to 60 days.
For visits other than tourism, you must get a visa or special permission from the local authority. You must do this before you arrive in Ecuador.
If you travel through the US, you must also meet US entry or transit requirements.
Check your visa requirements with an embassy or consulate of the United States. Do this well before you travel.
More information:
Get your passport stamped on entry by land or sea. If it isn't stamped, you could face deportation or delays leaving Ecuador.
Children younger than 18 who travel alone or with 1 parent may need to present:
a letter of consent from non-travelling parents
a copy of their birth certificate
Both documents must be:
translated into Spanish
notarised by the Embassy of Ecuador in Australia
More information:
You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Ecuador. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
The US Dollar is the legal currency of Ecuador.
It's useful to have $US1 notes. Many smaller shops and taxi drivers don't change large notes.
ATMs are available around the country.
Credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities in major centres. Contact your bank to check that your card will work.
Minefields are a danger in the Cordillera del Condor region near the Peruvian border. These can be unexploded and unmarked.
Seek local advice before you travel to the Cordillera del Condor region.
Take care when travelling off-road. Look out for landmines in:
Zamora-Chinchipe
Morona-Santiago
El Oro
Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes on adventure activities and in the Galapagos Islands.
If you plan to do a tour:
get travel insurance before you go to the Galapagos Islands
check if your travel insurance policy covers it
ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
If you're visiting eco-lodges or other remote locations in northern and eastern Ecuador, consider:
the security arrangements in place
the travel distance to hospital in the case of an emergency
Reputable eco-lodges have good security, communications and emergency plans.
You can drive in Ecuador with both:
a valid Australian driver's licence
an International Driving Permit (IDP)
You must get your IDP before departing Australia.
Main roads are reasonable. Roads in rural areas aren't always well maintained.
Driving in Ecuador can be dangerous, particularly at night.
Hazards include:
poorly maintained vehicles
bad driving practices
heavy rains
mudslides
heavy fog in mountainous areas
Ash from volcanic eruptions can clog and stall vehicle engines.
If you plan to drive in Ecuador:
check you have the right insurance cover
learn local traffic laws and practices
be cautious if driving after a volcano has erupted
seek local advice
monitor local media and other sources for updates on road conditions
More information:
Your travel insurance may not cover you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar.
Always wear a helmet.
All registered taxis have a panic button and security cameras installed.
Express kidnappings often involve unregistered taxis.
Only use authorised taxis with:
a taxi registration sticker
security cameras
panic buttons
orange licence plates
orange and white registration numbers
Ask your hotel to arrange a radio-dispatched taxi.
Bus accidents are common.
Violent crime occurs on:
city buses
long-distance buses
international buses
Armed criminals board buses to rob passengers.
If you plan to use public transport:
avoid travel by bus
if you must travel by bus, use a direct route without stops
don't store anything under your seat or overhead
More information:
Safety standards of boats vary.
Piracy occurs along the coast of Ecuador.
Strikes and disturbances by local fishermen in the Galapagos Islands can disrupt travel.
Get your tour operator to confirm in writing that the boat you'll travel on:
has certification by the Ecuadorian Navy
meets the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention standards
Check piracy reports issued by the International Maritime Bureau.
More information:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Ecuador's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
family and friends
travel agent
insurance provider
employer
airline
You can request emergency help in English from your smartphone. Use the application ECU 911.
Use the right emergency number for your location:
Quito and Ibarra: call 911.
Guayaquil, Cuenca and Loja: call 112.
all other areas: call 101.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia has a consulate in Guayaquil, Ecuador. It can provide limited consular help.
For after-hours emergencies and passports, contact the Australian Embassy in Chile.
For issue of provisional travel documents, contact:
the Australian Consulate in Guayaquil
the Canadian Embassy in Quito
Edificio SBC Office
Center - Oficina 1 - 14
Primer Piso
km 1.5 Via, Samborondon
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Phone: (+593) 9 5981 1614 (Monday to Friday 8am to 1pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm)
Email: ausconsulate@unidas.com.ec
Av. Amazonas 4153 and Union Nacional de periodistas
Eurocentre Building, 3rd Floor
Quito, Ecuador
Phone: (+011 593) 2 2455 499
Fax: (+011 593) 2 2277 672
Email: quito@international.gc.ca
Website: canadainternational.gc.ca/ecuador-equateur
Isidora Goyenechea 3621
13th Floor, Tower B
Las Condes
Santiago de Chile, Chile
Phone: +56 2 2550 3500
Fax: +56 2 2331 5960
Email: consular.santiago@dfat.gov.au
Website: www.chile.embassy.gov.au/sclecastellano
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 in Australia
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.