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Ecuador


This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and Natural Disasters - Volcanoes sections (update on volcanic eruption of Tungurahua). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
We advise 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. See the Local Travel section of this travel advice for more details.


We advise against all travel within 10 miles of the Tungurahua volcano in all directions. On 6 February 2008 there was a volcanic eruption of Tungurahua. Activity has since decreased but risks still remain of another eruption. At present the Ecuadorian authorities have forbidden all access to the volcano. You should also monitor local media for updates and the National Ecuadorian Geophysics Institute (in Spanish) and see the Natural Disasters (Tungurahua) section of this advice for more details.


Street demonstrations, protests and strikes are commonplace in Ecuador, and they sometimes turn violent. You should take care to avoid any area in which large crowds are gathering, particularly under present political circumstances. See the Political Situation section of this advice for more details.


Around 22,000 British nationals visit Ecuador every year (source: Ecuadorian Immigration Records). Most visits are trouble-free. The main types of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Ecuador are theft of passports or bankcards and “Express kidnappings”, which are on the increase. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.


There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.


We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section and Travel Insurance for more details.
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Kind regards,

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