The UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has issued an updated travel warning to British citizens planning to visit Ecuador, following the extension of a state of emergency in several regions of the country.

The warning comes as Ecuador remains a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore its rich biodiversity, from the Galápagos Islands to the Amazon rainforest and stunning mountain ranges.

The FCDO’s advisory is a response to the ongoing security situation in Ecuador, where a state of emergency (SOE) was initially declared on July 2 due to escalating armed violence.

This emergency measure, which was set to last for 60 days, has now been extended for an additional 30 days as of August 30, affecting key provinces in the country.

“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 FCDO stated in its warning. “The SOE currently applies to the following provinces: Guayas, El Oro, Santa Elena, Manabí, Orellana, and Los Ríos. 

These areas include some of the most frequented regions by tourists, raising concerns about the safety of travel to these parts. 

“The SOE allows the military and police to seize assets, conduct inspections, and enter private properties without permission,” the FCDO continued. “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.”

In addition to these measures, curfews have been imposed in several districts to curb violence.

On August 8, authorities announced curfew hours from 10pm to 5am in affected areas, further limiting movement and activities during the night. The districts under curfew include multiple cantons in the provinces of Azuay, Los Ríos, Guayas, and Orellana.

While Ecuador is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural richness, the current situation has prompted the FCDO to advise against all but essential travel to several coastal provinces, including Esmeraldas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas.

These areas are particularly impacted by the security measures and are considered higher-risk for travelers.

The advisory does not apply to airside transit within Guayaquil Airport in Guayas province, which remains a key gateway for tourists traveling to the Galápagos Islands. However, visitors are urged to exercise caution and stay informed of any changes to the security situation.

In addition to coastal regions, the FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20 kilometers of the Ecuador-Colombia border, with specific exceptions for the El Ángel Ecological Reserve, the Rumichaca border crossing, the town of Tulcán, and the Pan-American Highway in Carchi province.

Tourists are encouraged to consult the FCDO’s website for the latest guidance on safety, security, and health, as well as entry requirements and insurance considerations.