60-Day State of Emergency Hits Major Ecuador Tourist Regions

The Ecuadorian government has declared a 60-day state of emergency in 10 provinces as authorities seek to address ongoing security concerns in several parts of the country.

The emergency measures came into effect on June 16, 2026, and cover the provinces of Guayas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Los Ríos, El Oro, Pichincha, Esmeraldas, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Sucumbíos and Azuay.

Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. Photo: JC Fotografia / Shutterstock.com

The declaration also applies to the cantons of La Maná in Cotopaxi province, Las Naves in Bolívar province and La Troncal in Cañar province.

Under the emergency measures, travelers can expect a significantly increased presence of police officers and military personnel in affected areas. Authorities have advised residents and visitors to follow official instructions and monitor local media for updates throughout the 60-day period.

The move comes as several foreign governments continue to highlight security risks in parts of Ecuador.

The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all but essential travel to several provinces along Ecuador's Pacific coast. These include Esmeraldas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas.

The advisory does not apply to passengers transiting airside through José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayas province.

Guayaquil, Ecuador; July 22, 2019: View of the garden outside the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport. Photo: Garzing / Shutterstock.com

The FCDO also advises against all but essential travel within 20 kilometers of Ecuador's border with Colombia due to security concerns. However, exemptions remain in place for several locations in Carchi province, including El Ángel Ecological Reserve, the Rumichaca border crossing, the town of Tulcán and the Pan American Highway.

Despite the warnings, many of Ecuador's most popular tourist destinations, including the Galápagos Islands, remain outside the affected areas.

Galapagos, Eduador. Photo: Shutterstock

Travelers planning trips to Ecuador in the coming weeks are advised to check the latest government travel advisories, stay informed about local developments and allow extra time for journeys in regions affected by the state of emergency.