Ecuador, a country known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture, is currently facing significant safety challenges. The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory urging U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution due to civil unrest, crime, and kidnapping. Certain areas within Ecuador are considered particularly dangerous, warranting a “Do Not Travel” designation. This updated advisory provides critical information for anyone planning to visit Ecuador, ensuring you are informed about the potential risks and can make safe travel decisions.
Key Takeaways from the Current Travel Advisory
The primary message from the U.S. State Department is to be highly vigilant throughout Ecuador. The advisory highlights several critical concerns:
- Elevated Crime Rates: Crime is a pervasive issue across Ecuador, with violent crime being widespread. This includes serious offenses like murder, assault, kidnapping, and armed robbery. The presence of transnational criminal organizations exacerbates the problem in certain regions.
- Civil Unrest and Demonstrations: Protests and demonstrations are frequent occurrences in Ecuador, often triggered by political or economic issues. These events can lead to spontaneous road closures and disruptions to essential services.
- Kidnapping Risks: Kidnapping is a significant concern, adding another layer of risk for travelers.
- Specific High-Risk Zones: Certain cities and provinces are explicitly listed with “Do Not Travel” or “Reconsider Travel” advisories due to severe crime levels.
- Land Border Entry Requirements: New regulations require travelers entering Ecuador via land borders from Colombia or Peru to present a certified criminal record certificate.
Level 4: Do Not Travel Areas – Detailed Breakdown
The State Department explicitly advises against traveling to the following areas due to extremely high crime levels:
Guayaquil: South of Portete de Tarqui Avenue
This area of Ecuador’s largest city is deemed extremely dangerous due to rampant crime. The specific demarcation south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue indicates a particularly high concentration of criminal activity, making it unsafe for visitors.
Cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas (El Oro Province)
Located in the El Oro province, bordering Peru, the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas are also categorized as “Do Not Travel” zones. Crime is the primary factor contributing to this high-risk designation.
Cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo (Los Rios Province)
These cities within the Los Rios province are similarly flagged due to severe crime issues. Travelers are strongly advised to avoid these locations.
Canton of Duran (Guayas Province)
Duran, a canton within the Guayas province, faces “Do Not Travel” status due to significant criminal activity.
Esmeraldas City and Areas North (Esmeraldas Province)
Esmeraldas city and all areas north of it in the Esmeraldas province are under a “Do Not Travel” advisory. This entire region is experiencing critical levels of crime, making it exceptionally risky for travel.
Reason for “Do Not Travel” Designations: These areas are characterized by intense and frequent violent crime, often linked to transnational criminal groups and local gangs. This includes indiscriminate public attacks, murder, assassinations, armed robberies, bombings, kidnappings, and assaults. The situation has worsened recently, increasing danger to U.S. citizens. The U.S. government’s ability to provide assistance in these “Do Not Travel” zones is severely limited, further emphasizing the risk.
Level 3: Reconsider Travel Areas – Detailed Breakdown
For the following areas, the U.S. State Department advises travelers to reconsider their plans due to significant safety risks:
Guayaquil: North of Portete de Tarqui Avenue
While still dangerous, the area of Guayaquil north of Portete de Tarqui Avenue is considered slightly less risky than the southern part, but still warrants a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime.
El Oro Province (Excluding Huaquillas and Arenillas)
Outside of the “Do Not Travel” cities, the broader El Oro province still presents considerable crime risks, prompting the State Department to advise reconsideration of travel.
Los Rios Province (Excluding Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo)
Similar to El Oro, the Los Rios province outside the specific “Do Not Travel” cities remains a concern due to crime.
Esmeraldas Province (South of Esmeraldas City)
The region south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province also falls under the “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to ongoing crime issues.
Provinces of Sucumbios, Manabi, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo
These provinces are added to the “Reconsider Travel” list due to elevated crime rates.
Reason for “Reconsider Travel” Designations: These areas experience sporadic violent crime connected to criminal groups, with increasing violence in recent times. U.S. government personnel are instructed to exercise extreme caution and maintain high vigilance when in these regions.
Important Considerations for All of Ecuador
Country Summary: Widespread Crime and Civil Unrest
It’s crucial to understand that crime is a widespread issue throughout Ecuador. Violent crime, including serious offenses, is prevalent. Demonstrations and civil unrest are also common and can disrupt travel plans unexpectedly. Outside major cities, Ecuador is often sparsely populated, and government assistance can be significantly delayed in remote areas.
Land Border Restrictions: Criminal Record Certificate
For those entering Ecuador by land from Colombia or Peru, a new requirement is in place. All foreign citizens must present an apostilled certificate proving they have no criminal record. This is mandatory for entry. Detailed information can be found on the Ministry of Tourism’s webpage and Ecuador.Travel. U.S. citizens planning land border crossings must comply with this regulation. The U.S. Embassy cannot assist with obtaining these documents at the border.
Conclusion
The U.S. State Department’s current travel advisory for Ecuador paints a concerning picture regarding safety and security. While Ecuador offers many attractions, potential travelers must be fully aware of the risks, particularly related to crime and civil unrest. Careful consideration of the “Do Not Travel” and “Reconsider Travel” areas is essential for safe trip planning. Always consult the official U.S. State Department website for the most up-to-date information before making travel decisions and ensure you are prepared for potential disruptions and safety challenges throughout the country. For further details and resources, refer to the country information page and the Travel to High-Risk Areas guide provided by the U.S. State Department.
