Alert: State of Emergency and Curfews in Ecuador
Location: Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Orellana, Santa Elena, El Oro; Distrito Metropolitano de Quito in Pichincha and Camilo Ponce Enríquez in Azuay.
Event: On October 3, 2024, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency for 60 days in the provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Orellana, Santa Elena, El Oro as well as Distrito Metropolitano de Quito in Pichincha and Camilo Ponce Enríquez in Azuay. The state of emergency was declared in response to an increase in violence, crimes, and presence of organized criminal groups, and is intended to facilitate the work of the armed forces and national police in the ongoing internal armed conflict that was declared on January 9, 2024.
The current state of emergency provides for the suspension of the right to inviolability of home and correspondence; as well as the right to freedom of assembly in the territories listed above.
In addition to the state of emergency, curfews will also be in place every day from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. in the following areas: Camilo Ponce Enriquez (Azuay); Duran, Balao, and Tenguel (Guayas); Babahoyo, Buena Fe, Quevedo, Pueblo Viejo, Vinces, Valencia, Ventanas, Mocache, Urdaneta, Baba, Palenque, Quinsaloma, and Montalvo (Los Rios); La Joya de los Sachas, Puerto Francisco de Orellana, and Loreto (Orellana).
U.S. citizens should comply with curfews, local laws, and the Department of State’s Travel Advisory for Ecuador. U.S. citizen residents and travelers should expect heavy military and police presence throughout Ecuador during these periods, which may include check points on roads. Be aware that power outages may cause additional challenges. U.S. citizens should exercise caution during electrical outages, especially during periods of darkness, including taking measures to protect personal safety. We recommend planning for power outages by stocking up on essential items, such as food, water, medical supplies, and other personal items.
International airports in Quito and Guayaquil will remain fully operational during the state of emergency, curfews, and electrical outages. Travelers should monitor their flight status closely. Travel to and from the airports is permitted during curfew hours for individuals with a scheduled flight. U.S. citizens traveling to or from the airport for a scheduled flight should carry their flight itinerary and passport.
There is no change to the operating posture of the United States Embassy and Consulate in Ecuador – we remain open and are conducting both routine consular appointments and emergency services for U.S. citizens.
Actions to Take:
- IMPORTANT: On September 16, 2024, the Department of State launched a new version of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). To continue receiving alerts, re-enroll at step.state.gov.
- Read previous security alerts at ec.usembassy.gov .
- Check your flight status for airports in Quito and Guayaquil.
- Monitor ECU911 for information on road closures.
- Track official communications from the Government of Ecuador and Ecuador.Travel for additional information and updates.
- Follow credible media sources for accurate information on state of emergency and curfew requirements.
- Consult the Ministry of Tourism’s recommendations for safe travel.
- Review the Travel Advisory and safety and security information for Ecuador at Travel.State.Gov.
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram.
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