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.
Reconsider your need to travel to Ecuador overall.
Reconsider your need to travel to Ecuador overall due to civil unrest and increased security threats.
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.
See Safety
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.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
In 2022, there were several violent protests which resulted in a strong government response, including curfews. The situation in Ecuador remains fluid and could change with little notice. In the past, the government has introduced a state of emergency and curfews, and has used the military to maintain law and order.
Visitors are advised to be extra vigilant, monitor local media and follow official government instructions.
See the Communicacion Ecuador Twitter page for the latest updates.
Demonstrations occur frequently. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
Political activity by foreigners is illegal. This includes joining protests or demonstrations. If you take part, authorities may detain or deport you.
Police and military can:
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
If you're affected by demonstrations and roadblocks, follow the MinTur social media channels, or for information about the state of the roads, see Consulta de vias (Spanish).
Provision of food or supplies:
If you can't go out safely and don't have access to food and/or supplies, consider using a reputable delivery app.
More information:
On 3 March, the Government of Ecuador imposed a 60-day State of Emergency in the province of Esmeraldas. This is in response to the high levels of crime and homicides. During the State of Emergency, the police and military have powers to:
A daily curfew is in place between 9pm and 5am in Esmeraldas province. If you need to travel to or from an airport during the curfew times, you must have a copy of your flight details to show police if requested.
If you're in Esmeraldas province, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor media for updates. Keep your passport with you at all times and let your family or friends know where you are.
Violent crime and theft are common. This includes:
Travellers have reported serious assaults and theft in Quito at:
Outside Quito, thieves target travellers at:
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:
Theft also occurs:
Thieves working in pairs or groups use distraction methods, such as:
To protect yourself from petty crime:
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:
Armed criminals have boarded buses to rob passengers.
North of Quito, high risk security situations can develop quickly. Dangerous areas include Ecuador's borders with Colombia and Peru in:
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:
Kidnappings for ransom happen, including in:
'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:
If, despite our advice, you decide to travel an area where there's a threat of kidnapping:
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:
Ecuador can experience severe weather and natural disasters, such as:
If a natural disaster occurs:
More information:
Rainy seasons are from:
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:
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 Baños, make sure you know evacuation procedures.
To protect yourself if there's a volcanic eruption:
Before you travel to the areas around Tungurahua volcano, including Baños:
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:
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:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
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 medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Ecuador. The Ecuadorian national COVID-19 Emergency Operations Centre (COE) advises on control measures, including curfews, lockdowns and other restrictions to mobility. However, municipalities can tailor and enforce COVID-19 regulations and restrictions depending on the level of risk assigned to each municipality. These can change rapidly and fines for violating measures are possible. See Travel for more information on restrictions.
The general nationwide biosecurity measures include:
If you present symptoms, call the Ministry of Public Health (Ministerio de Salud Pública) on 171 (attended by trained personnel of the Ministry). If you require a RT-PCR test while in Ecuador see authorised laboratories (Spanish).
For information on Ecuador's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the Ministry of Public Health website (Spanish). You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Many areas of Ecuador are higher than 2500m, including Quito at 2800m. Altitude sickness is a risk.
The risks increase if you:
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:
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:
To protect yourself from disease:
Get urgent medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
More information:
The monkeypox virus is present in Ecuador. The Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador is monitoring the outbreak.
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:
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:
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:
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:
Dual nationals younger than 18 years must travel with both passports.
Our ability to provide regular consular assistance to Australian-Ecuadorian dual nationals may be limited in Ecuador.
More information:
You 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.
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.
If you're entering mainland Ecuador by air, you must present a digital Traveller's Health Declaration when you board your flight. The form is available at the Ministry of Public Health website. If the platform isn't working, you must present a physical form. If you fill out the digital form, you won't be required to submit it at the point of entry to the Ministry of Health.
