Travel Report for Ecuador

Country Profile for
Ecuador

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: December 5, 2006 10:45 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 21:53 EST

Ecuador

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 2 has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

See our Current Issues page for information on demonstrations in Ecuador.

Public demonstrations may occur following the end of the presidential elections in

Ecuador

on November 26, 2006. Although indications are that the atmosphere during this period will be generally peaceful, Canadians should exercise caution, stay informed about the situation, and avoid any demonstrations or protests which have the potential to turn violent.

A state of emergency is still in effect for the for the regions surrounding the Tungurahua volcano, including provinces of Tungurahua, Chimborazo, and Bolívar, and local residents have been evacuated. For more information, please see our Current Issue.

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)

You are advised against all travel to the areas immediately bordering

Colombia

(with the exception of Tulcán), Sucumbíos province, and the town of Shushufindi in Orellana province. Travel to and within these areas is dangerous because of the risk of violence, including during demonstrations, kidnappings, and armed assaults and extortion. Foreign oil workers are targets for kidnappers in these areas. There have been several reports of armed robberies at jungle lodges in the areas of Lower Rio Napo and Cuyabeno National Reserve.

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There are landmines and unmarked minefields in the Cordillera del Cóndor near the Peruvian border. Off-road travel south of Cuenca, including the provinces of Zamora-Chinchipe, Morona-Santiago, and El Oro, should be avoided.

Demonstrations are a frequent occurrence in

Ecuador

. Protests often include roadblocks and may disrupt travel. Canadians in

Ecuador

should avoid large gatherings and public areas where disturbances could occur, expect travel delays, monitor local news reports and contact the Embassy of Canada in Quito should they require assistance.

There have been several reports of robberies at gunpoint along the hiking trail up Cerro Mandango near Vilcabamba Loja. Those robbed, often foreigners, report being accosted by a group of masked, armed men while hiking along the trail. Thieves have resorted to undoing or opening articles of clothing to locate valuables and personal items to steal.

Following attacks on female travellers, Canadians should avoid hiking to the antennas on Volcán Pichincha via Cruz Loma, west of Quito. Foreign Affairs

Canada

publishes a booklet, Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveller, specifically targeted at female travellers. Its prime objective is to inform and help Canadian women travel safely.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Demonstrations, protests, marches, and strikes, some violent, may occur at any time in the capital, throughout the country and on main highways. Because 2006 is a presidential election year, even more demonstrations than usual are expected. Local transportation services can be disrupted. Roadblocks may occur on main roads at any time and often cause traffic disruptions. Canadians should not attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended.

Because of the unpredictable nature of these demonstrations and the potential for violence, Canadians in or travelling to

Ecuador

should exercise caution, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and monitor local news reports. Foreigners participating in public demonstrations may be detained and/or deported. Curfews and states of emergency may be declared in regions affected by civil unrest, natural disasters or other disruptions.

Street crimes, including purse snatching, car break-ins, thefts, pickpocketing, and violent carjackings, are daily occurrences in major cities. Thieves often work in teams, in which one thief diverts victims' attention while another snatches their possessions. There have been numerous reports that groups of street children who sell candy are engaged in these types of team operations. Carry only small amounts of money and do not show signs of affluence. Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Luggage theft is common at airports, bus terminals, and other transit points.

Armed assaults have increased in public parks and in and around transportation terminals, especially in Guayaquil, Quito and Cuenca. In Quito, exercise caution in the areas of El Panecillo, Carolina Park, Old Quito, South Quito, and particularly the popular tourist sector of Mariscal Sucre. In Guayaquil, tourists should be vigilant when visiting the downtown area, the waterfront (El Malecón), the market area, and the Christ Statue (Sagrado Corazón de Jesús) on Cerro del Carmen.

Kidnapping for ransom and express kidnappings, often in connection with carjackings, have increased in Guayaquil. Express kidnappings involve the brief detention of an individual, who is released only after being forced to withdraw funds from an ATM or after arranging for family to pay a small ransom. Armed gangs have followed and attacked travellers, including Canadians, en route to and from Guayaquil's Simón Bolívar Airport.

Random attacks at gunpoint, robberies, and sexual assaults involving Canadian citizens have occurred in the Riobamba area. Assaults and armed robberies continue to be reported regularly on intercity and urban Guayaquil buses, especially after dark. In August 2003, three Canadians were assaulted and robbed on buses leaving Guayaquil and Manta, and one near-fatally shot. Bus drivers often make illegal stops to pick up new passengers on express routes. The routes between Guayaquil and Cuenca and between Guayaquil and Riobamba have been affected more than other interprovincial routes. Travel after dark, either by long-distance or international coaches, must be avoided.

Resisting a robbery or assault has led to serious physical harm to Canadians. It is advisable to hand over items to thieves without resistance.

Do not accept food or drink from strangers even if sealed or wrapped, as it may be drugged. Incidents can occur in various locations, including buses, nightclubs, and bars.

Exercise extreme caution when swimming in the ocean, rivers, or lakes. Always seek advice from local authorities about riptides, currents, undertows, stingrays, and piranhas before swimming.

Strikes and disturbances by local fishermen in the Galápagos Islands sometimes impact the movement of tourists and access to some sites. Tourists travelling to the Galápagos Islands should obtain written confirmation from their travel agent or tour operator that their tour vessel is certified by the Ecuadorian Navy (Armada del Ecuador) to meet the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention standards.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Road travel is slow due to poor conditions, unmarked speed bumps, and frequent military or police roadblocks. Heavy rain and mudslides often close or wash out roads.

