Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Ecuador offers stunning Andean and Galapagos scenery, but security has deteriorated in some areas in recent years. Tourist hubs like Quito, Cuenca and Galapagos are relatively safe; take extra care in Guayaquil and coastal/border zones.
- Overall risk
- Mixed; safe in main tourist areas, higher risk in parts of the coast and borders
- Main concern
- Street robbery, pickpocketing and organised crime in specific areas
- Emergency number
- 911 (all services)
- Ecuador uses the US dollar and drives on the right. Most visits to Quito, Cuenca and the Galapagos are trouble-free, but foreign travel advisories flag elevated crime in Guayaquil, Esmeraldas and northern/southern border areas. Check your government's latest travel advice before you go and stay alert in crowds.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Foreign governments advise against travel to parts of Guayaquil, Esmeraldas province and the northern (Colombia) and southern (Peru) border zones due to crime and organised crime.
- Higher-risk areas
- Parts of Guayaquil, Esmeraldas, northern border (e.g. Sucumbíos)
- Border zones
- Colombia and Peru border areas warrant caution
- Advice
- Check current advisories before travelling to these regions
- Several governments issue advisories against travel to specific parts of Guayaquil, Esmeraldas province, and the northern border with Colombia (including Sucumbíos) and southern border with Peru, citing crime and organised crime. Restrictions change over time; verify the latest official guidance and follow local security advice.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Ecuador sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Prepare for earthquakes, active volcanoes (e.g. Cotopaxi), coastal tsunami risk, and altitude sickness in Quito (2,850 m) and the Andes.
- Earthquakes
- Frequent; know evacuation routes
- Volcanoes
- Several active, including Cotopaxi
- Altitude
- Altitude sickness likely in Quito and Andean highlands
- Earthquakes can strike at any time and coastal areas carry a tsunami risk. Active volcanoes may cause ashfall or evacuations; follow official alerts. Ascend gradually and hydrate to manage altitude sickness in Quito and the Andes.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Watch for altitude sickness in Quito and the Andes, and mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria, yellow fever) in tropical lowlands and the Amazon. Do not drink tap water; use bottled or treated water.
- Altitude
- Altitude sickness in Quito (2,850 m) and the Andes
- Tropical disease
- Dengue, malaria, yellow fever risk in lowlands/Amazon
- Water
- Tap water not recommended; drink bottled water
- Acclimatise slowly to altitude and seek care if symptoms are severe. In lowland and jungle areas, use insect repellent and consider a yellow fever vaccination and malaria precautions; check requirements before travel. Private clinics in Quito and Guayaquil offer good care but travel insurance is essential.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Street robbery, bag snatching and pickpocketing occur in cities, including Quito's old town and on public transport. Express kidnapping and taxi scams are also reported; use trusted transport.
- Main risk
- Robbery, pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowds
- Hotspots
- Bus terminals, markets, old town, informal taxis
- Advice
- Use booked or app-based taxis; avoid displaying valuables
- Thieves target distracted travellers in busy areas and on buses. Avoid hailing taxis on the street; use hotel-arranged or reputable app-based services. Keep valuables out of sight, avoid walking alone at night, and stay alert to staged distractions.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Ecuador is a democracy but has faced periods of political tension, protests and security-related states of emergency. Demonstrations can disrupt transport; avoid them and monitor local news.
- Government
- Democratic republic; periodic political tension
- Demonstrations
- Can block roads and disrupt travel
- States of emergency
- May be declared in response to security issues
- Protests and roadblocks can occur, sometimes at short notice, affecting travel and fuel or food supply. The government has at times declared states of emergency over security concerns. Avoid demonstrations, follow official instructions and check the latest local news and advisories.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Carry ID and respect local laws. Drug offences carry severe penalties, and rules protect the Galapagos environment. Always cooperate with police and military checkpoints.
- Drugs
- Severe penalties; long prison sentences
- ID
- Carry a passport copy; expect checkpoints
- Galapagos
- Strict environmental and biosecurity rules
- Penalties for drug possession or trafficking are severe. Carry a copy of your passport and cooperate at police or military checkpoints. In the Galapagos, follow park rules and do not remove flora, fauna or natural material. Photographing military sites is prohibited.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 911 for all emergencies: police, ambulance and fire. English may be limited, so some Spanish helps.
- All emergencies
- 911
- Language
- Operators mainly speak Spanish
- Tourist help
- Ask your hotel or embassy for assistance
- 911 is the unified emergency number for police, ambulance and fire nationwide. Operators mainly speak Spanish, so having basic phrases or a translation app helps. For non-urgent help, contact your hotel or embassy.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Carry comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover and emergency repatriation. Include high-altitude trekking, Galapagos and jungle activities if relevant.
- Medical cover
- Essential; private care must be paid for
- Repatriation
- Include emergency medical evacuation
- Activities
- Cover altitude trekking, diving and remote areas
- There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement for most visitors, and private treatment must be paid upfront. Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, repatriation and any activities such as high-altitude trekking, diving in the Galapagos or Amazon travel.