Ecuador: Current Travel and Safety Information (as of August 24, 2026)

As of August 24, 2026, a state of emergency remains in effect in numerous provinces of Ecuador, including Bolívar, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Quito/Pichincha, Cuenca/Azuay, Cañar, Orellana, Sucumbíos, Pastaza, Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos, Manabí, and Santa Elena, as well as in certain cantons. These regulations are subject to change at short notice at any time, so travelers should plan their itineraries flexibly. Throughout the country, roadblocks as well as police and military checkpoints may cause significant restrictions, particularly for overland travel. Access to airports, intercity bus routes, rental car trips, and transfers to tourist destinations may also be blocked or rerouted on short notice.

Non-essential travel to the immediate border area with Colombia is discouraged, with the exception of the Tulcán border crossing. A travel warning is also in effect for Esmeraldas City, the southern part of Guayaquil starting at Avenida Portete de Tarquí, and for Durán. These restrictions apply to specific travel routes and must be taken into account when planning round-trip itineraries or connecting flights, as alternative routes may be necessary.

The general crime rate in the country is high, with violent clashes between criminal gangs and shootouts between security forces and gang members having increased significantly in recent months. Particular caution is advised in areas such as Guayaquil (especially south of Avenida Portete de Tarquí), the province of El Oro (particularly Huaquillas and Arenillas), the province of Los Ríos (including Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo), the province of Esmeraldas, as well as in the provinces of Sucumbíos, Manabí, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is also on the rise in areas frequented by tourists and on intercity buses, particularly in major cities.

Anyone planning a trip to Ecuador despite this situation should thoroughly research the current situation in their destination region before departure and give demonstrations and large gatherings a wide berth. Evening and nighttime travel should be avoided whenever possible; long-distance travel should be limited to what is absolutely necessary and undertaken with particular caution. You should always carry your original passport with you, and it is essential to follow the instructions of local authorities and security forces.

Many travelers require a valid visa to enter Ecuador, and we can handle the application process for you. You can submit your application conveniently and without having to visit government offices via our Ecuador e-Visa page. If you’d like to learn about the various options in advance, our visa overview for Ecuador provides all relevant information on requirements and the application process.

Since the security situation in Ecuador can change at short notice, we recommend that travelers keep an eye on the latest news and weather reports throughout the entire travel planning and execution process. Adequate travel health insurance, as well as careful preparation for possible restrictions on domestic flights and overland transfers, are particularly important given the current situation. If you’d also like to learn more about the costs of traveling to Ecuador, you’ll find a helpful overview on our page about the costs of traveling to Ecuador.

Overall, the current safety advisory indicates that while travel to Ecuador remains possible, it requires careful advance research and increased caution in certain regions. Travelers should especially avoid border areas with Colombia as well as certain neighborhoods in Guayaquil and Esmeraldas, and be prepared to adapt to possible roadblocks and checkpoints.