Travel Advisory
Level 2Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased cautionin Ecuador due to risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. U.S. government employees working in Ecuador are not allowed to travel to these areas due to safety risks: In Guayaquil, Nueva Prosperina and Pascuales districts, and all areas south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue. Huaquillas and Arenillas, in El Oro province. Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo, in Los Rios province. Duran, in Guayas province. Esmeraldas City and all areas north of Esmeraldas City, in Esmeraldas province. The area north of Esmeraldas City to the Colombian border and east to Carchi province. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas due to the safety risks. Crime and kidnapping. Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador. Violent crime connected to drug trafficking is common, including murder, assault, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Areas with transnational criminal organizations have much higher rates of violent crime. U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents have been victims of kidnapping and extortion. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Ecuador. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Unrest Demonstrations happen across the country. They are usually driven by political or economic reasons. Demonstrators often block local roads and major highways without warning. Demonstrations can also disrupt transportation and other essential services. Local and U.S. government assistance Most of Ecuador’s land is empty and remote, especially outside big towns and cities. Help from local authorities the U.S. government may be very limited in remote areas, causing delays. Do Not Travel to these areas due to crime and terrorism: In Guayaquil, Nueva Prosperina and Pascuales districts, and all areas south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue. Huaquillas and Arenillas, in El Oro province. Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo, in Los Rios province. Duran, in Guayas province. Esmeraldas City and all areas north of Esmeraldas City, in Esmeraldas province. The area north of Esmeraldas City to the Colombian border and east to Carchi province. Reconsider Travel to these areas due to crime and terrorism: In Guayaquil, all areas north of Portete de Tarqui Avenue. El Oro province, outside Huaquillas and Arenillas. Los Rios province, outside Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo. All areas south of Esmeraldas City, in Esmeraldas province. Sucumbios, Manabi, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo provinces.
Full advisory on travel.state.gov →Updated: 2026-08-17T20:00:00-04:00
