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Ecuador Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Ecuador

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces.

Documents & Additional resources

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Can I travel to Ecuador from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ecuador.

Can I travel to Ecuador if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Ecuador without restrictions.

Can I travel to Ecuador without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Ecuador without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Ecuador?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Ecuador.

Can I travel to Ecuador without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Ecuador?

Mask usage in Ecuador is not required in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Ecuador?

Restaurants in Ecuador are open. Bars in Ecuador are .

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Ecuador Travel Advisory

Travel advisory march 8, 2024, ecuador - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Updated with information about the current state of emergency and crime information in the province of Guayas.

Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to  civil unrest,   crime , and kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. U.S. embassy and consulate personnel are prohibited from traveling to some areas due to increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to:

• Guayaquil north of Portete de Tarquí Avenue due to crime .
• El Oro province outside the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas, due to crime .
• Los Rios province outside the cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo, due to crime .
• All areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to crime .
• The provinces of Sucumbíos, Manabí, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo due to crime .

Do not travel to:

• Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarquí Avenue, due to  crime .
• The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the province of El Oro, due to crime .
• The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios, due to crime .
• The canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas, due to crime .
• Esmeraldas city and all areas north of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to crime .

Country Summary : Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador. Violent crime, such as murder, assault, kidnapping, and armed robbery, is prevalent and widespread. The rate of violent crime is significantly higher in areas where transnational criminal organizations are concentrated.

Demonstrations occur frequently throughout the country, usually motivated by political and/or economic factors.  Demonstrators routinely block local roads and major highways, often without prior notice. Past demonstrations have varied in duration, with some extending for several days or weeks. Blocked roads may significantly reduce access to public transportation, health services, and airports and may disrupt travel both within and between cities.

Outside of Ecuador’s urban and semi-urban population centers, much of the country’s territory is sparsely populated and isolated. First responders’ and U.S. government officials’ access to rural and remote regions of the country is often extremely limited and can lead to significant delays in assistance to U.S. citizens in these areas.

Ongoing State of Emergency:  On January 8, 2024, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a nationwide state of emergency for a period of 60 days. On March 7, 2024, President Noboa announced a 30-day extension to the state of emergency through April 8, 2024. U.S. citizens should be aware of several temporary rules applicable to residents and foreigners in Ecuador due to the state of emergency:

• There is a nationwide curfew in effect for the duration of the state of emergency. Curfew restrictions vary based on location. For specific guidance, please refer to official curfew guidance issued by the Government of Ecuador. There is an exception for individuals traveling to and from the airports with a scheduled flight during curfew hours. U.S. citizens traveling to or from the airport during curfew hours should carry their flight itinerary and passport. 
• All foreign citizens entering the country via land border crossings from Colombia or Peru are required to present an apostilled certificate showing a lack of criminal record. See Travel.State.Gov ’s Office of Authentications webpage and Criminal Records Checks webpage for information on how to obtain a criminal record check and apostille from the United States. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Ecuador cannot assist citizens crossing a land border in obtaining the required documentation. 
• For additional information and updates to the state of emergency, please track official communications from the Government of Ecuador.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on traveling to Ecuador.

If you decide to travel to Ecuador:

•  Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook ,  Twitter , and  Instagram
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Ecuador.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Level 4: Do Not Travel

Guayaquil,  south  of Portete de Tarquí Avenue, due to  crime .

The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the Province of El Oro, due to  crime .

The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios, due to  crime.

The canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas, due to crime.

Esmeraldas city and all areas north of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to  crime .

Transnational criminal groups and local gangs regularly engage in violent criminal acts in these areas, including indiscriminate attacks without warning in public spaces. Violent crimes have included murder, targeted assassinations, armed robberies, bombings, kidnappings, and assaults, among others. Violence in these areas has steadily increased in frequency and brutality in recent months, posing an increased security risk to U.S. citizens. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to these areas without prior authorization. As a result, the U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Guayaquil  north  of Portete de Tarquí Avenue, due to  crime .

El Oro province outside the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas, due to  crime .

Los Rios province outside the cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo, due to  crime .

All areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to  crime.

The provinces of Sucumbíos, Manabí, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo, due to  crime.

Transnational criminal groups and local gangs have sporadically engaged in violent criminal activity in these areas, with violence increasing in recent months. U.S. government personnel are directed to exercise extreme caution and maintain increased vigilance when traveling in and around these areas. 

