Travel Summary

• We advise against all travel to the areas immediately bordering Colombia in Carchi province (except the town of Tulcan) and the town of San Lorenzo located in the north of the province of Esmeraldas. See Safety and Security - Local Travel.
  
  
• We advise against attempting to climb the Reventador and Sangay volcanoes due to renewed volcanic activity. See Natural Disasters - Volcanoes - Reventador and Sangay.
  
  
• The Ecuadorian Control Risk Agency submitted an orange alert for the immediate surrounding areas of the Tungurahua volcano, due to renewed volcanic activity on 27 November. See Natural Disasters - Volcanoes - Tungurahua.
  
  
• The Ecuadorian Control Risk Agency declared a state of emergency in Gualaceo, Paute and Cuenca in Azuay province on 19 January due to heavy rains, river overflows and landslides. See Natural Disasters - Rainy Seasons.
  
  
• A state of emergency remains in place in Quito mainly to facilitate the work and protection of the National Assembly and Government Palace, following the incidents of 30 September 2010.
  
  
• British nationals should exercise caution, avoid gatherings and carry ID at all times. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent. Large crowds should be avoided. Foreigners participating in political demonstrations or protests of any kind may be subject to arrest and deportation under Ecuadorean law.
  
  
• Crime is still on the increase. See Crime.
  
  

• Road travel can be dangerous due to bad driving, some basic road conditions and ill-maintained vehicles.  See Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel.
  
  

• Around 24,300 British nationals visited Ecuador in 2011 (Source: Ecuadorian Immigration Police Records). See General - Consular Assistance Statistics. See also Crime.
  

• There is a low threat from terrorism, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  

• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.