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Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel听听

Coastal Region

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Coastal Region provinces of:

• Esmeraldas
• 惭补苍补产铆
• Santa Elena
• Guayas
• El Oro
• Los R铆os
• Santo Domingo de los Ts谩chilas

This does not apply to airside transit within Guayaquil Airport in Guayas province.

Within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border听

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border, except for these areas in Carchi province:听

• El 脕ngel Ecological Reserve听
• Rumichaca border crossing听
• the town of Tulc谩n听
• the Pan-American Highway听听

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.听

Before you travel听

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:听

• 蝉别别听general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• 蝉别别听general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about听safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance听

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.听

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.听

Get travel advice updates听

Sign up to鈥�get email notifications鈥痺hen this travel advice is updated.鈥�听

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This information is for people travelling on a full 鈥楤ritish citizen鈥� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government鈥檚 understanding of Ecuador鈥檚 current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Ecuador set and enforce entry rules. If you鈥檙e not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Ecuadorean Embassy in the UK.

Documents required to enter via land or river border

If you wish to enter Ecuador via a land or river border from Peru or Colombia, you must present a criminal record certificate from the country where you lived for the last 5 years. The certificate must be legalised with the Hague Apostille and translated into Spanish if issued in another language. This mandatory requirement was announced on 11 January 2024 for implementation with immediate effect.

Alternatively, if you do not have a legalised criminal record certificate, you can ask the Ecuadorean immigration authorities at the border to carry out a check on their 鈥橲IMIEC鈥� Ecuadorean Immigration System (which flags any travel prohibitions or INTERPOL alerts). The following people are exempt from the presentation of the criminal record certificate:

• Holders of a valid Ecuadorean visa
• Holders of diplomatic passports
• Children and adolescents under 18
• Victims of human trafficking or those seeking international protection under the Ecuadorean Human Mobility Law.

There are no restrictions in place for anyone flying into Ecuador.

To obtain a UK Police Criminal Record Certificate,听. For information about legalising the document with the Hague apostille check the听Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office鈥檚 Legalisation Office website听site.

Passport validity requirements听

To enter Ecuador, your passport must have an 鈥榚xpiry date鈥� at least 6 months after the date you arrive.听

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.听听

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.听

Visa requirements听

You can visit Ecuador without a visa for up to 90 days in any 12-month period.

If you鈥檙e already in Ecuador and want to stay longer than 90 days, you can pay to (in Spanish) by an extra 90 days. You must apply for an extension before the first 90-day period ends or you could be fined.听听

If you overstay your visa, you will get a fine when you leave. You will not be allowed to return to Ecuador unless you pay the fine before you leave the country.听

For immigration information, see .

To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you must (in Spanish).

Applying for a visa听

Ecuador鈥檚 Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility (MFAHM) has听an 听(in Spanish).听 Find the .

To apply in-person, you should get an appointment before visiting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility (MFA). For general guidance contact: consejeria@cancilleria.gob.ec or citasvisas@cancilleriga.gob.ec

Checks at border control听

You may be asked your reason for travel and for evidence of a return or onward journey.听听

Peru and Colombia land border crossings听

If you enter Ecuador via land from Peru or Colombia, you must get an official passport entry stamp showing your arrival date. Sometimes buses do not stop at the border, which can lead to foreign visitors not getting a stamp. You could get fined or asked to leave the country voluntarily. Contact an as soon as possible.听

Galapagos Islands听

Tourists can stay in the Galapagos Islands for up to 60 days. To enter Galapagos, you must have:听

• evidence of a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host听听
• evidence of a return flight to the Ecuadorean mainland听听
• at least 24 hours before your flight 鈥� you must also keep a copy听
• travel health insurance, which is mandatory for foreign tourists

If you are travelling to or from Galapagos Islands via Guayaquil airport you should check with the airline before booking to ensure you will remain airside at Guayaquil airport.听 FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Guayaquil, except for airside transit through the airport.

Check the (in Spanish), which includes information on accommodation, transport, tour operators and restaurants.

Travelling with children听

Leaving Ecuador听听

British children, including British - Ecuadorean dual nationals, aged 17 and under must have a notarised consent letter (in Spanish) to leave Ecuador if they are:

• travelling alone or with one parent or legal guardian
• resident in Ecuador or have been in Ecuador for over 90 days, even if they are travelling on a British passport

If they are tourists (not resident in Ecuador) British children (or British-Ecuadorean dual nationals) do not need a notarised consent letter (Art.137 Human Mobility Organic Law鈥� 2017).

