You can request emergency help in English from your smartphone. Use the application ECU 911.
Use the right emergency number for your location:
Quito and Ibarra: call 911.
Guayaquil, Cuenca and Loja: call 112.
all other areas: call 101.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Ecuador overall.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Ecuador overall due to the threat of violent crime.
Do not travel within 20km of the border with Colombia, except the official border crossing at Tulcan.
Do not travel within 20km of the border with Colombia, except the official border crossing at Tulcan, due to the high risk of kidnapping and violent crime associated with drug-related criminal organisations.
See Safety
Reconsider your need to travel to Sucumbios and Esmereldas provinces and Guayaquil City.
Reconsider your need to travel to Sucumbios and Esmereldas provinces and Guayaquil City due to the high level of gang-related crime and the threat of kidnapping.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Civil unrest is frequent due to political tensions. During unrests, there is increased military and police presence. Curfews may be imposed. Carry your ID at all times and follow the instructions of local authorities. The government may announce a state of emergency at any time.
The security situation could deteriorate with little notice.
You should be extra vigilant. Avoid demonstrations. Monitor local media and follow official government instructions.
Demonstrations occur frequently. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. In 2022, there were several violent protests which resulted in a strong government response, including curfews.
Demonstrations and protests can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. You should:
Political activity by foreigners is illegal. This includes joining protests or demonstrations. If you take part, authorities may detain or deport you.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest you should:
If you're affected by demonstrations and roadblocks, follow the MinTur (Ministry of Tourism) social media channels, or for information about the state of the roads, see Consulta de vias (Spanish).
If you can't go out safely and don't have access to food and/or supplies, consider using a reputable delivery app.
More information:
On 9 January 2024, Ecuador declared a nationwide state of "internal armed conflict" in response to the rise in crime and gang violence across the country. This state enables an increased military and police presence.
A state of emergency was also declared in May 2024, applying to the provinces of El Oro, Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Orellana, Santa Elena, and the Ponce Enríquez County in Azuay. The military and police can seize assets, conduct inspections and enter private properties without permission.
The Eucadorian authorities have imposed curfews in some districts (‘cantons’) within the above provinces. The situation may change at short notice. Check for updates from Ecuadorian authorities.
If you need to travel to or from an airport during the curfew times, you must have a copy of your flight details to show police if requested.
If you're in a state of emergency zone, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor media for updates. Keep your passport with you at all times, and let your family or friends know where you are.
During a state of emergency, police and military can:
If you're a victim of a crime, you can:
Violent crime and theft are common. This includes:
Female travellers are encouraged to take particular caution.
Travellers have reported serious assaults and theft in Quito at:
Outside Quito, thieves target travellers at:
Some riverboat tours have been robbed at gunpoint, with passengers left stranded.
Thieves target backpackers and foreigners for bag-snatching and pickpocketing, even in large tour groups. Travellers have been injured when they resist.
Petty crime is common around Quito at:
Theft also occurs:
Thieves working in pairs or groups use distraction methods, such as:
To protect yourself from petty crime:
Travellers have been robbed and sexually assaulted after accepting 'spiked' drinks and food, as well as chewing gum and cigarettes.
Spikers use drugs, such as scopolamine, including through aerosol sprays and paper handouts, to incapacitate, rob and assault their victims.
Never accept things from strangers or people you have just met.
More information:
Risk of violent crime increases when you travel alone or after dark.
Violent crime and theft occur in:
Armed criminals have boarded buses to rob passengers.
North of Quito, high risk security situations can develop quickly. Dangerous areas include Ecuador's borders with Colombia and Peru in:
Armed groups and other criminals engage in kidnapping and other violent criminal activity. Foreigners have been kidnapped in these regions, including in Cuyabeno wildlife reserve.
If you plan to travel there, check warnings issued by local authorities.
The official border crossing town of Tulcán in Carchi province is in a high-risk area but is usually safer than its surrounds.
To protect yourself from crime:
Ayahuasca tourism is a growing industry in Ecuador and Peru. It involves shamans guiding visitors through psychedelic rituals, often referred to as 'spiritual cleansing'.
It's not illegal, but serious assaults and robbery can occur. Victims report a range of experiences, from being alert but unable to maintain control of their surroundings, to total amnesia.
Credit card fraud and debit card scams are increasing.
To reduce your risk of scams:
From September 2024, nationwide power outages have been occurring. The duration and frequency differ by location. These outages can affect public areas such as traffic lights and shopping centres.
For more information on power outage times in your location, check your local power provider’s official website or social media channels, monitor local media and follow the advice from the local authorities.
