Fresh travel warning for Britons as South American holiday hotspot declares ‘state of emergency’ due to armed violence
Britons have been given a travel warning for Ecuador, as a state of emergency has been declared.
Holidaymakers should be aware of which provinces are affected, plus which districts and parishes have a curfew in place.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) told holidaymakers: “A 60-day state of emergency (SOE) was declared on October 3 due to internal disturbance and armed violence.
“The SOE currently applies to the following provinces: Guayas, El Oro, Santa Elena, Manabí, Orellana, Los Ríos, Quito Metropolitan District (Pichincha province) and Camilo Ponce Enríquez district (Azuay province).
Several areas have imposed a curfew between 10pm and 5am
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“The SOE allows the military and police to seize assets, conduct inspections and enter private properties without permission.
“There are additional restrictions on the freedoms of association and assembly and the police and armed forces are permitted to break up gatherings in public spaces.”
Visitors were told that curfew hours are in place “until further notice”, for several districts (‘cantons’) and/or parishes (‘parroquias’).
The curfew hours imposed in these areas are between 10pm and 5am.
Areas where curfews are in place
Azuay province
Los Ríos province
- Baba
- Babahoyo
- Buena Fe
- Mocache
- Montalvo
- Palenque
- Pueblo Viejo
- Quevedo
- Quinsaloma
- Urdaneta
- Valencia
- Ventanas
- Vinces
Guayas province
- Balao
- Durán
- Parroquia Tenguel del canton Guayaquil
Orellana province
- La Joya de los Sachas Puerto Francisco De Orellana
- Loreto
The FCDO said: “If you need to travel to or from the airport for a booked flight, you can do so by presenting your booking reservation.”
Ecuador is a popular tourist destination, famous for the Galápagos Islands, the Amazon rainforest, the dramatic landscapes of Devil’s Nose Train and the picturesque capital, Quito.
But before visiting the stunning holiday destination, it’s important to consult the FCDO’s up-to-date guidance.
This includes warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and getting help.
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Holidaymakers must heed travel advice
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There are some parts of Ecuador the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to.
Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel
Coastal Region
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Coastal Region provinces of:
- Esmeraldas
- Manabí
- Santa Elena
- Guayas
- El Oro
- Los Ríos
- Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas
This does not apply to airside transit within Guayaquil Airport in Guayas province, including onward or return travel to the Galapagos Islands.
Within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border, except for these areas in Carchi province:
- El Ángel Ecological Reserve
- Rumichaca border crossing
- the town of Tulcán
- the Pan-American Highway
Before going abroad, Britons are always advised to consult the FCDO’s latest guidance.
Holidaymakers were recently given a Middle East travel update as the “situation could change suddenly”.
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