British holidaymakers given South America travel warning as several areas impose curfew following 'state of emergency'
Britons have been given new guidance on visiting South America
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Holidaymakers flock to Ecuador for so many reasons: the enchanting Galapagos Islands, beautiful beaches, fantastic hikes and extensive wildlife just to name a few.
However, Britons planning on visiting the South American country have been given a fresh warning about holidaying here, as several districts have been given curfews.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) told Britons: "A 60-day state of emergency (SOE) was declared on May 22 due to armed violence and extended for a further 60 days on July 2.
"The SOE currently applies to the following provinces: Guayas, El Oro, Santa Elena, Manabí, Orellana and Los Ríos.
Curfews have been imposed across Ecuador
GETTY IMAGES"The SOE allows the military and police to seize assets, conduct inspections and enter private properties without permission.
"There are additional restrictions on the freedoms of association and assembly and the police and armed forces are permitted to break up gatherings in public spaces."
Britons were told that "on August 8, curfew hours (10pm until 5am) were announced, until further notice" for several districts (cantons).
Districts with curfew hours
Azuay province
- Camilo Ponce Enríquez
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
There are several areas in Ecuador the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to.
Holidaymakers were warned: "Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice."
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Ecuador is a beautiful travel destination in South America
GETTY IMAGESAreas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel in Ecuador
Coastal Region
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Coastal Region provinces of:
- Esmeraldas
- Manabí
- Santa Elena
- Guayas
- El Oro
- Los Ríos
- Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas
This does not apply to airside transit within Guayaquil Airport in Guayas province, including onward or return travel to the Galapagos Islands.
Within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border, except for these areas in Carchi province:
- El Ángel Ecological Reserve
- Rumichaca border crossing
- the town of Tulcán
- the Pan-American Highway