U.S. Embassy Quito

Avigiras E12-170 y  Eloy Alfaro 
Quito, Ecuador
Telephone: 593-2-398-5000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 593-2-398-5000 or 593-9-9788-3222
Email: Consular Navigator (English), Consular Navigator (Spanish)

Consulates

U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil
Santa Ana St. and Jose Rodriguez Bonin Ave.
San Eduardo Sector
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Telephone: 593-4-371-7000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 593-4-371-7000
Email: ACSGuayaquil@state.gov

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Ecuador for information about U.S.-Ecuador relations.  

Contact the Embassy of Ecuador in Washington, DC, for the most current visa information.

If you are traveling for business or tourism, you do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 12-month period. You can request an extension through provincial migration offices. Additional information is available on the Ecuadorian Ministry of Interior website.

• If you are planning a visit longer than 90 days, you must obtain a visa in advance. 
• If you are entering via land border crossings from Colombia or Peru, you must present an Apostilled criminal record check from your country of origin or residence. The Embassy/Consulate cannot assist with obtaining this document. The original criminal record check and Spanish translation must be Apostilled and cover the past five years. If you cannot provide a criminal record check, the Ecuadorian Migration System will check electronically to verify that you don’t have previous convictions.
• The Ministry of Tourism provides general information for travelers on its website.
• You must carry identification, including proof of U.S. citizenship. Carry a photocopy of your passport (including the entry stamp and/or visa) with you at all times.
• If your passport is lost or stolen while you are in Ecuador, you should obtain a police report and apply for a new passport at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General. We also recommend obtaining an entry/exit report from an Ecuadorian immigration office before leaving the country. For further information, see the Ecuadorian Ministry of Interior website.
• U.S. citizens born in Ecuador are required to show an Ecuadorian passport or national ID card upon entering and exiting Ecuador. 
• Minor children who are traveling without one or both parents must present a copy of a birth certificate, and notarized written authorization from the absent parent(s), or a judicial court order.  This requirement does not apply to U.S. citizen minors staying less than 90 days in Ecuador. It does apply to dual Ecuadorian nationals no matter the length of stay or purpose of travel. If the parent is deceased, a notarized copy of the death certificate is required. For more information, contact the closest Ecuadorian Embassy or Consulate.
• Yellow Fever vaccination is required for some travelers, see Health section.
• The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommends travelers obtain certain immunizations. See the CDC website for more information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Ecuador.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our websites.

U.S. citizens are advised to follow all specific travel guidance in our Travel Advisory, including not traveling to all locations listed as “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” reconsidering travel to locations listed as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” and exercising caution in all other locations. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of crime in Ecuador and crime has increased in recent years.

Crime: Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador.

• U.S. citizens have been victims of kidnapping and extortion.
• Narcotrafficking fuels violent crime throughout Ecuador, but particularly among the coastal regions.
• Pick-pocketing, robbery, and hotel room theft are the most common crimes. Tourists have been robbed at gunpoint on beaches and along hiking trails, and even upon arrival at the Quito and Guayaquil airports.
• Use hotel safes if available, avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or clothing, and carry only the cash or credit cards that you need. Stay alert in crowds and on public transportation.  Be aware that thieves might create distractions to target you.
• Criminals may enter a taxi and force victims to withdraw money from ATMs. Avoid hailing taxis on the street. Order taxis by phone or use a service affiliated with major hotels. Avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash at one time. Use ATMs in well-protected indoor areas.
• To avoid carjacking or theft from your car while you are stopped at intersections, drive with your doors locked and windows rolled up. Do not leave valuables in plain view.
• Sexual assaults and rapes can occur, even in tourist areas. Travel in groups, do not leave food or drinks unattended, and never accept drinks from a stranger.
• Do not let your credit card out of your sight to avoid credit card “skimming.”
• Incapacitating drugs, such as Rohypnol and scopolamine, have been used to facilitate violent and non-violent robberies and sexual assaults.

Demonstrations occur occasionally. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on politically significant holidays and during international events. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Protesters may block roads and sometimes burn tires, throw rocks, and damage property.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable.  Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.  Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Scams: Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Ecuador.  Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.

GPS navigation apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app, make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe.  GPS navigation apps may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.

Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Quito or Consulate in Guayaquil for assistance. 