If one parent is deceased, the other parent must submit the death certificate to an Ecuadorean public notary to get an indefinite notarial permit to travel with the child.听

In more complex situations, such as legal disputes, a child will need judicial written permission (鈥楢utorizaci贸n de Viaje Judicial鈥�) issued by an Ecuadorian judge (鈥楯uzgado de la Ni帽ez y Adolescencia鈥�).听听

Entering Ecuador听听

Children entering Ecuador with someone other than a parent or legal guardian do not need a consent letter.听

Vaccine requirements听听

From 12 May, to enter Ecuador you must have a certificate to prove you鈥檝e had:

• a yellow fever vaccination (vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel) if you鈥檙e coming from a and have been in one of those countries 10 days or more

Those of 60 years old or above are exempt from this requirement when presenting a valid passport on entry to Ecuador. If for health reasons you cannot receive the yellow fever vaccine, you must present a doctor鈥檚 certificate indicating this.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .听

Customs rules听

There are strict rules about and . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.听

Taking money out of Ecuador听听

You must declare cash you鈥檙e carrying when you leave Ecuador. You will have to pay tax on amounts over 1,350 US dollars.听

You should also read FCDO鈥檚 overall travel advice and regional risks advice.听

Terrorism听听

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Ecuador听听

Terrorist attacks in Ecuador cannot be ruled out.听

Political situation听听

Exercise caution around large gatherings. Street demonstrations, protests and strikes are common and can occur without warning. While most are peaceful, they can turn violent. You should:听

• stay alert and monitor local media听听
• avoid large gatherings听
• follow updates from the 听
• be wary of unverified information听
• allow extra time to reach your destination听听
• 听(in Spanish) on the Ecuadorean government website听

Even peaceful protests can lead to travel disruption.

Crime听

Protecting yourself and your belongings听听

Mugging and pickpocketing are common, take care in Quito鈥檚 old town and at transport hubs. The methods criminals use include:听

• distraction techniques (for example, requests for assistance, squirting liquids on to you, staged fights and pushing or shoving)听
• bag snatching at knife or gunpoint by a passenger on a motorbike听听

To reduce your risk:听

• stay alert in public places听听
• avoid walking alone in quiet areas or at night听
• do not wear expensive jewellery in public听
• carry only the money you need for the day听
• take care of your credit cards听
• watch your bags on public transport and wear your rucksack on the front of your body听
• carry a colour copy of your passport, including the visa entry stamp page 鈥� keep the original safe
• consider using a money belt or secure inside pocket to keep your passport, credit cards and money safe

For more information on general travel safety in Ecuador, .

Violent crime and armed robbery听

Armed robbery is a risk throughout Ecuador. Crimes with the threat of violence, such as gunpoint robbery and home invasion, can happen throughout Ecuador. 听

Take particular care in Esmeraldas,听Guayas and Manabi provinces and get local advice on where to visit.听Armed thieves have stopped vehicles and threatened passengers.听听

Most violent crime is gang-related, but tourists can be affected. The murder rate in Guayaquil is very high, but is mainly gang-related. Be particularly cautious in Guayaquil city centre, southern parts of the city and port areas.

Since March 2023, organised crime gangs have caused small explosions and made false bomb threats in Quito and Guayaquil. If you鈥檙e near an incident, follow the instructions of police and local authorities.听

Get local advice about the area you鈥檙e visiting and travel in a group when possible.听

ATM and bank customer robbery听

Take care when withdrawing money from a bank or ATM. Where possible use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres, and avoid withdrawing money after dark. There have been violent robberies outside banks. The Ecuadorean national police offers a free escort service if you are withdrawing or depositing large quantities of cash. To request this service, call 911. Only take out as much money as you need.听

Transport robbery听

There is a risk of robbery and pickpocketing on interstate transport and at bus stations, including on routes commonly used by tourists. To reduce your risk:听

• avoid road travel after dark听
• keep valuables safe in a money belt or inside pocket听
• do not store bags in overhead luggage spaces or under your seat听

Criminals pose as uniformed bus inspectors in some Quito bus stations. They might insist you place your luggage overhead so an accomplice can steal it later. You do not have to place belongings overhead.听

If you鈥檙e robbed, do not resist attackers or do anything that puts you at greater risk. Report the incident to police as soon as possible.听听

