Ecuador imposes 60 day state of emergency across 10 provinces

Inside the 60-day emergency decree

Ecuador's government imposed a 60-day state of emergency on June 16 covering 10 provinces and three additional cantons, citing security threats from organized crime. The decree spans Guayas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Los Ríos, El Oro, Pichincha, Esmeraldas, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Sucumbíos and Azuay, plus the cantons of La Maná, Las Naves and La Troncal.

The measure expands the armed forces' role in domestic security and suspends two constitutional rights: inviolability of the home and privacy of correspondence. Police and military can now conduct raids without prior judicial authorization and intercept communications when investigating organized crime. The decree runs into mid-August unless renewed or lifted early.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office now advises against all but essential travel to Esmeraldas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, plus areas within 20 km of the Colombia border outside specified corridors in Carchi.

Who feels the squeeze

The restrictions cover popular expat and remote-work hubs including Guayaquil, Manta, Salinas and parts of the Quito Metropolitan District. Local residents, tourists, business travelers and long-term foreigners all fall under the same rules.

Nightly curfews from recent decrees have run roughly 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. in high-risk zones and similar windows can be reimposed. Inter-provincial buses may be cut or rerouted during curfew hours and ride-hailing options thin out late at night in affected cities. Long-stay foreigners should also expect spot ID checks, vehicle searches and the possibility of home visits in neighborhoods flagged for organized-crime activity.

Practical steps for travelers and residents

Quito and Guayaquil international airports remain open. Travel to and from airports during curfew is generally permitted with a passport and proof of flight, per U.S. and Canadian guidance.

• Carry a passport or certified copy plus visa/ID card at all times.
• Keep boarding passes or e-tickets accessible for checkpoint travel during curfew.
• Avoid all protests, roadblocks and large gatherings; participation can lead to detention or deportation for foreigners.
• Check travel insurance wording, since UK "advise against" zones can void coverage for new trips.

UK nationals already in the country are told to follow local security instructions and keep a low profile. Failing to comply with curfews or police orders can mean fines, detention or immigration consequences.

Read our full Ecuador guide for the complete picture and follow our nomad news for ongoing coverage.