Report crimes to the local police by calling 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +593-2-398-5000 or the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil at +593-4-371-7000.  In Quito, you can visit an Ecuadorian Tourist Security Service Attention Center. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorney.
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy or Consulate General for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is not well regulated.  Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage..

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don’t know it, you can be kicked out of the country, arrested, or put in prison.  

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Ecuador are severe. Offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• Never agree to carry a suitcase or package through customs for anyone.

Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries. They may still be illegal according to local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Seismic Activity: There are numerous active volcanoes, and earthquakes are common. Earthquakes can trigger deadly tsunamis. Visit Ecuador’s National Risk Management Secretariat and the Ecuadorian Geophysical Institute for more information.

• Mud or lava flows from Tungurahua volcano could pose a significant and immediate threat to travelers in Baños.
• The town of Latacunga is directly in the path of potential mud or lava flow from the Cotopaxi volcano. Even small emissions from the volcano can trigger avalanches and landslides. Low lying areas in the greater Quito area could also be affected if Cotopaxi erupts.
• Reventador volcano in Napo province is one of the most active in the country.
• Sangay volcano in Morona Santiago province is active and local authorities advise against approaching the volcano and nearby Upano river.
• In the event of a natural disaster, pay attention to the news media for updates. A disaster can disrupt food supply, so plan to have at least a 3-day supply of food and medicine on hand.
• See the Centers for Disease Control website for information on emergency preparedness and response.

Hallucinogens: Traditional hallucinogens, often referred to as ayahuasca or San Pedro, are often marketed to tourists as “spiritual cleansing” and typically contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a strong hallucinogen that is illegal in the United States and many other countries. This industry is unregulated in Ecuador, though some facilities may erroneously claim they are certified to administer hallucinogens by Ecuador’s Ministry of Health. Health risks are not well understood, and, on occasion, people suffer serious illness or death after taking these drugs. Intoxicated travelers also have been assaulted and robbed. These incidents often occur a great distance from medical facilities, making the risks even greater.

Galápagos Islands: Be aware of the following challenges:

• Many Ecuadorian tour vessels operating in the Galápagos do not meet international safety standards. Inquire about safety features when boarding vessels.
• The two hospitals on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Islands do not perform major medical procedures.
• Serious injury or illness in the Galapagos typically requires medical evacuation to the Ecuadorian mainland or the United States. This can cost $60,000 or more and take significant time to arrange. We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance that includes health coverage and air evacuation.
• There are limited decompression facilities for scuba divers.
• The Ecuadorian government restricts the entry of certain items into the Galapagos. Visit the Agency for Biosecurity and Quarantine Regulation and Control for the Galapagos for more information.

Doing Business or Working in Ecuador: If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start. Learn more about Doing Business in Ecuador.

Retiring in Ecuador: In recent years, Ecuador has become a top overseas destination for retiring U.S. citizens.

• U.S. citizens have reported unethical practices by lawyers, real estate agents, and others, resulting in costly losses and little hope of remedy through the local judicial system.
• Ecuadorian rules governing visas and customs are subject to change with little notice. The Ecuadorian government publishes little information in English. The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate General cannot give detailed advice about Ecuadorian immigration law.
• The local mail system is unreliable. This sometimes leads to disruptions to federal benefits for Social Security beneficiaries when they do not receive the Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire required for overseas beneficiaries.    

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report
• Human Rights Report
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers

International Volunteers:

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGB Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGB events in Ecuador.

Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Ecuador prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities, but the law is not strictly enforced. Expect accessibility to be limited in most public spaces, especially outside of metropolitan areas. Most tourist facilities in Ecuador lack basic accessibility features and are not designed for travelers with disabilities. Travelers with disabilities should consider booking travel through a travel provider that specializes in designing accessible trips.  

See our Accessibility Tips for Travelers page.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips for U.S. students.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers

For emergency services in Ecuador, dial 911.

Ambulance services are:

• Not present throughout the country and unreliable in most areas except Quito. 
• Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.

Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Adequate medical and dental care is available in major cities. In smaller communities and in the Galapagos Islands, services are limited, and the quality is generally well below U.S. standards.

