U.S. State Department Issues Level 2 Travel Advisory for Ecuador: Exercise Increased Caution Due to Crime, Terrorism, Un

Current rules

The U.S. State Department advises U.S. citizens to 'Exercise Increased Caution' when travelling to Ecuador due to risks of crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping. Specific 'Do Not Travel' warnings are in place for certain districts in Guayaquil (Nueva Prosperina, Pascuales, and areas south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue), Huaquillas and Arenillas in El Oro province, Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in Los Rios province, Duran in Guayas province, Esmeraldas City and all areas north of it in Esmeraldas province, and the area north of Esmeraldas City to the Colombian border and east to Carchi province. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services in these 'Do Not Travel' areas. A 'Reconsider Travel' advisory applies to areas in Guayaquil north of Portete de Tarqui Avenue, El Oro province outside Huaquillas and Arenillas, Los Rios province outside Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo, all areas south of Esmeraldas City in Esmeraldas province, and the Sucumbios, Manabi, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo provinces. U.S. government employees are prohibited from travelling to the 'Do Not Travel' areas due to safety risks.

Overview

The U.S. State Department has updated its travel guidance for Ecuador, maintaining a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory. This instrument specifies regions within Ecuador where U.S. citizens should 'Do Not Travel' or 'Reconsider Travel' due to elevated risks of crime, terrorism, and kidnapping, impacting travel decisions and safety assessments for those considering visiting or residing in the country. The updated advisory applies to all U.S. citizens planning travel to or currently in Ecuador.

What changed in the latest version

This warning means U.S. citizens who plan to travel to Ecuador must check their plans carefully. This is especially true if their plans include any 'Do Not Travel' or 'Reconsider Travel' areas. Travellers must now know about higher risks of violent crime, terrorism, civil unrest (when people protest or riot), and kidnapping. These risks can cause serious personal safety problems and stop travel plans. People already in Ecuador, especially in restricted areas, should understand that U.S. government emergency services may be limited. This policy change means people and companies must change their travel safety rules. They may need to change or cancel trips to risky areas in Ecuador. This affects decisions about personal safety and travel plans.

Explained simply

Imagine you're planning a trip to Ecuador. The U.S. government is telling you to be extra careful, like being more watchful than usual, because there's a risk of things like crime, kidnappings, and protests. They even highlight specific places where they say 'don't go at all' because it's too dangerous, and other places where they say 'think twice before you go'. This is so you know where it might be risky and can plan your trip safely.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v58Effective 18 Aug 2026PublishedHigh impact
   U.S. State Department Issues Level 2 Travel Advisory for Ecuador: Exercise Increased Caution Due to Crime, Terrorism, Unrest, and Kidnapping, with Specific 'Do Not Travel' and 'Reconsider Travel' Zones

   The U.S. State Department tells U.S. citizens to 'Exercise Increased Caution' when they travel to Ecuador. This means it is a Level 2 travel warning. This warning is mainly because of risks like crime, terrorism, civil unrest (when people protest or riot), and kidnapping. The department has given specific 'Do Not Travel' warnings for some areas. These include parts of Guayaquil, Huaquillas and Arenillas in El Oro province, Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in Los Rios province, Duran in Guayas province, and Esmeraldas City and the northern part of Esmeraldas province. There is also a 'Reconsider Travel' warning for other areas. These include other parts of Guayaquil, other parts of El Oro, Los Rios, and Esmeraldas provinces, and the Sucumbios, Manabi, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo provinces. U.S. government staff cannot travel to the 'Do Not Travel' areas. U.S. government emergency services cannot do much to help in these very risky areas.