Updated with information about land border travel restrictions.

Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to civil unrest, crime, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue, due to crime.
• The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the province of El Oro, due to crime.
• The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios, due to crime.
• The canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas, due to crime.
• Esmeraldas city and all areas north of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to crime.

Reconsider travel to:

• Guayaquil north of Portete de Tarqui Avenue due to crime.
• El Oro province outside the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas, due to crime.
• Los Rios province outside the cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo, due to crime.
• All areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to crime.
• The provinces of Sucumbios, Manabi, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo due to crime.

Country Summary: Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador. Violent crime, such as murder, assault, kidnapping, and armed robbery, is prevalent and widespread. The rate of violent crime is significantly higher in areas where transnational criminal organizations are concentrated.

Demonstrations occur frequently throughout the country, usually motivated by political and/or economic factors. Demonstrators routinely block local roads and major highways, often without prior notice which can lead to disruption in access to critical infrastructure.  

Outside of Ecuador’s major towns and cities, much of the country’s territory is sparsely populated and isolated. Government assistance may be very limited and can lead to significant delays for assistance to U.S. citizens in remote areas.

Land Border Restrictions: All foreign citizens entering the country via land border crossings from Colombia or Peru are required to present an apostilled certificate showing a lack of criminal record. Further information is available on the Ministry of Tourism’s webpage and at Ecuador.Travel. All U.S. citizens planning to enter Ecuador via a land border should comply with this requirement. See Travel.State.Gov’s Office of Authentications webpage and Criminal Records Check webpage for information on how to obtain a criminal record check and apostille from the United States. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General in Ecuador cannot assist citizens crossing a land border in obtaining the required documentation.    

Read the country information page for additional information on traveling to Ecuador.

If you decide to travel to Ecuador:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
• Review the Country Security Report for Ecuador.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Level 4: Do Not Travel

Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue, due to crime.

The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the Province of El Oro, due to crime.

The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios, due to crime.

The canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas, due to crime.

Esmeraldas city and all areas north of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to crime.

Transnational criminal groups and local gangs regularly engage in violent criminal acts in these areas, including indiscriminate attacks without warning in public spaces. Violent crimes have included murder, targeted assassinations, armed robberies, bombings, kidnappings, and assaults, among others. Violence in these areas has steadily increased in frequency and brutality in recent months, posing an increased security risk to U.S. citizens. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to these areas without prior authorization. As a result, the U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Guayaquil north of Portete de Tarqui Avenue, due to crime.

El Oro province outside the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas, due to crime.

Los Rios province outside the cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo, due to crime.

All areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to crime.

The provinces of Sucumbios, Manabi, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo, due to crime.

Transnational criminal groups and local gangs have sporadically engaged in violent criminal activity in these areas, with violence increasing in recent months. U.S. government personnel are directed to exercise extreme caution and maintain increased vigilance when traveling in and around these areas. 

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.