• Specialized medical care can cost tens of thousands of dollars or is not available.
• Pharmacies are widely available. However, some medications might not be offered, and brand names will differ from products in the United States. Not all pharmacies purchase medications from pharmaceutical companies that adhere to quality control standards.
• Exercise caution if you explore herbal and folk remedies.
• Quito is 9,400 feet above sea level. Some other tourist destinations in the mountainous region may be higher. Consult your doctor for recommendations concerning medication and lifestyle tips at high altitude.

See our Health Abroad page for more information.

• Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Traveler Advice for Ecuador.
  • Review all sub-sections. These include Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health page. CDC Traveler Advice provides advice on medical considerations including:
  • Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
  • Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
  • General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Private health care in Ecuador is costly without insurance. Travelers are strongly encouraged to contract private health insurance before traveling. Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our Insurance Overseas page  for more information on insurance providers with overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Insurance page for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the government of Ecuador’s National Customs Service to ensure the medication is legal in Ecuador.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Effective May 12, 2025, travelers from Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil are required to present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to enter Ecuador. The requirement applies to U.S. citizens who have spent more than 10 days in those countries just prior to entry to Ecuador, and travelers who are residents or nationals of those countries with any length of stay. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to arrival in Ecuador. A single dose of the Yellow Fever vaccine is effective for life, and previously issued certificates will be acceptable. Travelers 60 years or older, or under 1 year old, are exempt from this requirement.

The following diseases are present:

• Chagas disease
• Chikungunya
• Dengue
• Malaria
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Tuberculosis
• Yellow fever
• Zika

Further health information:

• World Health Organization Travel advice page
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ Health page

Air Quality: Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations overseas. Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast, which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a three-day forecast of expected air quality in Ecuador.  For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. For general health information, visit the “Your Health Abroad” page.

The U.S. Mission in Ecuador maintains a list of doctors and hospitals on its webpage. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:
Adequate health facilities are available in Quito and Guayaquil but health care in rural areas may not be the same as you would typically find in the United States.

Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.

Hospitals and doctors often require payment up front prior to service or admission.

Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.

Medical staff may speak little or no English.

Pharmaceuticals: Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, which can be bought without a prescription or with a prescription in the United States, are usually easy to buy with few controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration have rules for bringing medication back to the United States. Medication bought abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back. The medication must be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. Visit the websites of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:
If you are considering traveling to Ecuador to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page.

Surrogacy is legal for foreigners in Ecuador.

Water Quality & Food Safety: In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. You should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Altitude: Many cities in Ecuador, such as Quito, are at high altitude. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Adventure Travel:
Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Adventure Travel website for more information about adventure travel.

Road Conditions and Safety: Some roads are poorly maintained and may lack crash barriers, guard rails, signs, and streetlights. Heavy fog and rain make conditions more treacherous.

• Due to a lack of sidewalks, many roads are also used by pedestrians.
• Slow-moving buses and trucks frequently stop in the middle of the road unexpectedly.
• In rural areas, you may encounter livestock in the road.
• Many vehicles are poorly maintained, and breakdowns are common.

Traffic Laws:
You may use your U.S. driver’s license for up to 90 days. If you are staying in Ecuador longer, you should contact the National Transit Agency to obtain a valid driver’s license.

• Drivers often disobey traffic laws and signals. They rarely yield to pedestrians and cyclists.
• If you are involved in an accident, even if you are not at fault, you may be taken into police custody, especially if there are injuries or if you do not have insurance. If the injuries or damages are serious, you may face criminal charges.
• You might encounter intoxicated drivers. Chances of a drunk-driving accident are higher on weekends and Ecuadorian holidays.
• If you want to import a vehicle, contact Ecuador’s National Customs Service for local regulations. You must pay for local liability insurance, called SPPAT.

Public Transportation: Intra- and inter-city bus passengers are often targets of crime, including robbery and sexual assault.

• Armed criminals have been known to board local city buses and rob passengers. U.S. citizens are regularly victims of crime on buses.
• Numerous bus accidents occur every year in Ecuador. Many buses are overcrowded, poorly maintained, and lack safety features such as seat belts.

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Ecuador's national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Ecuador’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel:
Mariners planning travel to Ecuador should check the following:

• U.S. Coast Guard Homeport Directory
• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings

Fact Sheet: Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.
• See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.

International Parental Child Abduction
Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Ecuador. For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report.