There is also water rationing, which may cause water shortages in some parts of the country. Check with your local water supplier for the times and dates affected.
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks.
Get urgent medical attention if you think you or someone else has been drugged.
Methanol can be used in unregulated alcohol production to lower costs. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Act quickly if you suspect you or someone you're travelling with has been poisoned. Urgent medical attention could save your life or save you from permanent disability. Report suspected cases of methanol poisoning to the police.
More information:
Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.
Kidnapping rates increased in Ecuador in 2023, amid a wider deterioration of the security environment. Kidnaps are usually conducted by financially motivated criminals and tend to last less than a week. Kidnapping gangs have been reported to operate in north-western provinces. Kidnappings have occurred along the northern border with Colombia, with some targeting foreigners.
There is a risk of express kidnappings in Ecuador. Businesspeople and visitors perceived to be wealthy may be targeted by kidnappers in search of payouts.
Kidnappings for ransom happen, including in:
If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited.
To reduce the risk of kidnapping:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.
More information:
Ecuador can experience severe weather and natural disasters, such as:
If a natural disaster occurs:
More information:
Rainy seasons are from:
Heavy rain often results in landslides and mudslides. Unseasonable rain can cause flooding outside these times.
Ecuador is located in a seismic zone. All parts of Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands, can experience earthquakes. They can affect the country's infrastructure and connectivity. Depending on where it occurs, an earthquake could initiate a tsunami.
Be sure to follow the instructions of local authorities in case of an emergency.
Several volcanoes in Ecuador are active, including:
Eruptions can occur at any time and without warning.
If you're in an area prone to volcanic eruption, ensure you know the evacuation procedures and routes.
Falling ash following an eruption can spread over a wide area and can affect air travel.
Exposure to ash, dust and toxic fumes after a volcanic eruption is a major health risk. This is especially the case for those with existing breathing problems.
Before you travel to any areas prone to volcanic activity:
To protect yourself if there's a volcanic eruption:
More information:
Ecuador is at risk of tsunamis. A tsunami can arrive very soon after a nearby tremor or earthquake.
Be alert. Don't wait for official warnings.
Move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:
Once on high ground, monitor local media and weather services.
More information:
Bushfires are affecting several parts of Ecuador, including Quito. The smoke may degrade air quality and contribute to health problems. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
More information:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Ecuador. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Many areas of Ecuador are higher than 2500m, including Quito at 2800m. Altitude sickness is a risk.
The risks increase if you:
Altitude sickness can be deadly. It can affect anyone, even if you're physically fit.
To protect yourself if you'll be travelling above 2500m:
Yellow fever is common in Ecuador. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.
Other insect-borne diseases are present in areas below 1500m. These include:
Risk of these diseases is lower in Guayaquil.
Zika virus is widespread. The Australian Department of Health advises pregnant women to:
To protect yourself from disease:
Get urgent medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
More information:
HIV/AIDS is common. Take precautions before you do anything that puts you at risk of infection.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
Gastrointestinal diseases are common during the rainy season.
To protect yourself from illness:
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
Some private hospitals have reasonable medical facilities in:
Facilities are limited outside these locations.
Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is expensive. You may need to pay cash before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even for emergency care.
You can access decompression chambers in:
If you become seriously ill or injured at the Galapagos Islands, you'll need to be moved to the mainland. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long prison terms in local jails.
Minimum sentence for trafficking or consuming 'soft drugs', such as marijuana (cannabis), can be 1 to 2 years in jail.
More information:
You must always carry photo identification in Ecuador. Authorities may detain you if you don't.
Political activity by foreigners is illegal. This includes joining protests or demonstrations.
If you participate, authorities may detain or deport you.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Dual nationals younger than 18 years must travel with both passports.
Our ability to provide regular consular assistance to Australian-Ecuadorian dual nationals may be limited in Ecuador.
More information:
You can stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days without a visa.
If you want to stay longer, you can pay to request an extension for up to 90 extra days (you can only do this once). Do this before the initial period expires. If you overstay without a visa, you may be fined and barred from future visits.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. This includes currency, customs and quarantine rules. Contact an embassy or consulate of Ecuador and visit the Ecuadorean Migration for details.
For visits other than tourism, you must get a visa or special permission from the local authority. You must do this before you arrive in Ecuador.
If you travel through the US, you must also meet US entry or transit requirements.
Check your visa requirements with an embassy or consulate of the United States. Do this well before you travel.
More information:
If you’re travelling via Chile, ensure you meet all current entry or transit requirements.
More information:
Get your passport stamped on entry by land or sea. If it isn't stamped, you could face deportation or delays leaving Ecuador.
