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

The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios, due to crime.Įsmeraldas city and all areas north of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to crime. The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the Province of El Oro, due to crime.

Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarquí Avenue, due to crime. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.Review the Country Security Report for Ecuador.Follow the Department of State on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.Read the country information page for additional information on traveling to Ecuador. government officials’ access to rural and remote regions of the country is often extremely limited and can lead to significant delays in assistance to U.S. Outside of Ecuador’s urban and semi-urban population centers, much of the country’s territory is sparsely populated and isolated. Blocked roads may significantly reduce access to public transportation, health services, and airports and may disrupt travel both within and between cities.

Past demonstrations have varied in duration, with some extending for several days or weeks. Demonstrators routinely block local roads and major highways, often without prior notice. The rate of violent crime is significantly higher in areas where transnational criminal organizations are concentrated.ĭemonstrations occur frequently throughout the country, usually motivated by political and/or economic factors. Violent crime, such as murder, assault, kidnapping, and armed robbery, is prevalent and widespread.

