23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
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.
Do not travel to Ecuador.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
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
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Demonstrations may take place following the recent general elections. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
Local authorities may declare:
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:
More information:
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:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more important to get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs. 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. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
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:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Ecuador. Control measures include curfews, lockdowns and other restrictions to mobility. 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. 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.
If you're in Ecuador and have been trying to return home, but haven't been able to, register your details with the Australian Embassy in Santiago de Chile.
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:
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:
To protect yourself from disease:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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:
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:
Leaving Ecuador
International flights are limited. There are options to return to Australia via the USA and the Middle East 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 must meet at least one of the following criteria: 1) Have a negative result in a COVID-19 (PCR) test, taken within 3 days of your arrival, 2) Have an antigen test taken within 3 days of your arrival, or 3) Present a vaccination card showing you have received all required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Local authorities conduct screenings for COVID-19 at ports of entry by using antigen tests, temperature sensors and checking for symptoms. If your antigen test result is positive, you'll have to undergo a 10-day mandatory quarantine at your own cost. The quarantine can be completed at home/appropriate accommodation (as reported on your entry health declaration), non-residents of Ecuador can self-isolate in any hotel (except for travellers from Brazil) as determined by the local authorities. No isolation is required if your antigen test results negative.
Currently, passengers arriving from Brazil, including those who had been in transit only, will need to self-isolate for 10 days in any hotel accredited by the Ministry of Tourism, regardless of the results of any test for COVID-19.
For official up to date information, follow Ecuador’s Embassy in Canberra, and visit Coronavirus Ecuador (Spanish).
COVID-19 restrictions
COVID-19 measures include curfews, lockdowns and other restrictions to mobility.
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 – follow their social media accounts (Quito: @MunicipioQuito; Guayaquil: @alcaldiagye; Cuenca: @MunicipioCuenca; Galapagos: @CGGalapagos). You may experience disruptions to transport, shopping and other services. Ecuador’s National Emergency Operations Committee (COE) updates the website with official resolutions regularly (Spanish).
"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:
More information:
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:
Both documents must be:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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:
If you're in Ecuador and seek to return to Australia, share your details with us by following this link.
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.