Ecuador - Security

Overall Crime and Safety: Following various prison riots and the escape of gang leaders at the start of January, Ecuador has been under a state of emergency. The U.S. Embassy has now downgraded the security alerts from level 3 (Reconsider travel) to level 2 (Exercise increased caution) for the majority of the country. See this news item for the history, and the Puerto Amistad website for the latest situation. Security in Ecuador has been worsening since the coronavirus pandemic, which also brutally battered the economy.

Violent deaths nationally rose to 8,008 in 2023, the government has said, nearly double the 2022 figure of over 4,500. Ecuador's presidential contest last year was marred by the assassination of an anti-corruption candidate. The government blames the situation on the growing reach of cocaine-trafficking gangs, who have destabilized swathes of the continent. Inside Ecuador's prisons, the gangs have taken advantage of the state's weak control to expand their power. Prison violence has become increasingly common, resulting in hundreds of deaths in incidents authorities have blamed on gang battles to control the jails.

Ecuador has a high crime rate with pick pocketing, purse-snatching and bag slashing being the most common crime against tourists. Robberies when exiting ATMs are also common.

For travel advisories, see the following websites:

• UK - gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
• USA - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
• Canada - voyage.gc.ca
• New Zealand - safetravel.govt.nz
• Australia- smartraveller.gov.au

Specific areas of concern: It is advisable not to travel within 24 kms (15 miles) of the border with Colombia and to avoid the province of Esmeraldas. Guayaquil, a coastal city that is Ecuador's largest, is considered the country's most dangerous, with its ports a hub for drug smuggling. It's advisable to travel in groups when visiting cities and extra caution should be practiced in downtown Guayaquil. You should not climb the Tungurahua or Reventador volcanoes due to renewed volcanic activity. See the UK FCO website for the latest advice. Maritime Issues: The usual safety and security precautions should be taken, especially when anchoring alone or in isolated places. Cases of armed robbery are increasing and petty crime is common. Reported Incidents: Noonsite has not received reports of any incidents against yachts in Ecuador, however, a report was made concerning an armed attack on a tourist dive boat off Guayaquil in February 2021. See more here. Last updated:  February 2024