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Travel Advisory Levels

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Travelers with proof of vaccination can now visit Ecuador — including the Galapagos

Travelers visiting Ecuador who show proof of vaccination can enter the country, according to one of the largest daily newspapers in Ecuador, El Universo .

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In October 2020, Ecuador's National Emergency Operations Committee announced that travelers arriving by air to Quito or Guayaquil must carry a negative PCR test. Travelers visiting the remote Galapagos Islands, which reopened to travelers in July, were also required to have a negative PCR test to enter taken no more than 96 hours prior to arrival. According to Travel Daily News , quick tests are not accepted.

Related: Where you can go once you are vaccinated: A country-by-country guide

Ecuadorian authorities have released some guidelines for tourists, including:

• Comply with social distancing, at least two meters (2 yards approx.)
• Use of face masks/masks
• Hygiene measures (constant hand washing and disinfection, covering the nose and mouth when yawning or sneezing with the inside of the elbow flexed)
• Extreme precautions for people over 60 years and for vulnerable groups
• Public events are prohibited, as well as crowds.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Ecuador must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights ; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

As of June 4, Quito and Guayaquil airports resumed operations . American and United resumed services to both cities, while Eastern, JetBlue and Spirit only operate out of Guayaquil.

Related: When will international travel return? A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery

The U.S. State Department removed Ecuador from the Global Health Advisory Level 4. Ecuador is now listed as Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Ecuador has reported over 307,000 cases of the novel coronavirus and over 16,000 deaths, according to a Johns Hopkins University coronavirus tracker .

Vaccinated travelers can enter Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands

Mar 25, 2021 • 2 min read

There is a host of unusual species, like the Galapagos sea lion, in the Galápagos Islands © guenterguni / Getty Images

Visitors to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands will be able to enter without a negative PCR test, if they carry a vaccination certificate that proves they have received the complete COVID-19 vaccine doses.

Travelers aged two and over who don't have the vaccine must show proof of a negative PCR test to enter Ecuador, with a validity of up to three days before their arrival. In the absence of a negative PCR test, a negative antigen test with the same timeframe validity is permitted. If it is positive, the traveler must undergo isolation for ten days at home or any other type of chosen accommodation. If visitors wish to visit the famous Galápagos Islands from Ecuador, they will need to produce a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours of travel.

Travelers who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 more than a month earlier and continue to have a positive result in their PCR tests will be granted entry to Ecuador, providing they present a medical certificate issued in the country of origin guaranteeing they are in good health. All incoming travelers must go through a sensor that detects temperatures above 37.5 degreese Celsius, and must comply with the country's social distancing regulations and wear face masks throughout their stay.

Once they gain admission, there is much to be enjoyed in Ecuador, including the historic centers of Quito and Cuenca with their plazas, 17th-century churches and monasteries. Wildlife-lovers will have much to see in the Galápagos Islands, with their volcanic, otherworldly landscapes. There are a host of unusual species to be found there, such as iguanas and blue-footed boobies, and many species that are found nowhere else in the world. The Amazon rainforest offers a vastly different wildlife-watching experience where travelers can set out on the rivers and forested trails in search of monkeys, sloths, toucans and river dolphins.

Further information on Ecuador's admission policies can be found here .

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Galapagos Travel Center Health Protocols

Galapagos misses you as much as you miss exploring new and exciting places! The Islands are truly one of a kind; here you can see unique plants, playful animals, and breathtaking landscapes that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

While we are getting used to the new normal we wanted to tell you a little bit more about how Galapagos is one of the best and safest places to travel in the future. To learn more about how we will take care of you and keep you protected on your next vacation, read on...

GALAPAGOS IS A SAFE DESTINATION

The Galapagos are extremely isolated , the number of tourists is limited, and people traveling to the Islands are screened multiple times before entry to ensure the health of the passengers and the preservation of the ecosystem. So, if you are healthy and have your Galapagos trip coming up, rest assured that there is very low travel risk.

Galapagos is Safe for Travel

For more information on why the Galapagos Islands are a safe place to travel, click here .

Health Protocols

Strict protocols have been put in place in order to ensure your health and safety during every part of your tour. From transport services, to the tours themselves, you will be taken care of during your entire trip.

Galapagos Travel Center Protocols

Galapagos Travel Center has been working on developing protocols and security measures that ensure the safety of all our travelers. Along with the standard protocols of masks, alcohol, and social distancing, additional biosecurity protocols have been put in place for every aspect of our trip including transfers, hotels, tours, and food services.

