Message for U.S. Citizens
Nationwide State of Emergency
January 10, 2024

Alert:  Nationwide State of Emergency in Ecuador

Location:  Nationwide

Event:

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared on January 8 a nationwide state of emergency for a period of 60 days following the escape of a high-profile prisoner and subsequent prison riots, and later declared the existence of an internal armed conflict and authorized military action against organized criminal gangs across Ecuador following numerous attacks against private, public, and government institutions.  Ecuadorian authorities report relative calm in major cities on January 10, with police and military deployed and no escalation of violence or attacks.

The guidance provided in the travel advisory of June 22, 2023 remains valid.  U.S. citizen residents and travelers should continue to exercise increased caution throughout the country, and should reconsider travel to areas marked as “Level 3,” and should not travel to areas marked as “Level 4” in the advisory.  U.S. citizens should comply with all local laws, including the nationwide curfew during the announced state of emergency.  The Embassy recommends that travel outside of daylight hours, especially in Level 3 or 4 areas, be limited to essential or emergency movements as a matter of increased caution and personal security.  U.S. citizens should be aware that individuals not connected with criminal organizations may use the current conflict to commit crimes of opportunity.

The United States Embassy and Consulate in Ecuador continue to follow the Ministry of Labor’s recommendation for telework when possible and has cancelled routine consular appointments through January 12.  For the time being, employees under Chief of Mission authority in Guayaquil are restricted from travel after dark or outside of the city of Guayaquil.  Consular sections in both Quito and Guayaquil remain open to provide emergency services.  Ecuadorian schools remain in online-only status through January 12.

International airports in Quito and Guayaquil remain fully operational, however carriers cancelled some flights to and from the United States in recent and in coming days.  Travelers should monitor their flight status closely, and work to rebook with the same airline or another carrier.

Actions to Take:

·         Monitor official communications from the Government of Ecuador for additional information and updates to the State of Emergency.

·         Monitor credible media sources for accurate information on current threats and violent activity.

·         Review the Travel Advisory and safety and security information for Ecuador at Travel.State.Gov.

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Quito, Ecuador
+(593)(2) 398-5000
+(593)(2) 398-5000 (after hours)
ACSQuito@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil, Ecuador
+(593)(4) 371-7000
+(593)(4) 371-7000 (after hours)
ACSGuayaquil@state.gov

Ecuador Country Information

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