[Previous entry: "Advice for Travellers to Italy"] [Next entry: "Floyds Come Out on Top in Price Comparisons"]

07/04/2005: "Foreign Office Advice for Travel to Ecuador"

Advice for those travelling onto Ecuador, either for a standalone holiday, or more likely, as part of a round the world trip. What areas to avoid, what precautions to take, etc. This information is taken from the Governments Foreign Travel section of their web pages here.


We advise against travel to the northern border area including the provinces of Sucumbios and Orellana. Armed groups are active in these areas and there is a risk of kidnapping and crime.

Ecuador has recently experienced a number of earth tremors, which were most prominent in coastal regions.

We currently advise against staying overnight in Baños, due to the threat of Tungurahua volcano erupting. Recently, the Reventador volcano has shown signs of activity. Whilst there is presently no cause for concern, the situation is being monitored.

There is an ongoing risk of disruption to travel due to social and political unrest.

You should be aware of the risks of crime in all areas and take sensible precautions at all times. You should be particularly vigilant in poorer urban areas, after dark and on public transport. We recommend that you do not travel alone.
The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.


We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.


SAFETY AND SECURITY
Terrorism

The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. On 7 June 2004, a small explosive devise was detonated at the offices of the British Honorary Consulate, Guayaquil, which are shared with a local company. An investigation carried out by the Ecuadorian authorities did not establish whether the Honorary Consulate was the intended target. The Consulate remains open for business. Please read: "Security and General Tips" and "Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas" for further information and advice.

Crime

Muggings and pick pocketing are common, particularly in the cities. You should avoid wearing expensive jewellery in the streets and on public transport. When travelling on public transport, we recommend that rucksacks should be worn on the front of your body. Do not store small bags under your seat or in overhead storage.

There have been occasional cases of rape and armed attacks against visitors both in rural and urban areas. Remote sites should be visited in groups.

There have been several cases of assailants using drugs to subdue their intended victims. Drugs can be administered through food, drinks, cigarettes, aerosols, or powder. In one incident drugs were administered through a chemical soaked into a leaflet. You should be wary of unsolicited approaches from strangers, no matter how friendly or well dressed the individual appears.

There have been cases of attacks by drivers of unregistered taxis. Only use registered taxis, which display their taxi registration sticker on the windscreen or side doors. If possible do not hail taxis on the street but book through hotels or taxi radio services. Larger supermarkets and airports also have reliable taxi ranks.

There have been several incidents of armed gunmen holding up buses after daylight hours. You should therefore avoid travel by road after dark, in particular on long distance and international coaches.

Political situation

Presidential elections were held in November 2002, and Lucio Edwin Gutierrez, a former army colonel who briefly took power in a coup in January 2000, won with 54% of the vote. A strict fiscal policy has caused protests from civil servants and Government owned companies and institutions. Further unrest can be expected.

Local Travel

You should avoid travel to the northern provinces of Sucumbios and Orellana. Colombian guerrilla groups are known to have influence in all regions bordering Colombia. The effect has been increased crime and incidents of kidnap. Foreign oil workers are targets for kidnappers in these areas. In July 2002, a British oil worker and his driver were kidnapped and subsequently killed.

You should avoid hiking to the antennas of Volcan Pichincha via Cruz Loma, west of Quito as violent gangs are known to operate in the wooded areas.

There have been recent disruptions to tours of the Galapagos Islands due to disputes between the Park services and the local authorities. The situation in the Galapagos Islands has now normalised.You should consult your tour operator for further details.

In March 2004,the southern province of El Oro underwent a period of social unrest as a result of striking banana workers. Road travel was for a period subject to blockades and disruption. Overland travel to Peru from Ecuador was temporarily disrupted.

Road Safety

General road conditions are adequate in Andean and coastal areas, but driving can be dangerous due to the condition of the vehicles on the road and local driving techniques. Road conditions in the Amazon region are generally very poor and driving is hazardous.

If you intend to hire a car you must hold a valid British or international driver's licence. The Ecuadorian police also recommend the use of a local temporary driver's permit. You should contact the British Embassy if you require further details.

Sea Safety

There have been attacks of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around Ecuador’s waters. Mariners are advised to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Trafficking is a serious crime, penalties are harsh and prison conditions are grim. Do not get involved in the trafficking or use of illegal drugs.

It is a legal requirement to carry identification with you at all times.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

British nationals do not need visas for visits up to 90 days. Visit extensions of a further 90 days can be obtained through the local immigration authorities. Overstaying without permission from the immigration authorities is an offence and will result in a fine and deportation. Your passport must have a minimum validity of six months.

If you wish to work or study in Ecuador you should check visa requirements with the Embassy of Ecuador, Ecuadorian Representation in the UK.

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting their children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required please contact the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.