For more details about Galapagos Travel Center protocols, click here

SAFE TOUR OPERATORS

The health and safety of our travelers is our top priority, that’s why we only work with operators that comply with all biosecurity measures. In addition to national and international standards set by the World Health Organization and the Ecuadorian government, all operators and hotels that we work with have their own set of additional protocols that they must follow to ensure your safety and comfort.

Ecuador & Galapagos Entry Protocols

When coming to Ecuador and the Galapagos, there are security protocols that all travelers must follow in order to safely enter the country and the Islands.

To learn more about these protocols, please click on the links below.

• For more details about Ecuador entry protocols , click here
• For more details about Galapagos entry protocols , click here

GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK POLICIES

With the reopening of the Galapagos National Park visiting sites and the Galapagos Marine Reserve to travelers, new policies have been put in place to keep you safe. Some of these new safety measures include:

• Regular biosecurity measures: mandatory use of a mask at all times, antibacterial gel/alcohol, and social distancing of 6 feet (2 meters)
• Visiting sites near towns are accessible for a maximum of 3 hours at a time in order to take into consideration people who are more vulnerable
• For more policies and details directly from the Galapagos National Park, click here .

The Galapagos and the natural beauty of Ecuador will wait for you when we can travel again. So, if you are looking for a place that is safe, unique, far away from home, and of course reminds you of all the beauty the world has to offer, these Islands are the perfect place for you.

Contact us now and speak with one of our expert trip advisors to learn more about your next Galapagos adventure!

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Vaccinated Travelers Can Now Visit Ecuador, Including the Galapagos Islands

Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are now welcoming vaccinated foreign tourists.

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

Ecuador is now welcoming vaccinated travelers, El Universo , one of the country's largest newspapers, recently reported.

According to the outlet, tourists with the COVID-19 vaccine can enter the country and travel to one of its most popular island destinations: the Galapagos Islands . In addition to their vaccination certificate, travelers must show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of their trip, El Universo reported.

Unvaccinated travelers are also allowed to visit Ecuador and its famous island archipelago with proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. Those traveling from Ecuador to the Galapagos will need a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours of travel, according to the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador. Travelers who tested negative to enter Ecuador will have to test again, at their own expense, if their trip to the Galapagos is not within 96 hours.

All visitors are required to comply with social distancing regulations and wear face masks throughout their stay.

Major events that may previously have been a draw remain prohibited, but there are still some unique ways to experience this region and its legendary wildlife, especially if budget isn't an issue. Ecoventura, for example, is offering buyouts of its 20-passenger boats for $169,000 a week. The vessels are considered to be one of the most environmentally friendly ways to explore the Galapagos Islands.

In October, Ecuador began requiring all foreign visitors to come bearing proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 96 hours. In January, the testing window was shortened to 72 hours for all travelers from the U.S. over two years old. The country's major airports reopened in June.

According to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center , Ecuador has had over 307,400 COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic, and over 16,300 deaths.

Meena Thiruvengadam is a Travel + Leisure contributor who has visited 50 countries on six continents and 47 U.S. states. She loves historic plaques, wandering new streets and walking on beaches. Find her on Twitter and Instagram .

Ecuador Has Declared a State of Emergency—Here’s What Travelers Need to Know

The south american country has increased security measures in response to a recent spate of violence following the prison escape of drug kingpin josé adolfo macías earlier this month. here’s the latest..

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Flights to and from Quito, the capital of Ecuador, continue to operate as normal.

Photo by Kiyoshi/Unsplash

On January 8, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a nationwide state of emergency after notorious drug lord José Adolfo Macías, also known as Fito, escaped from a maximum-security prison. The president put in motion a 60-day mobilization of soldiers throughout the streets of Ecuador in an attempt to search for the cartel leader, as well as a nationwide curfew that is in effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

In the days following the declaration, there were reports of explosions, abductions of police officers, and an incident where gunmen stormed a TV station in the city of Guayaquil. On January 17, a prosecutor investigating the television station attack was killed in Guayaquil , the Associated Press reported.

It has been a tumultuous time in Ecuador. However, in recent days it seems that the situation is stabilizing in certain parts of the country. The Ecuadorian government is working to operate as closely to business as usual while maintaining heightened security.

