Travel · Official advice · 5 November 2026
FCDO updates Ecuador travel advice over security and rain
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has published new travel advice for Ecuador, citing heavy rain and security emergencies. It advises against all but essential travel to seven coastal provinces and within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has updated its travel guidance for Ecuador, highlighting risks from heavy rain, flooding, and security-related states of emergency. The department advises against all but essential travel to seven specific coastal provinces. This restriction does not apply to airside transit within Guayaquil Airport.
The Ecuadorean government declared a 60-day state of emergency in eight provinces starting 15 September for security reasons. This measure includes an increased police and military presence. Curfews from 12am to 5am were implemented in four provinces from 17 to 30 September.
Separate weather-related restrictions affect Santa Cruz Island, where an emergency was declared on 31 October. Heavy rains have caused flooding, leading to road closures and power outages. Tourists on the island are encouraged to complete a form to indicate if they need urgent assistance, which is available only in Spanish.
Travellers are also advised against all but essential travel within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border. The announcement notes that travel insurance may be invalidated if travellers go against this official advice.
Written by StreetOwl from Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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