Sexual assault听

Serious sexual assaults and attacks against foreign women have happened in Ecuador, particularly in the tourist beach town of Monta帽ita in Santa Elena Province. Check reviews of your accommodation to make sure it is reputable and secure, even if you鈥檙e travelling in a group. Avoid travel after dark and be alert to the use of date rape and other drugs in drinks. If you feel unwell, seek urgent help from the police or nearest health centre. Call 911 for the emergency services.听

See information for victims of rape and sexual assault in Ecuador.听

You can to the Prosecutor Office (鈥楩iscal铆a鈥�) online.听听

Criminal kidnap听听

Kidnapping rates have risen in Ecuador. Express kidnappings 鈥� short term opportunistic abductions, aimed at extracting cash from the victim 鈥� are common throughout Ecuador. Victims can be targeted or selected at random. They are held while criminals withdraw money from their bank accounts using their cash cards. Many cases involve victims who have hailed taxis (registered or illegal) from the street. In some cases, victims are subdued with scopolamine (causing amnesia). Be aware of your surroundings and always let someone you trust know your whereabouts, especially after dark.

Business people and visitors perceived to be wealthy may be targeted by kidnappers in search of pay-outs. Be discreet about discussing your financial or business affairs in places where you may be overheard by others, and when arranging meetings use a secure location.

If you are a victim of kidnapping, follow the kidnapper鈥檚 instructions.

Drug-assisted robbery听

Criminals may drug victims to rob them. Homemade versions of the drug scopolamine subdue victims and cause amnesia. Scopolamine is absorbed through the skin and can be rubbed onto your hand, face or body without you realising.听Be wary if a stranger approaches your offering you something (for example, food, drinks, leaflets and perfume samples), even they鈥檙e friendly or well-dressed.

Laws and cultural differences听听

Personal ID听

By law you must carry ID. Always carry a printed copy of your passport, including the pages with your photograph and Ecuadorean entry stamp.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences听

The penalties for drug trafficking or drug use are harsh, and prison conditions are very basic.听听

鈥楽piritual cleansing鈥� hallucinogens听

In Ecuador people use traditional hallucinogens such as Ayahuasca or San Pedro. These substances are marketed to tourists for 鈥榮piritual cleansing鈥� rituals. They often contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a strong hallucinogen that is illegal in the UK.

There are many risks when taking these substances including:听

• serious illness and death听
• assault and robbery while intoxicated听
• lack of nearby medical help as these ceremonies often take place in remote locations听听

Consumption of traditional hallucinogens is unregulated.听

LGBT+ travellers听

Same-sex relations are legal in Ecuador. However, local attitudes towards the LGBT+ community can be conservative and there is still societal discrimination. People may be less tolerant of same-sex couples showing affection in public than they are in the UK. Showing affection may attract negative attention, especially in small towns. Transgender people in particular could face unwanted attention.听

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.听

Money听

US dollars and 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos coins minted in Ecuador are the only legal currencies. Credit cards and travellers cheques are generally accepted in cities but not elsewhere in the country.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism听听

Volunteer and adventure activities听

If you join a volunteer or adventure expedition programme, make sure the UK organisation responsible for travel has an official agent in Ecuador able to handle an emergency. Be wary of unauthorised intermediaries (鈥榚nganchadores鈥�) trying to offer you cheap hotels or tour deals.听

British nationals have died while rafting, kayaking and on canopy walks and zip-lines. Make sure you鈥檙e fit enough for these activities and others like bungee jumping and quad biking. For water adventure sports, make sure the weather conditions and river currents are safe.听

You should:听

• only use reputable tour operators with a specific licence to provide these services听
• be aware equipment may not meet UK safety and insurance standards听
• check the company uses the most up-to-date equipment and safety features听
• check the company is properly insured听
• make sure your insurance covers all your activities听

Swimming safety听

There is a risk of drowning caused by strong, rapidly changing ocean currents. Beaches do not always have swimming safety warning flags. Seek local advice on tidal activity.听

See from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Hiking and mountaineering听

If you鈥檙e hiking or mountaineering in Ecuador, prepare for high altitude and unpredictable climates. Hire an accredited guide or tour operator for these activities.

You should:听

• climb at a moderate rate so your body can adjust听
• stay well hydrated听
• keep to established paths or use an experienced guide听
• make sure someone knows where you鈥檙e going and when you plan to return听
• avoid walking alone听

For more information on climbing or mountaineering, see the , and .

