Traveler Toolkit
Ecuador Country Security Report
Ecuador Country Security Report
Published: September 10, 2026
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Ecuador Travel Advisory and Ecuador International Travel Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
E12-170 Avigiras Ave. and Eloy Alfaro Ave.
Quito, Ecuador
Tel: 593-2-398-5000
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 0745-1715; Friday, 0745-1345
Santa Ana St. and Jose Rodriguez Bonin Ave.
San Eduardo Sector
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Tel: 593-4-371-7000
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 0745-1715; Friday, 0745-1345
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
Quito and Guayaquil each hosts active OSAC chapters.
Contact OSAC's Americas team with any questions.
Ecuador Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution due to risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk.
Do not travel to these areas due to crime:
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Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue.
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The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the province of El Oro.
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The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios.
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The canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas.
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Esmeraldas City and all areas of north of Esmeraldas City in Esmeraldas province.
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The area north of Esmeraldas City to the Colombian border and east to Carchi province.
Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Quito and Guayaquil as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ecuador, indicating that widespread violent or organized crime is present in areas of the country; local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
The crime emergency line in Ecuador is 911. or non-emergency crimes you may call 1-800-DELITO (1-800-335-486), accessible only from within Ecuador). Review the U.S. Department of State’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
Crime is a severe problem throughout Ecuador. Limited police and judicial resources, border security challenges, and low apprehension rates contribute to Ecuador’s overall high crime rate. Annual crime statistics from the Ecuadorian National Police (ENP) indicate that criminal activity is most common from after dark.
Violent crime is a significant concern in Ecuador, especially in Guayaquil where transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) are using extremely violent tactics. Over the last year, the homicide rate in Guayaquil and surroundings remains high, as have targeted assassinations of law enforcement and port authorities. Criminal groups are affiliated with/influenced by international drug-trafficking organizations, such as Mexico’s CJNG and Sinaloa Cartel, and have resorted to tactics such as public executions to intimidate local law enforcement.
TCOs have expanded their capabilities throughout Guayaquil and coastal Ecuador over the last several years. Gangs have the capability to carry out attacks across the country if provoked. Violence levels rose to 50.91 per 100,000 in 2025. In 2025, there were approximately 9,100 intentional homicides, 438 being children and adolescents.
Most gang violence does not impact U.S. travelers. However, OSAC members operating Guayaquil have been targeted by criminal organizations for “vacunas,” or protection money and extortion. This trend continues to pose a risk to organizations with long-term or repeated operations in the region. Criminal organizations have also carried out operations in public places throughout Guayaquil, including hotel lobbies, shopping malls, hospitals, police stations, and the airport. While U.S. citizens are not targeted, there is an increased risk of wrong-place-wrong-time incidents in Guayaquil.
Pickpockets and other petty thieves are particularly active in tourist areas, airports, restaurants, bus terminals, public markets, grocery stores, and on public transportation and crowded streets. Criminals frequently target backpackers and travelers carrying laptop bags for robbery. In many cases, armed robbers have used motorcycles to approach their victims and flee the scene. Thieves often distract their victims, sometimes by purposefully spilling liquid on a victim and pretending to help clean it up (condiment scam), while accomplices snatch the victim’s bag or pick the victim’s pocket. To lower risk from these or other non-violent crimes, leave valuables in a safe place or do not travel with them. Travelers should not carry more than they are willing to lose and never carry anything considered priceless or irreplaceable. Use hotel safes when available, avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or designer clothing, and carry only the necessary cash or credit cards on each outing.
Criminals have robbed tourists at gunpoint on beaches and along hiking trails. Criminals may rob those who have just finished using ATMs or exited banks, even after driving several miles away from the bank. In the event of a robbery, comply and provide possessions to aggressors. Avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash from banks and ATMs and only use ATMs in secure venues or hotels. Reports of credit card fraud are commonplace.
Armed robberies on city buses in Guayaquil are frequent. Robberies and assaults committed against taxi passengers present a significant safety concern, especially in Guayaquil and Manta. Armed thieves have intercepted vehicles and threatened passengers, forcing victims to withdraw money from ATMs. In some instances, these incidents have led to injury and sexual assault. In many cases the taxi driver is complicit in the attack.
