Ecuador

Demonstrations and protests

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:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Violent crime

Violent crime and theft are common. This includes:

• assault
• armed robbery
• kidnapping
• 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.

Petty crime

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

Spiking assaults

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:

• Partying safely
• Sexual assault

Road-based crime

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 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

Kidnapping

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:

• Kidnapping

Scams and fraud

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

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Ecuador can experience severe weather and natural disasters, such as:

• flooding and landslides
• earthquakes
• volcanic eruptions
• tsunamis

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:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Flooding and landslides

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.

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

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 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:

• Seismic activity in Ecuador (Spanish)

Tsunamis

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:

• Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

This advice predates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians.

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. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.

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:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

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 medication is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

COVID - 19

COVID-19 remains a risk in Ecuador. On 13 September 2020, the National Public Health Emergency was extended for 90 days. The State of Emergency in Ecuador is no longer in place. Municipalities can tailor and enforce COVID-19 regulations and restrictions depending on the level of risk assigned to each municipality.  Fines for violating measures are possible. If you present symptoms, call the Ministry of Health (“Ministerio de Salud Pública”) on 171 (attended by trained personnel of the Ministry). See Travel for more information on restrictions. 

More information:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Coronavirus Ecuador (Ecuador Ministry of Health)
• Ecuador's Ministry of Health Twitter account
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Altitude sickness

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

Insect-borne diseases

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:

• malaria
• dengue
• chikungunya
• Chagas disease
• leishmaniasis

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:

• Infectious diseases

Other health risks

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:

• tuberculosis
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• rabies

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.

Medical facilities

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.

Drugs

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:

• Carrying or using drugs

Proof of identity

You must always carry photo identification in Ecuador. Authorities may detain you if you don't.

Other laws

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:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

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:

• Dual nationals

Visa-free short stays and visitor visas

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.

Travel to the Galapagos Islands

If you travel to the Galapagos Islands despite our advice, note that services may be extremely limited. You can visit the Galapagos Islands for tourism for up to 60 days if you meet the following criteria:

• You need valid identity documents (official national identification card or passport)
• You need a return airplane ticket to the Galapagos Province
• You need a negative COVID-19 test (RT-PCR) taken up to 96 hours prior to entry into the province.
  • The tests conducted in Ecuador must be carried out in a laboratory recognised by the Health Services and Prepaid Medicine Quality Assurance Agency. The tests are not mandatory for minors
• Letter of safe-passage (salvoconducto) issued by a Galapagos tourist operator or tourist accommodation establishment that provides services in the aforementioned province. Only tourism services which meet tourism guidelines and follow the established biosecurity protocols should be engaged.
• Tourism control card issued by the Government Council for the Galapagos Special Regime
• Traveller Health Declaration Form in order to identify their place of stay, for the tourists that began their journey in Ecuador. For the tourists that began their journey abroad the form will be filled out upon their arrival to Ecuador.
• Mandatory health insurance. This applies only to foreign tourists (Art. 49 of the Law of the Special Regime for the Galapagos Province).

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.

Travel via the United States

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:

• Travel advice for the US

Leaving Ecuador

International flights are limited. There are options to return to Australia via the USA and Europe through major airlines’ websites. The restriction on some international arrivals has also been lifted provided travellers meet testing and screening requirements (see below). However, all land borders with Colombia and Peru remain closed until further notice.

If you're in Ecuador and you want to return to Australia, share your details with us by following this link.

Entry and exit

If you travel to Ecuador despite our advice, you'll need proof of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) taken in the 7 days before you arrive, or take a COVID-19 test on arrival if the departure country does not provide PCR tests, at your own expense. Rapid-result tests will not be accepted. 

COVID-19 restrictions

On 13 September 2020, the State of Emergency in Ecuador was lifted, with nationwide curfews no longer in place. However, the National Public Health Emergency was extended for 90 days. You may be subject to screening and other measures as determined by local authorities – follow their social media accounts (Quito: @MunicipioQuito; Guayaquil: @alcaldiagye; Cuenca: @MunicipioCuenca; Galapagos: @CGGalapagos). You may experience disruptions to transport, shopping and other services.

'Traffic light' system

Ecuador has a “traffic light” system providing epidemiological information for local authorities to indicate restrictions measures.  Check the restrictions map for updates. The rules in each area vary, check for advice on authorities’ social media accounts (Quito: @MunicipioQuito; Guayaquil: @alcaldiagye; Cuenca: @MunicipioCuenca; Galapagos: @CGGalapagos).

If you can't or don't wish to leave:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• obtain a safe passage permit “salvoconducto” in case you absolutely must go out under curfew (i.e. go to the doctor or the airport): .
• take care to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19.

More information:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Coronavirus Ecuador (Ecuador Ministry of Health)
• Ecuador's Ministry of Health Twitter account
• “Traffic light” restrictions map (by the Ecuadorian Government)
• Ecuador’s National Emergency Operations Committee (COE) official resolutions (Spanish only).

The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.

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:

• Advice for people travelling with children

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:

• Yellow fever risk and certification requirements

Validity

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.

Lost or stolen 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.

Landmines

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

Tours

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:

• 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.

Remote locations

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.

Driving permit

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.

Road travel

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:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Your travel insurance may not cover you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

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.

Public transport

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:

• Transport and getting around safely

Boat travel

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:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

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:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Request help in English

You can request emergency help in English from your smartphone. Use the application ECU 911.

Request help in Spanish

• 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

If you're in Ecuador and seek to return to Australia, share your details with us by following this link.

Australian Consulate, Guayaquil

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

Canadian Embassy, Quito

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

Australian Embassy, Santiago de Chile

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.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

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