For accredited guides, check (in Spanish).

Climbing mountains with glaciers

It is illegal to climb a glaciated mountain without an official accredited guide.

Pichincha volcano听听

Tourists take day trips to Pichincha volcano on the cable car (鈥榯elef茅rico鈥�) from Quito. There have been accidents on the route to one of the peaks, Rucu Pichincha, including deaths from hypothermia. You should:听

• be aware of the risk of altitude sickness听听
• take warm, waterproof clothing and high-factor sunblock听
• go with an accredited specialised guide who knows the route听
• start early to reduce risks from unexpected heavy mist or storms听

Lightning has killed tourists climbing Pichincha. Watch the weather and reconsider your plans if conditions look bad.听

Cayambe Volcano

To visit Cayambe Coca National Reserve, and climb the Cayambe volcano, you must email鈥�cayambe.coca@ambiente.gob.ec鈥痑t least 5 days in advance to register on the Biodiversity Information System (鈥楽istema de Informaci贸n de Biodiversidad鈥�).

Chimborazo Reserve听听

To听visit Chimborazo National Reserve, you must email听chimborazo@ambiente.gob.ec听at least 5 days in advance to register on the Biodiversity Information System (鈥楽istema de Informaci贸n de Biodiversidad鈥�). The Chimborazo National Reserve is only open for tour operators and accredited mountaineering clubs after an avalanche killed 3 climbers in 2021. Foreign visitors cannot access the reserve until further notice.

Cotopaxi National Park听

High mountaineering in Cotopaxi National Park is restricted. Since November 2023, tour operators, mountaineering clubs and individual visitors can go high mountaineering in Cotopaxi National Park. However, they must comply with mandatory national park rules and safety regulations.

On 15 March, the Cotopaxi National Park closed temporarily due to an avalanche which affected 30 climbers. The park is now open as normal, but you should be aware of an increased risk of avalanches during the rainy season.

For information, see the .听

If you鈥檙e visiting Cotopaxi National Park, carry:听

• a mask, sunglasses and hat听
• clothing that covers your skin听
• enough water and food听
• an emergency kit

Transport risks听听

Road travel听听

If you are planning to drive in Ecuador, see information on driving abroad.听

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Ecuador for the first 6 months after you arrive. If you still have a paper UK driving licence, you may need to听update it to a photocard licence听or get the听correct version of the international driving permit (IDP)听as well.听After 6 months, you need to take an Ecuadorean driving test to continue to drive on your UK licence.

Always carry your passport, driving licence and vehicle registration with you in the vehicle.听听

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as 6 months of driving experience, a minimum age of 18 years old and holding an听IDP.

Some cities do not allow vehicles with Ecuadorean plates to drive on certain days or at peak times based on the last digits of their car鈥檚 registration plate. Check for restrictions before you drive. You could be fined if you do not follow the rules.听听

Driving conditions听

Ecuador has one of the highest rates of road accidents in Latin America due to careless driving, speeding and badly maintained vehicles. There have been many deaths, including British nationals.听听

In Ecuador:听

• road conditions vary听
• heavy rains and mudslides often cause roads to be closed or wash away听听
• driving can be erratic 鈥� be prepared to stop unexpectedly听听
• vehicles may move slowly, change lanes without indicating or jump red lights听
• many drivers are uninsured听
• drivers usually ignore zebra crossings听

Always wear a seat belt. If you鈥檙e a passenger in a speeding vehicle, ask the driver to slow down.听

Taxis听听

Book taxis through your hotel or by calling a known radio-dispatched taxi service. Travel in a group if possible. Using unregistered taxis significantly increases your risk of becoming a crime victim.听听

While taxi service apps do exist and provide the driver鈥檚 details, the services themselves are unregulated in Ecuador.

If you鈥檙e using a yellow registered taxi in Quito or Guayaquil, make sure it has:听听

• a municipality registration number sticker on the windscreen and doors听
• orange licence plates or the new white plates with an orange strip on the top听
• video cameras inside听

There are authorised taxi booths at Quito and Guayaquil international airports, and potentially at other domestic airports.

If you鈥檙e using a yellow registered taxi in Quito, make sure the driver resets the meter. In Guayaquil and other cities, taxis use fixed prices rather than meters. In these places, or if you or your hotel calls a taxi in Quito, agree a price before you get in.听

Sea travel听

There has been piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around Ecuador鈥檚 waters. Sailors should stay alert and take appropriate precautions.

