Security Message for U.S. Citizens
Crime Advisory
March 1, 2016
In light of recent media reports regarding the robbery and murder of two foreign tourists in Montañita, a beach popular with tourists, the U.S. Embassy in Quito and U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil would like to remind U.S. citizens of the critical crime threat present in Ecuador. The threat of street crime is higher in tourist areas, and U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of your surroundings at all times, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.
We strongly recommend you read the State Department’s travel safety tips and Country Specific Information for Ecuador to enhance your safety awareness and help you reduce your vulnerability to crime.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Ecuador enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Ecuador. For additional information, please refer to our “Traveler’s Checklist” page. Updated information on travel and security in Ecuador may also be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States or by calling 1-202-501-4444 outside the United States.
Contact information
U.S. Embassy Quito
Avigiras E12-170 y Eloy Alfaro
Phone: +593-2-398-5000
E-mail: ACSQuito@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil
Avenida Jose Rodriguez Bonin and Calle Santa Ana, San Eduardo
Phone: +593-4-371-7000
E-mail: ACSGuayaquil@state.gov
Dialing instructions within Ecuador:
- Within the same city and from a land line use the last seven digits.
- For calls from a mobile phone and for intercity telephone calls add the city code preceded by a 0.
Dialing instructions from the United States:
- Add the 011 prefix for an international long distance line.
For after-hours emergencies, call the phone numbers listed above for assistance
