Britons issued 60-day warning for South American holiday hotspot - with some tourists placed under 'curfew'

Britons are advised to check the latest travel advice for their chosen country before going abroad

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
Anna Barry

By Anna Barry


Published: 06/01/2025

- 08:24

Ecuador has renewed its state of emergency, effective from January 2, 2025

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel guidance for South American holiday hotspot, Ecuador.

Ecuador has renewed its state of emergency for an additional 60 days, effective from January 2, 2025, as the South American nation grapples with "internal disturbance and armed violence". Visitors to several districts and parishes will have to adhere to a strict curfew.

The extension of emergency measures comes as the country faces significant security challenges, prompting renewed travel warnings for British nationals.

In the FCDO's latest advisory, British holidaymakers were urged to exercise caution when travelling to Ecuador during the state of emergency period.

Gal\u00e1pagos Islands, Ecuador

Holidaymakers must heed fresh guidance

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The FCDO emphasised that visitors must follow all instructions from the police and local authorities during their stay in Ecuador.

Provinces affected by the State of Emergency

  • Guayas
  • El Oro
  • Santa Elena
  • Manabí
  • Orellana
  • Sucumbios
  • Los Ríos
  • Quito Metropolitan District (Pichincha province)
  • Camilo Ponce Enríquez district (Azuay province)
  • La Troncal (Cañar province)

Visitors to specific districts ('cantons') and/or parishes (parroquias) must adhere to curfew rules "until further notice". The curfew hours in place are between 10pm and 5am.

Azuay province

  • Camilo Ponce Enríquez

Cañar province

  • La Troncal

Los Ríos province

  • Baba
  • Babahoyo
  • Buena Fe
  • Mocache
  • Montalvo
  • Palenque
  • Pueblo Viejo
  • Quevedo
  • Quinsaloma
  • Urdaneta
  • Valencia
  • Ventanas
  • Vinces

Guayas province

  • Balao
  • Durán
  • Parroquia Tenguel del canton Guayaquil

Orellana province

  • La Joya de los Sachas
  • Puerto Francisco De Orellana
  • Loreto

Sucumbios province

  • Shushufindi
  • Lago Agrio
The FCDO told holidaymakers: "If you need to travel to or from the airport for a booked flight during curfew hours, you can do so by presenting your booking reservation."

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Quito, Ecuador

Tourists should be aware of 'internal disturbance and armed violence'

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Holidaymakers flock to Ecuador year after year in search of a plethora of experiences. From the Galápagos Islands and Amazon rainforest to picturesque beaches, welcoming locals and vibrant cuisine, there is so much to enjoy and explore.

But before visiting the South American country, it's always wise to consult the FCDO's latest guidance for up-to-date information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, health, getting help and regional risks.

The advice on regional risks is particularly essential, as this contains information on which areas in Ecuador the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to.

This comes as Britons are issued new guidance on travelling to New Zealand - "leave details of your itinerary with family or friends".

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