'State of emergency!' Britons given South America travel warning due to armed violence
Holidaymakers have been warned
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Britons have been given a fresh travel warning for Ecuador as a state of emergency is extended in parts of the country.
Holidaymakers flock to Ecuador to explore the Galápagos Islands, Amazon rainforest, idyllic beaches, incredible mountains, vast biodiversity and culinary delights. However, those visiting have been advised to adhere to the advice of the UK Government to ensure their safety.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) told British holidaymakers: "A 60-day state of emergency (SOE) was declared on July 2, due to armed violence and extended for a further 30 days on August 30.
"The SOE currently applies to the following provinces: Guayas, El Oro, Santa Elena, Manabí, Orellana and Los Ríos.
Ecuador is famous for the stunning Galápagos Islands
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."
On August 8, curfew hours (10pm-5pm) were announced for several districts (cantons).
Districts where a curfew has been imposed
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
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to several parts of Ecuador.
Coastal Region
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.
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Britons should take note of which areas are in a state of emergency and which have imposed a curfew
GETTY IMAGESWithin 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
For essential guidance on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and getting help in Ecuador, make sure to consult the FCDO.