Ecuador

Översikt

Ecuador suffers from high crime levels and has limited police and judicial resources, which combined present the biggest risks to visitors and residents. Ecuador has no history of substantial guerrilla movements within the country, although FARC rebel activity has occasionally spilled over the Colombian border. Serious organised crime, corruption, kidnappings and micro-security risks remain abundant and continue to pose serious threats to individuals inside Ecuador.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Ecuador. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Malaria risk is present in all regions, particularly in the northwestern province of Esmeraldas and Carchi, and the Amazon provinces of Morona-Santiago, Pastanza, Orellana, Napo and Sucumbíos. The cities of Quito, Guayaquil, the Cuenca, the Galapagos Islands, and high altitude areas in the Andean valleys are risk free. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

Ecuador has experienced outbreaks of dengue fever and there is a risk of Chikungunya transmission. Risk is present year-round with peak transmission during the rainy season, from January to September.

Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for traveling at altitudes below 2300m in the Amazonian provinces of Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orelana, Pastaza, Sucumbios, and Zamora-Chinchipe. Vaccination is not recommended for the rest of the country.

There is risk of ongoing Zika virus transmission in Ecuador. All travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

Leishmaniasis is endemic in Ecuador. It is considered a public health problem in rural areas at elevations under 2000m on the Pacific coast, the Andean plains, and the eastern Amazonian lowland, particularly in Imbabura, Esmeralds, Manabi, Pinchuncha and Zamora provinces. The use of a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk is recommended.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is endemic and a major public health problem in Ecuador.

It is advisable to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance prior to travel.

Good medical care is available in the cities but very limited in rural areas, including the Galápagos Islands. As well as hospitals, Ecuador’s large towns and cities are well served by pharmacies. Some pharmacies operate 24-hours and supply many US and European pharmaceuticals.

Some hospitals in Quito and Guayaquil are considered to have good international standards

Hospital Metropolitano de Quito
Avenue Mariana De Jesus
+593 2-399-8000

Hospital Luis Vernaza de Guayaquil
Loja No. 700 y Escobedo
+593 4-256-0300

Pass

Visitors to Ecuador must be travelling on a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country.

Visum

Most foreign nationals are permitted to visit Ecuador without a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days. If you are planning to stay for longer, you should apply for a visa. 

It is possible to extend your 90 days for a further 90 days (before the first period expires) only once and by paying a fee. If you want to apply for another type of visa and change your immigration status, you can do so at the Ecuadorean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility before the 90 or 180 days expires.

Permanent and temporary resident visas will be issued electronically. The online visa will be sent by email to be printed out. The immigration authorities will have access to online visa records.

If travelling to the Galapagos Islands, you should provide a copy of their hotel booking or an invitation letter from the host. Maximum stay in this region, as a tourist, is 60 days.

Those visiting Ecuador for non-travel related purposes must inquire about their specific visa requirements with their diplomatic mission or local Ecuadorian consulate/embassy.