Carjacking or thefts have occurred while vehicles are stopped at intersections. Smash-and-grabs occur when thieves break into parked, slow-moving, or stopped vehicles.
Incidents of sexual assault and rape continue to be reported to the ENP, including in well-traveled tourist areas of mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos. The ENP report that use of date-rape drugs (e.g., Rohypnol and scopolamine) to facilitate assault persists. Mitigate risk by traveling in groups, maintaining control over food/drink in bars and restaurants, and exercising caution in nightclubs.
Although street crime is prevalent throughout Quito, stay particularly alert near tourist areas including the Panecillo, Bellavista neighborhood, and the downtown Historic District. Other areas such as the Mariscal Sucre district, a popular tourist area, are increasingly a site of crime, as is the area surrounding Plaza Foch at night. Book transportation to and from destinations in advance to avoid reliance on taxis. As a common nightlife destination, Plaza Foch is also a hub for criminal activity, drug-dealing, and prostitution.
The U.S. Government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Colombian border area.
Crime: Areas of Concern
Although street crime is prevalent throughout Quito, stay particularly alert near tourist areas including the Panecillo, Bellavista neighborhood, and the downtown Historic District. Other areas such as the Mariscal Sucre district, a popular tourist area, are increasingly a site of crime, as is the area surrounding Plaza Foch at night. Book transportation to and from destinations in advance to avoid reliance on taxis. As a common nightlife destination, Plaza Foch is also a hub for criminal activity, drug-dealing, and prostitution.
Do not travel to these areas due to crime:
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Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue.
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The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the province of El Oro.
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The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios.
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The canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas.
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Esmeraldas City and all areas of north of Esmeraldas City in Esmeraldas province.
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The area north of Esmeraldas City to the Colombian border and east to Carchi province.
Reconsider travel to these areas due to terrorism and crime:
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Guayaquil, north Portete de Tarqui Avenue.
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El Oro province outside the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas.
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Los Rios province outside the cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo.
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All areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province.
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The provinces of Sucumbios, Manabi, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ecuador, indicating that kidnapping and/or hostage taking occurs in areas of the country.
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPR) have been victims of kidnapping and extortion. Kidnappings have occurred along the coast of Ecuador and the northern border with Colombia, with some targeting foreigners. Kidnappings occur more due to economic rather than political motivations. The Sucumbíos region and the Manabi province have high rates of kidnappings for ransom. In many cases, the victim(s) and/or their families are hesitant to ask police for assistance because it is widely believed that they’re corrupt and often complicit in kidnapping and extortion by criminal organizations. Kidnappers do not specifically target U.S. citizens.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Quito and Guayaquil as being a HIGH-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ecuador, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
Consistent with the majority of Latin America, there is moderate risk of terrorist attacks focused on Ecuador. Attacks in Ecuador have traditionally involved domestic organizations as well as Colombian dissident groups such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia Dissidents (FARC-D) and National Liberation Army (ELN) operating within Ecuador's borders.
In response to a spike in violence in 2024, the Ecuadorian government designated 22 TCOs in Ecuador as “terrorist organizations,” allowing the military and police to take further actions against them. Los Tiguerones has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Terrorism Index 2026 ranks Ecuador 37 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as having a high impact from terrorism.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Quito and Guayaquil as being a HIGH-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ecuador, indicating that political, economic, religious and/or ethnic instability exists and may cause violence, major disruptions, and/or safety risks. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Ecuador is a constitutional, multiparty republic with an elected president and unicameral legislature. In February 2025, Ecuador held presidential elections that did not result in a majority, sending incumbent Noboa and challenger Luisa González to an April 2025 runoff.
Congress enacted the United States-Ecuador Partnership Act of 2022 (Title LV, Subtitle B, of P.L. 117-26) which aimed to strengthen bilateral economic and security ties. Ecuador’s next general election is in 2029.
Protests & Demonstrations
Ecuador experienced widespread demonstrations in June of 2022 when indigenous leaders, including representatives from the indigenous union CONAIE, protested political and economic inclusion. These demonstrations caused severe transportation disruptions in Quito and the surrounding areas, forcing OSAC members with travelers in the region to shelter in place for several days. Some were evacuated by helicopter. Since then, CONAIE has threatened a resurgence of indigenous unrest, but none has materialized to the extent seen in 2022.