If you鈥檙e travelling by sea, read about the regional risks at sea.

There have been several serious accidents in the Galapagos Islands involving tour company boats and smaller vessels transporting people between islands. Some of the smaller boats do not follow safety measures, such as holding the right licence, respecting maximum capacity for passengers, checking their motor or fuel and providing enough life vests. Use reputable boat operators and ask about safety features before you book, even for short trips. Check they provide life vests and lifeboats (if appropriate) before boarding.

Extreme weather and natural disasters听

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.鈥�听

Landslides听

Landslides are common in Ecuador and can have a serious impact on travel. Heavy rains can lead to landslides, which frequently lead to road closures. Check the weather forecast if you are travelling by road.听听

Earthquakes听

There is a high risk of earthquakes across Ecuador, particularly in the province of Esmeraldas on the north-western coast. Earthquakes and aftershocks can cause landslides, which block roads.听听

Familiarise yourself with safety procedures and any instructions in your hotel. If there is an earthquake, follow instructions from the authorities and keep essential belongings, such as your passport and money, with you.听听

Get information (in Spanish) following an earthquake from the:听

• Secretariat for Risk Management (Secretar铆a Nacional de Gesti贸n de Riesgos) 鈥� check听current alerts

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about .听

You can also .听

Tsunamis听

There is a high risk of tsunamis along the coast and in the Galapagos Islands. If there is a tsunami alert, sirens will sound in Esmeraldas, El Oro, Guayas, Santa Elena, 惭补苍补产铆 and Galapagos. See and follow the advice of the authorities.听

Rainy season听

The rainy season usually runs from October to May but can last until June.听

During heavy rainy seasons:听

• monitor local media听
• check your itinerary with your tour operator to avoid disruption听
• avoid river crossings due to potential strong currents听听
• take care in affected areas听

The weather can change quickly. Check . Get local advice on tides if you鈥檙e near the coast.听

If you鈥檙e climbing or mountaineering, get official advice from the authorities and tour operators.听听

Forest fires听

Forest fires happen in many areas, especially in Pichincha, Loja, Azuay and Cotopaxi provinces听, due to high temperatures, strong winds, dry conditions and arson. Call 911 if you see a fire.听

Volcanic eruptions听

There are many volcanoes in the highlands of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Some are currently erupting, active or potentially active. Check the (in Spanish). Follow instructions issued by the local authorities.听

Ashfall from volcanoes can disrupt flights and close airports at short notice. Before going to the airport, check with your airline and on the airport website. Ash is also a health hazard, especially for travellers with respiratory problems.听

There is a high risk from mixed flows of water, mud, lava and debris (鈥榣ahars鈥�) around glaciated volcanoes, including Cotopaxi. These flows can be very destructive. The towns of Latacunga and Salcedo and low-lying areas in the valley to the east of Quito (Los Chillos and Rumi帽ahui) are particularly vulnerable.听

Access to the Reventador volcano (Napo province) is currently restricted.

This section has safety advice for regions of Ecuador. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.听听

You should also read FCDO鈥檚 overall travel advice and safety and security advice.听听

Coastal regions

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Coastal Region provinces of:

• Esmeraldas
• Manabi
• Santa Elena
• El Oro
• Los R铆os
• Santo Domingo de los Ts谩chilas

This is due to a high level of gang-related violence linked to the presence of organised crime relating to the production and trafficking of illegal drugs.

Tourists are not usually targeted. However, you could be a victim of violence due to mistaken identity or be caught up in a security incident involving others.

Guayas

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Coastal Region province of Guayas, except:

• airside transit within Guayaquil Airport in Guayas province.

If you are travelling to or from the Gal谩pagos Islands via Guayaquil airport you should check with the airline before booking to ensure you will remain airside at Guayaquil Airport.

This is due to a high level of gang-related violence linked to the presence of organised crime relating to the production and trafficking of illegal drugs.

There are instances of express kidnapping, where individuals have been kidnapped for a short period of time, and are often driven to an ATM to withdraw money and then abandoned.

There have been several security incidents in and around the city of Guayaquil in Guayas province in 2023 and 2024 including an increase in murders and small explosions. There have also been fatal armed attacks against the police and prosecutors.

Tourists are not usually targeted. However, you could be a victim of violence due to mistaken identity or caught up in a security incident involving others.

