Ecuador Travel Advice
It is advised against all travel to the province of Sucumbios, which borders Colombia. Armed groups are active in this province and there is a risk of kidnapping and crime.
Visitors are advised against all travel within 16 km (10 miles) of the Tungurahua volcano in all directions due to an eruption on 6 February 2008. At present, the Ecuadorian authorities have forbidden all access to the volcano and have restricted access to Baños, Pelileo and the immediate surrounding areas. Visitors should also monitor local media for updates.
Street demonstrations, protests and strikes are commonplace in Ecuador, and they sometimes turn violent. Take care to avoid any area in which large crowds are gathering, particularly under present political circumstances.
It is a legal requirement to carry some form of identification with you at all times. A photocopy of your passport is sufficient.
Travellers should be aware of the risks of crime in all areas and take sensible precautions at all times. You should be particularly vigilant in poorer urban areas, after dark and on public transport. It is recommended not to travel alone.
Some bus robberies have been reported at the Macará and Huaquillas Ecuador/Peru border crossings and in the provinces of El Oro, Los Rios, Guayas and Azuay.
'Express kidnappings' are on the increase. Visitors should exercise caution when arriving in, and travelling around, Ecuador and be aware of the general risks of crime for visitors. Although tourists were not initially targeted, there has been an increase in this kind of robbery and some tourists have been affected. Visitors should be particularly aware around the city of Guayaquil and in the south of Ecuador, including the Ecuador/Peru border crossings of Macará and Huaquillas, as the majority of reported cases come from these areas.
The threat from terrorism is low. But travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk
US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
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