Ecuador has a long tradition of peaceful political demonstrations. However, in October 2019, protests throughout Ecuador turned violent, with the burning of government buildings and violent attacks against police, military personnel, the media, and ambulances. Road blockades disrupted freedom of movement, airlines canceled many flights to and from Quito, and protesters at times blocked access to the airport by taking control of airport access roads.
Student, labor union, and indigenous protests government policies are a regular feature of political life. While disruptive, especially to transportation, violence is usually minimal and localized. Protesters occasionally burn tires, throw Molotov cocktails, engage in destruction of property, and detonate small improvised explosive devices, but fatalities are rare. Protesters sometimes use pamphlet bombs to disseminate political literature.
It is against the law for foreigners to engage in any political activity that promotes civil instability, or that authorities consider likely to instigate international conflict.
Demonstrations happen across the country and are generally driven by political or economic reasons. Demonstrators often cause local roadblocks and block major highways with little to no warning, disrupting access to important infrastructure.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Generally, there is little to no anti-U.S. or anti-Western sentiment. Limited and isolated demonstrations with a U.S. nexus are generally led by proxy groups to protest a political activity, such as the U.S. involvement in the Middle East. These demonstrations are very rare and peaceful as they are intended to raise political awareness.
Law Enforcement
The Ecuadorian National Police (ENP) have the primary responsibility of law enforcement. With roughly 51,000 officers and support staff, ENP has a large presence in the major cities, with the largest concentration of officers in Guayaquil and Quito. The national headquarters is in Quito. Larger cities such as Quito have smaller city police agencies that are autonomous from the ENP; while they have security functions, they have no law enforcement arrest authority. Other support elements such as the transit authority help with traffic enforcement, citations, and accidents.
Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. The ENP maintains internal security and law enforcement and is under the authority of the Ministry of Government. The military is under the supervision of the Ministry of Defense and is responsible for external security. Police and military forces share responsibility for border enforcement, with the military also having limited domestic security responsibilities during a time of crisis, such as the October 2019 riots to assist the ENP. Migration officers are civilians and report to the Ministry of Government.
Police Response
Police coverage can be unreliable outside major urban areas. Response times vary, commonly taking at least 45-60 minutes. Ecuador has a low conviction and incarceration rate for major crimes. Victims of crime in Ecuador should not expect the justice system to proceed with the speed and thoroughness seen in the United States. The threshold for petty crime is USD 600, dependent upon if violence or other mitigating issues are involved, meaning that police do little for victims whose loss is less than that amount. Although the U.S. Mission monitors and encourages investigations, its ability to assist in enforcement is limited.
If police arrest or detain you in Ecuador, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate. Outside of Quito and Guayaquil, awareness of international protocols is uneven. If police arrest or detain you, request that the authorities contact the Embassy on your behalf. If you feel you are a victim of police corruption, bribery, or harassment, contact American Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General.
The government of Ecuador has employed several measures to reduce the risk of organized crime violence, including ongoing States of Exception that impose curfews in high-risk areas and empower additional employment of security officials. Travelers should adhere to all official curfews and should cooperate with law enforcement if they encounter any checkpoints.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Although some of Ecuador’s roads and highways have improved in recent years, road travel can be dangerous, especially at night. Some roads are in poor condition or are affected by heavy rain and mudslides. Mountain roads may lack safety features (e.g. crash barriers, guardrails, signs, streetlights). Heavy fog frequently makes conditions more treacherous. Highways often lack markings, lighting, and signage. In addition, slow-moving buses and trucks frequently stop in the middle of the road unexpectedly. In the countryside, livestock moves along roads or grazes on roadsides. Pedestrians frequently use roads, as sidewalks are often missing.
Driving practices differ from U.S. standards. Drivers often disobey traffic laws and signals. Buses stop without warning to pick up/drop off passengers. Drivers often turn from any lane and rarely yield to pedestrians/cyclists. Intoxicated drivers are common; chances of a drunk-driving accident are higher on weekends and local holidays. On the coast in particular, many vehicles are in poor condition and breakdowns are common.