Within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border听

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border, except for these areas in Carchi province:听

• El 脕ngel Ecological Reserve听听
• Rumichaca border crossing听
• the town of Tulc谩n听
• the Pan-American Highway听听

This is due to the presence of organised crime linked to the production and trafficking of drugs.听

The security situation can change quickly in areas outside the 20km border zone, including Esmeraldas, Carchi and Sucumb铆os provinces. There are illegal armed groups and criminal gangs in these areas. If you are travelling to these areas, including Cuyabeno, the Napo River, and the El 脕ngel Ecological Reserve, where there are ecolodges, you should:听

• stay alert and take local advice听
• pay close attention to warnings issued by the Ecuadorean authorities听听
• travel during daylight hours with a reputable, official guide听
• have an emergency plan and good communication systems in place听
• be aware some lodges are far from a major hospital听听

If you cross the northern border at Tulc谩n (Rumichaca official land border point), enter and exit the town on the Pan-American Highway.听听

Lago Agrio (also known as Nueva Loja) the main town in Sucumb铆os province, and San Lorenzo, in Esmeraldas province, are both within the 20km border zone where FCDO advises against all but essential travel.听

Before you travel check that:听

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need听
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation听

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.听

Emergency medical number听

Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.听

Contact your insurance company quickly if you鈥檙e referred to a medical facility for treatment.听

You can get emergency assistance and register medical issues using the .听

Vaccine recommendations and health risks听

At least 8 weeks before your trip:听

• check the latest 听
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the 听

See , including Oropouche virus.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Ecuador. Read more about .听

Ultraviolet radiation is a risk in Ecuador. Read more about .

Drinking water听

To avoid getting sick, drink boiled, filtered or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.听听

Medication听

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.听听

Read .听

Pharmacies in Ecuador may accept some UK prescriptions. They will accept antimicrobial prescriptions up to 3 days old and narcotic or psychotropic prescriptions up to 5 days old.听

Healthcare in Ecuador听听

The Ecuadorean public healthcare system provides the same level of care to locals and foreigners at no cost. However, a high standard of healthcare and specialised medical treatment may not always be available outside main cities. Private treatment can be very expensive, and private hospitals require a credit card guarantee for admission.听

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Ecuador where some staff will speak English.

See hospitalisation information pack for further details on healthcare in Ecuador, including a list of hospitals.听

There is also guidance on healthcare if you鈥檙e living in Ecuador.听

Healthcare in the Galapagos Islands听

There are limited medical facilities in the Galapagos Islands. Make sure your insurance includes evacuation by air ambulance. If you travel to the Galapagos Islands by boat, you may be asked to supply information such as your blood group and emergency contacts when you board.听

San Crist贸bal Island has a well-equipped public hospital. Santa Cruz Island has a basic hospital. Isabela Island has a very small and extremely basic health centre.听听

Travel and mental health听

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .听You can find information about mental health support for British nationals in Ecuador.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.听

Emergency services in Ecuador听听

Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)听

Tourism police听听

Quito has a tourism police unit with branches in the north, old town, airport and at bus terminals. There are also tourism police units in the cities of Guayaquil, Cuenca, Santa Elena and Galapagos provinces. Read more .

Reporting robbery and theft online听

You can to the Ecuador Attorney General鈥檚 Office (鈥楩iscal铆a General鈥�).听

Complaining about tourism services听

To complain about tourism services, email the Ministry of Tourism: denuncias@turismo.gob.eca.听

Contact your travel provider and insurer听

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.听

Refunds and changes to travel听

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.听

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:听

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider听
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim听

Support from FCDO听

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:听

• finding English-speaking , and in Ecuador听
• dealing with a death in Ecuador听听
• being arrested or imprisoned in Ecuador听听听
• getting help if you鈥檙e a victim of crime听听
• what to do if you鈥檙e in hospital听听
• if you鈥檙e affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack听

颁辞苍迟补肠迟颈苍驳鈥�FCDO鈥�听

Help abroad鈥�鈥�听

厂别别鈥�鈥痠ncluding in an emergency.鈥�听

Help in the UK鈥�鈥�听

You can call鈥�FCDO鈥痠n London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.鈥�鈥�听

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)鈥�鈥�听

Find out about call charges听

Get travel advice updates鈥�鈥�听

Sign up to鈥�get email notifications鈥痺hen this travel advice is updated.鈥�鈥�听

Follow FCDO:鈥�听

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Risk information for British companies听听

The Overseas Business Risk service鈥痮ffers information and advice for British companies operating in Ecuador on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.