Security Message for U.S. Citizens
URGENT: 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake
April 16, 2016
The U.S. Embassy in Quito would like to inform U.S. citizens throughout Ecuador that a 7.8 magnitude earthquake occurred at 1858 in northern Ecuador. Some local damage to buildings and possibly to bridges and roadways has been reported in Quito and Guayaquil. Cell phone and land line telephones are working intermittently. A tsunami warning has been issued for coastal areas of Ecuador with potential waves of less than one meter. Please stay tuned to local news sources for up-to-date information.
Notice: If you are trying to reach individuals in Ecuador, please note many communication systems including phone and internet service are down. We suggest using text, social media including via safety notifications, and phone applications as alternate means if calls are not going through.
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