Police may take any driver involved in an accident where injuries occur or the driver does not have insurance into custody, even if the driver is not at fault. If injuries or damage are serious, the driver may face criminal charges.
To avoid carjacking or theft from a vehicle stopped at an intersection, always keep doors locked and windows rolled up. “Smash and grabs” occur when thieves break into parked vehicles, but have also occurred in slow-moving or stopped traffic, particularly targeting women driving alone. Road travel after dark is especially hazardous in all areas of the country. It is recommended to travel during daylight.
For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Numerous bus accidents occur every year in Ecuador. Many buses are overcrowded, in poor condition, and lack seatbelts and other safety features. Criminals often target intra- and inter-city bus passengers for robbery and sexual assault. Armed criminals have boarded local city buses and robbed passengers of valuables. There have been instances in which criminals block routes between cities, forcing a bus to stop and then boarding to rob passengers. Thieves often steal luggage stowed below the bus, in overhead racks, or at a traveler’s feet. The Embassy strongly advises against travel by bus.
In Guayaquil, security on public transportation is a major concern. U.S. government employees may not hail taxis from the street, an action that raises susceptibility to the threat of secuestro express (express kidnapping). Secuestro express presents a significant safety concern, especially in Guayaquil, but also in Manta and with increasing regularity in Quito. U.S. government employees and their families are not permitted to use public buses due to safety and security concerns. Buses are generally in poor condition and may be targets of armed robbery. Shortly after the passenger enters a taxi, armed accomplices of the driver typically intercept the vehicle, threaten passengers with weapons, rob passengers of their personal belongings, and force victims to withdraw money from ATMs. Increasingly, assailants have beaten or sexually assaulted victims during these incidents. Commercially registered taxis are yellow, display matching unit numbers on their windshields and doors, feature a taxi cooperative name on the door, and have orange license plates. Express kidnappers have victimized passengers even in taxis that meet these criteria. Call known taxi services by phone or use a service affiliated with major hotels.
Many taxis do not have rear seat belts. Some taxi drivers do not use meters, especially at night, and sometimes charge more than the usual fare. Negotiate rates prior to departure. Take a photo of the license plate and send it to someone you know for accountability. There is nothing wrong with making sure the taxi driver knows you used this security best practice for your personal safety. Book taxis through your hotel or an unauthorized taxi stand or “sitio”.
The Embassy and Consulate recommend other forms of commercial transportation such as ridesharing apps due to the electronic payment and records associated with the travel. These apps also allow for real-time travel updates to be shared with a trusted contact for accountability.
Uber operates in Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca. InDriver operates in popular cities. Cabify is available in Quito and Guayaquil.
Aviation Concerns
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that Ecuador’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight.
Aviation is generally the safest mode of travel within Ecuador. However, armed robbers have targeted arriving passengers by following them from the airports in Quito and Guayaquil. Examples include multiple vehicles that cut off and intercept a victim, as well as a single motorcycle rider who robs a victim getting out of a car. The perpetrators appear to focus on travelers returning from overseas trips laden with gifts and possibly large amounts of cash.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.
Maritime Security
Travel to the Galapagos Islands and the coastal areas is popular among tourists. Charter boats providing shore excursions generally have good safety records.
Ecuador is a drug-trafficking corridor where much of the precursor inputs as well as the final products travel by boat on the open water. Security enforcement on the open water falls under the Ecuadorian Navy, with certain enforcement operations tasked to the Ecuadorian Coast Guard.
Consult with the Stable Seas Maritime Security Index for detailed information and ratings regarding rule of law, law enforcement, piracy, and other maritime security indicators.
Mariners and passengers traveling to Ecuador should monitor the following:
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Ecuador, review the local laws and circumstances on the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ecuador.
Although the law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court, there are reports that provincial and local authorities do not always observe these provisions. According to NGOs, illegal detention continues to occur. While the constitution provides for an independent judiciary, outside pressure and corruption impaired the judicial process. Legal experts, bar associations, and NGOs reported on the susceptibility of the judiciary to bribes for favorable decisions and faster resolution of legal cases.
