FCDO Lifts Travel Ban to Ecuador

After less than two weeks, a prohibition on UK citizens visiting mainland Ecuador has been overturned.

The restriction was put in place on 24th June amid political upheaval in the South American nation by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.

However, further travel to the Galapagos Islands, where numerous cruises run, was permitted.

Last night, the FCDO announced that it no longer strongly discourages travel to mainland Ecuador, save for emergencies.

With the exception of the El Angel ecological reserve, the Rumichaca border crossing, the town of Tulcan, and the Pan-American Highway in the Carchi province, it continued to advise against all travel to areas within 20 kilometers of the Ecuadorian border with Colombia, barring absolutely necessary travel.

The FCDO updated its travel recommendation and declared: “The nationwide political protests across Ecuador that began on 13 June 2022 ceased on 30 June following an agreement between the government and protestors. The situation in the country has calmed since the agreement.

“The nationwide protests in June, and previously in October 2019, caused extensive disruption. Some protests became violent, especially in Quito, and led to a number of fatalities. Avoid any protests or demonstrations and keep up to date with development via official local sources.”

The FCDO has maintained that there is still a considerable risk of violent crime in the nation’s capital Quito and in Guayaquil.

“Muggings and pick pocketing are common. Stay alert in public places and avoid walking alone in quiet areas or at night. Look after your belongings,” the advice said.

Because there are frequent incidents of robbery on interstate transportation and at bus stops, UK visitors should avoid driving at night.