“We are gradually experiencing a return to normality,” read a January 15 statement released by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism. “Stricter security measures are maintained in specific areas, while routine operations are ongoing in the rest of the country.”

On January 22, the General Secretariat of Communication of the Presidency of Ecuador issued a statement that the country’s Armed Forces and the National Police have already carried out nearly 34,000 operations to dismantle narco-terrorist organizations. These operations included the arrest of more than 3,000 people, plus the seizure of more than 1,000 firearms, cash, weapons, and more than 30,000 pounds of drugs.

Given what has been described as a war on drugs and crime in the country, travelers may wonder if they should proceed with their plans to visit Ecuador right now or in the near future. Here’s what to know.

Is it safe to travel to Ecuador right now?

As of January 22, the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the country, urging increased caution. It also advises travelers to reconsider travel to:

• Guayaquil, north of Portete de Tarquí Avenue
• El Oro province outside the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas
• Los Rios province outside the cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo
• All areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province
• The provinces of Sucumbíos, Manabí, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo

Due to crime, the embassy advises against travel to:

• Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarquí Avenue
• The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the province of El Oro
• The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios
• Esmeraldas city and all areas north of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province

“Incidents of gang-related violence, as well as increased security measures meant to bring crime under control, are likely across Ecuador through early March,” stated security risk and crisis management firm Crisis24 in a January 19 update about the situation in Ecuador. Crisis24 currently rates Ecuador as a medium risk level. One area still experiencing instability is the coastal city of Guayaquil. According to a January 12 update from the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), a global network of adventure travel leaders, Ecuador-based member tour operators and travel providers noted that Guayaquil has experienced several attacks by illegal armed groups, leading some providers to suspend tours in the area. However, as part of the state of emergency, the government has deployed the army to this part of the country.

What is the current travel situation in Ecuador?

As of press time, Ecuador is under a nationwide curfew. Travelers and locals are instructed to be indoors at their hotel or home between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. During the day, however, it is mostly business as usual in popular cruise and travel destinations, including the Amazon, the Galápagos Islands, and the capital, Quito, according to the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism.

Earlier this month, some cruises were canceled, including some Lindblad Expeditions sailings to the Galápagos and a Silversea port of call in Ecuador. But otherwise, cruises appear to be sailing on schedule once again. Flights to the archipelago of Galápagos, Quito, and the Amazon remain in service. Quito’s hotels and tourist attractions, such as the Casa del Alabado museum, the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, and the El Panecillo monument, haven’t reported interruptions to service or visitor hours.

According to the Ministry of Tourism statement, “The streets and roads of Ecuador remain open and accessible, respecting the curfew hours established from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Security on these routes is guaranteed through effective controls carried out by defense forces at strategic points, ensuring all users’ safety, both during the day and during curfew hours.”

The on-the-ground insights provided by ATTA members note that “hotels, attractions, national parks, airports, roads, and hotel infrastructure are all operating normally.”

What it’s like on the ground in Ecuador

“During the last week, no security incidents have been reported. We are running normal operations in [mainland] Ecuador and the Galápagos, the only exception being the city of Guayaquil, [where] we are not operating” stated ATTA member Maria Eugenia de Aliaga of Tropic Travel in a January 21 post on a blog , where the company is updating travelers about the current situation in Ecuador.

Kevin Daily, a U.S. traveler based in Miami, was traveling in Ecuador earlier this month shortly after the state of emergency was declared.

“It was my first visit, so I’m not entirely sure what the norm is, but Quito seemed quiet,” said Daily. “Cotopaxi National Park was flush with foreign tourists and didn’t seem to be affected by the recent events.”

Ecuador is no stranger to crime in general. A combination of a weakened economy, the COVID-19 pandemic, an ongoing drug-trafficking trade, and a volatile political landscape have all contributed to a recent increase in corruption and crime , reports Reuters. Despite its challenges, Ecuador remains a popular travel destination not least due to the cultural diversity, architecture, indigenous traditions, cuisine, natural beauty, and unique wildlife. People from around the world travel to experience the South American country. Tourism is a vital part of Ecuador’s economy. Prepandemic, tourism revenue generated $2.29 billion for Ecuador’s economy .

“I never felt unsafe as a tourist in Quito or Cotopaxi,” said Daily. “Our tour guide mentioned this is probably one of the safest times to visit Quito because of increased surveillance and police presence.”

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