The government is focused on rooting out corruption and holding public officials accountable under the law. The law imposes criminal penalties for corruption by officials, and the government has taken steps to implement the law effectively. However, officials, particularly at the local level, sometimes engage in corrupt practices with impunity. The government has launched multiple investigations, judicial proceedings, and legislative audits of officials accused of corruption related to state contracts and commercial endeavors that reached the highest levels of government.
Prison conditions are inadequate are most are controlled by criminal organizations. Most prisons lack adequate food and basic medicine. Prison riots and violence between inmates and guards are common. In-person consular assistance is limited.
If you are arrested or detained, notify officials that you are U.S. citizens and request officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.
Health Concerns
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ecuador. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
For emergencies in Ecuador, dial 911. Several private ambulances services have advanced cardiac and trauma equipment with a physician on board for medical emergencies. Ambulance services are not present in most areas, except in major cities. Ambulances are usually not equipped with advanced medical equipment, and the waiting times can be lengthy. Injured or ill travelers should consider taking taxis or personally owned vehicles to nearby hospitals if they are stable enough to do so.
Medical care outside of Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil is more limited; basic medical services are available in small towns and villages, but travelers seeking medical care should do so only in major cities. Physicians and hospital personnel frequently do not speak English, and medical reports are in Spanish.
The Galápagos Islands medical resources do not meet international safety standards. Serious injury or illness in the Galápagos generally requires medical evacuation to the mainland or the United States, which can cost 60,000 USD or more. The two hospitals on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Islands do not perform major medical procedures.
Consult with your medical insurance company prior to travel, to confirm whether the policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses. Many travel insurance companies have policies that include medical services and evacuation (medevac). Prepare to pay medical practitioners and hospitals at the time of service, or even before treatment. Payment for medical services is typically on a cash basis, although the few private hospitals will accept major credit cards for payment. Ecuadorian providers do not accept U.S. health insurance plans.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations are recommended but not required for travel to Ecuador. Before every trip, make sure travelers are up to date on the following vaccines; Chickenpox, Diphtheria, Flu, Measles, Polio, and Shingles. Rabies, malaria, and typhoid are also common. Travelers coming from Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda are required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have requirements to follow when bringing medication back into the United States. Travelers taking prescription medications should bring an adequate supply with them; U.S. brand names are not often available. Carry medications in its original packaging along with the doctor’s prescription. Keep medication in your carry-on luggage. Exercise caution when purchasing medications in Ecuador. Counterfeit medications are common and may not work, have the wrong dosages, or contain dangerous ingredients.
Monitor Ecuador Ministry of Public Health to ensure medications are legal in Ecuador.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Tap water is likely contaminated, especially in areas outside of major cities. Filter or boil water for drinking and making ice. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact. Restaurants and hotels may serve tap water unless bottled water is requested. Eating unclean, uncooked vegetables and fruits may cause illnesses such as diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ecuador.
Active volcanoes and earthquakes are common in Ecuador. Earthquakes can cause fatal tsunamis.
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Tungurahua volcano in Baños: mud or lava flowing from the volcano could have serious and immediate effects to travelers.
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Cotopaxi volcano in Latacunga: Latacunga is in a direct path of mud or lava flow from the Cotopaxi volcano. Small emissions from the volcano can cause avalanches and landslides, including low lying areas like Quito
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Reventador volcano in Napo province: one of the most active volcanoes in the country.
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Sangay volcano in Morona Santiago province: an active volcano which authorities have advised against approaching.
Monitor local developments regarding natural disasters and plan to have at least a 3-day supply of food and medicine on hand.
Review OSAC’s report, Landslides: What Are They and How to Prepare.
Review OSAC’s report, Earthquake Preparedness Toolkit.
Cybersecurity
Ecuador has no specific cybersecurity threats, although travelers should always exercise caution and employ best practices to secure their information.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
Ecuador does not face any known specific counterintelligence issues.
Import/Export Restrictions
The Ecuadorian government restricts the entry of certain items into the Galapagos. Visit the Agency for Biosecurity and Quarantine Regulation and Control for the Galapagos for more information.
There are no reports of restrictions on the import of personal satellite phones. Personal medication should be transported in its original packaging, and travelers should carry a copy of their prescription, especially of anti-psychotic medication.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.