Boaters should be aware of the risk of attacks and armed robberies against ships in Ecuadorian waters.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. You are advised to visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions.

Heavy rains at various times of the year produce landslides in many areas, particularly in the sierra (mountainous area), where road damage contributes to traffic accidents. Severe flooding has also occurred in many areas of the western provinces of Manabí and Guayas, particularly in Chone, Portoviejo, and parts of Guayaquil. Travellers should monitor local news reports and plan accordingly.

Ecuador is located in an active seismic area. Seven volcanoes are active, three of which have erupted in the last five years: Tungurahua, located 120 km south of Quito and overlooking the tourist town of Baños; Reventador, located 95 km northeast of Quito; and Guagua Pichincha, situated 12 km west of Quito. There are four alert stages: white, yellow, orange, and red. The alert level for Tungurahua remains at orange, indicating that an eruption is possible within hours or days. Many communities south of Tungurahua are experiencing ongoing explosions and ash falls. The alert level for Baños remains at yellow. Visitors there should ask their hotel for a copy of the town's evacuation plan, since eruptions could occur without warning. Road travel near Baños is periodically affected by explosions and lahar (mud and ash flows). Ash falls can be hazardous for those who suffer from respiratory ailments. Canadians travelling to central Ecuador should consult a physician or travel medicine specialist well in advance to determine associated health risks. Travellers should also closely monitor activity levels of all three volcanoes and follow the advice of local authorities in the event of explosions or an eruption. Further information on volcanic activity is available on the Internet, including the following Web site: http://www.igepn.edu.ec.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

There is a minimum sentence of twelve years' imprisonment for involvement in illegal drug trafficking. Individuals may be found guilty by association if they have criminal associates.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Ecuador - QUITO, Embassy of Canada
Address: 2816 Avenida 6 de Diciembre and Paul Rivet, Edificio Josueth Gonzalez, 4th Floor, Quito, Ecuador
Postal Address: P.O. Box 17-11-6512, Quito, Ecuador
Tel.: 593 (2) 250-6162 or 223-2114
Fax: 593 (2) 250-3108
E-mail: quito@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.quito.gc.ca

The Consulate of Canada in Guayaquil can also provide consular services.

Ecuador - GUAYAQUIL, Consulate of Canada
Address: 810 Avenida General Córdova and Victor Manuel Rendón, Edificio Torres de la Merced, 21st Floor, Guayaquil, Ecuador
Postal Address: Guayaquil, Ecuador
Tel.: 593 (4) 2563-580 or 2314-561
Fax: 593 (4) 2314-562
E-mail: consulc1@gye.satnet.net

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Quito and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Ecuador is 1-999-175, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Ecuadorian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on May 18, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs

Canada

’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Ecuador. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from

Ecuador

Tourist Visa: Not Required (for stays of less than 90 days)
Business Visa: Not Required (for stays of less than 90 days in a year)
Student Visa: Not Required (for stays of less than 90 days in a year)

Foreigners, including Canadians, are now required to register with the Immigration Office at the border when entering Ecuador by land from Colombia. Travellers are required to provide their passport and indicate where they are going and how long they intend to remain in the country. For further information, please contact the Dirección Nacional de Migración (country and area codes: 593-2/ tel.: 245-4122, Avenida Amazonas 2639, Quito, Ecuador).

Unaccompanied minors under the age of 18 years who hold dual citizenship (Ecuadorian and Canadian) and are travelling with both passports, or who are landed immigrants in Ecuador, should have a letter of consent from both parents, preferably legally certified and translated into Spanish, authorizing the travel and stipulating the destination and duration of the intended trip. This document should be notarized at the Embassy of Ecuador or at a consulate. Canadian unaccompanied minors under 18 travelling as tourists with Canadian passports do not need this authorization letter.

The Puente Internacional de Rumichaca border crossing, located between Ipiales, Colombia, and Tulcán, Ecuador, is closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Travellers should allow enough time for border-crossing formalities.
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Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the U.S. dollar (US$). Credit cards are accepted by many businesses, and U.S. traveller's cheques are easily changed in tourist areas and in major hotels. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not accepted. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Ecuador (capital: Quito) is located on the Pacific coast of South America, between Colombia and Peru. The Galápagos Islands are also part of Ecuador. Tourist facilities are extensive in Quito and Guayaquil, but vary in quality and availability elsewhere. Spanish is the official language, but Quichua and other indigenous languages are also spoken.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Quito is at an altitude of 2,800 metres; several days of acclimatization are recommended as high altitude can affect blood pressure, digestion and energy level.

Outbreaks of diarrheal diseases have been reported, particularly during the rainy season. Waterborne diseases (e.g., cholera and typhoid), mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., malaria), dengue fever, bubonic plague and skin rashes are reappearing in coastal areas.

Medical care is available, but it varies in quality. In Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca, private hospitals offer medical services similar to those found in Canada; however, in smaller towns and in rural areas, health services are below Canadian standards. Ambulances, with or without trained emergency staff, are in critically short supply. Visitors to the Galapagos Islands are advised that acute surgical and cardiac services are not available. Serious cases must be evacuated to the Ecuadorian mainland or to Canada for treatment.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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