Includes a link to the State Department consular information sheet.

Crime

Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador. Crimes against U.S. citizens in the past year have ranged from petty theft to violent offenses including armed robbery, home invasion, sexual assault, and several instances of murder and attempted murder.

Due to the spread of organized crime, drug and small-arms trafficking, and incursions by terrorist organizations near Ecuador’s border with Colombia, the U.S. Embassy in Quito advises caution when traveling to northern Ecuador, including the provinces of Sucumbíos, northern Orellana (including the city of Coca), Carchi, and northern Esmeraldas (including the city of Esmeraldas). U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to the northern border unless case-specific permission is granted.

Safety and Security

For detailed security information related to Ecuador, Americans should visit the State Department’s Country Specific Ecuador Website (http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/ecuador.html).

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1.888.407.4747 toll free within the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line, 202.501.4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except U.S. federal holidays.

Bookmark our Bureau of Consular Affairs website which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts (https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html).

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to take responsibility for their own personal safety while traveling overseas.

Please use the links for local information in Quito (http://ecuador.usembassy.gov/security-and-safety/warden-messages.html) and Guayaquil’s (http://guayaquil.usconsulate.gov/warden_messages.html) consular districts.

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