While there are no COVID-19 vaccination requirements to enter Ecuador, you may be asked to take a rapid antigen test on arrival. If you test positive, self-isolation is not mandatory, but you'll have to wear a mask. The Ministry of Public Health will monitor your condition using the contact details provided in the Health Declaration Form.
If you are entering by land from Colombia or Peru, you must get an entry stamp by an Ecuadorian official at the border. If you're on a shared bus, consider advising the driver that you need to get the stamp, otherwise the driver may not stop at the border, resulting in you not being in Ecuador legally. You'll need the exit stamp from the country you're entering Ecuador from.
For up-to-date information, follow Ecuador's Embassy in Canberra, and visit Coronavirus Ecuador by Ecuador's Ministry of Health (Spanish).
Travel to the Galapagos Islands
Commercial flights to the Galapagos Islands have resumed, and tourist activities are allowed. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of your immigration category, you must comply with the following rules when entering the province of Galapagos.
According to the Government of Galápagos’ FAQ (Spanish), national or foreign tourists over 2 years of age must present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test or COVID-19 (RAT) test performed 72 hours before their flight or a COVID-19 vaccination certificate dated at least 14 days since the last vaccine dose. Children under 2 years of age are exempt from these requirements.
Additionally, the Governing Council of the Special Regime of Galapagos requires foreign tourists to meet particular criteria, including filling out the Galapagos Transit Control Card at least 24 hours before entering, having an outbound flight, and travel insurance. You may be requested to show your hotel booking. See the articles in 'Ingreso a Galápagos', including the 'Para ingresar' (to enter), 'Al arribar' (on arrival), and its FAQ.
More information:
Yellow fever vaccination
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:
Travelling with children
Children younger than 18 who travel alone or with 1 parent may need to present:
Both documents must be:
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:
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.
Local municipalities, in conjunction with Ecuador's National Emergency Operations Committee (COE), can impose traffic restrictions and controls on social gatherings. Check your municipality's local restrictions.
The general nation-wide biosecurity measures include:
Anyone over 12 years of age must present their COVID-19 vaccination card, showing 2 complete doses, to enter any establishment providing non-essential services, including airports. Vaccination certificates are also mandatory for those over 5 years of age for all inter-district, interstate, urban and tourist buses.
Check the particular restrictions for your destination, as Municipalities may have specific measures in place. You may be subject to screening and other measures as determined by local authorities. You can follow their social media accounts:
There may be disruptions to transport, shopping and other services. Ecuador's National Emergency Operations Committee (COE) updates the website with official resolutions regularly (Spanish)
Minefields are a danger in the Cordillera del Condor region near the Peruvian border. These minefields can be unmarked.
Seek local advice before you travel to the Cordillera del Condor region.
Take care when travelling off-road. Look out for landmines in:
Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes on adventure activities and in the Galapagos Islands. Inter-provincial bus transport operation has been authorised by local municipalities, at 75% capacity, from/to bus terminals. Accredited tourist transport vehicles are not subject to any mobility restriction.
If you plan to do a tour:
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:
Reputable eco-lodges have good security, communications and emergency plans.
You can drive in Ecuador with both:
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:
Ash from volcanic eruptions can clog and stall vehicle engines.
If you plan to drive in Ecuador:
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:
Ask your hotel to arrange a radio-dispatched taxi.
Bus accidents are common.
Violent crime occurs on:
Armed criminals board buses to rob passengers.
If you plan to use public transport:
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:
Check piracy reports issued by the International Maritime Bureau.
More information:
We don'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:
You can request emergency help in English from your smartphone. Use the application ECU 911.
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.
There's an Australian Consulate in Guayaquil, Ecuador. It can provide limited consular help. The Canadian Embassy in Quito, Ecuador gives consular assistance to Australians in Ecuador under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement.
For after-hours emergencies and passports, contact the Australian Embassy in Chile.
For issue of provisional travel documents, contact:
Pinturas Unidas S. A.
Km 16.5 Via Daule
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
Facebook: Embajada de Australia en Chile y Ecuador
Twitter: @AusEmbCL
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:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.