If you're entering by land from Colombia or Peru, you must get an entry stamp from an Ecuadorian official at the border. If you're on a shared bus, consider advising the driver that you need to get the stamp. Otherwise, the driver may not stop at the border, resulting in you not being in Ecuador legally. You'll need the exit stamp from the country you're entering Ecuador from.
When entering via land or river borders from Peru or Colombia, you're required to present an apostilled police check in Spanish or an official Spanish translation covering the previous 5 years. Minors, diplomats, and people already holding valid visas in Ecuador are exempt from providing this police check. You can also request Ecuadorian immigration authorities to do a background check on their immigration system (which flags any travel prohibitions or INTERPOL alerts) at the point of entry.
For up-to-date information, follow Ecuador's Embassy in Canberra.
The Governing Council of the Special Regime of Galapagos requires foreign tourists to meet particular criteria, including filling out the Galapagos Transit Control Card at least 24 hours before entering, having an outbound flight, and travel insurance. You may be requested to show your hotel booking. See the articles in 'Ingreso a Galápagos', including the 'Para ingresar' (to enter), 'Al arribar' (on arrival), and its FAQ.
You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Ecuador from endemic countries including Brazil, Dominican Republic, Congo and Uganda. Some airlines may want to see the certificate before departure to Ecuador.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.
More information:
Children younger than 18 who travel alone or with 1 parent may need to present:
Both documents must be:
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
The US Dollar is the legal currency of Ecuador.
It's useful to have $US1 notes. Many smaller shops and taxi drivers don't change large notes.
ATMs are available around the country.
Credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities in major centres. Contact your bank to check that your card will work.
Minefields are a danger in the Cordillera del Condor region near the Peruvian border. These minefields can be unmarked.
Seek local advice before you travel to the Cordillera del Condor region.
Take care when travelling off-road. Look out for landmines in:
Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes on adventure activities and in the Galapagos Islands. Accredited tourist transport vehicles are not subject to any mobility restriction.
If you plan to do a tour:
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
If you're visiting eco-lodges or other remote locations in northern and eastern Ecuador, consider:
Reputable eco-lodges have good security, communications and emergency plans.
For the first six months after you arrive in Ecuador you can drive with both:
You must get your IDP before departing Australia.
Main roads are reasonable. Roads in rural areas aren't always well maintained.
Driving in Ecuador can be dangerous, particularly at night.
Hazards include:
Ash from volcanic eruptions can clog and stall vehicle engines.
If you plan to drive in Ecuador:
More information:
Your travel insurance may not cover you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar.
Always wear a helmet.
All registered taxis have a panic button and security cameras installed.
Express kidnappings often involve unregistered taxis.
Only use authorised taxis with:
Ask your hotel to arrange a radio-dispatched taxi.
Bus accidents are common.
Violent crime occurs on:
Armed criminals board buses to rob passengers.
If you plan to use public transport:
More information:
Safety standards of boats vary.
Piracy occurs along the coast of Ecuador.
Strikes and disturbances by local fishermen in the Galapagos Islands can disrupt travel.
Get your tour operator to confirm in writing that the boat you'll travel on:
Check piracy reports issued by the International Maritime Bureau.
More information:
We don't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Ecuador's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
You can request emergency help in English from your smartphone. Use the application ECU 911.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
There's an Australian Consulate in Guayaquil, Ecuador. It can provide limited consular help. The Canadian Embassy in Quito, Ecuador gives consular assistance to Australians in Ecuador under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement.
For general consular assistance, passports and/or notarial services, contact the Australian Embassy in Chile. If you need urgent help, contact the 24/7 Consular Emergency Centre in Australia, calling to the phone +61 2 6261 3305.
For issue of provisional travel documents, contact the:
Edificio Samborondón Plaza
4th floor, office # 410
Km. 1.5 Vía Samborondón
Samborondón, Guayas, Ecuador
Phone: +593 9 5981 1614 (Monday to Friday 8am to 1pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm)
Email: ausconsulate@unidas.com.ec
Av. Amazonas 4153 and Union Nacional de periodistas
Eurocentre Building, 3rd Floor
Quito, Ecuador
Phone: +011 593 2 2455 499
Email: quito@international.gc.ca
Website: Embassy of Canada to Ecuador, in Quito (international.gc.ca)
Isidora Goyenechea 3621
13th Floor, Tower B
Las Condes
Santiago de Chile, Chile
Phone: +56 2 2550 3500
Email: consular.santiago@dfat.gov.au
Website: www.chile.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Embajada de Australia en Chile y Ecuador
X: @AusEmbCL
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.