Safety Message for U.S. Citizens
Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens
April 17, 2016
The U.S. Mission is aware of significant damage caused by the April 16 earthquake, and continues to closely monitor the situation. Some areas of the country have been badly damaged and are difficult to reach at this time.
All major airports in Ecuador are operating, apart from Eloy Alfaro International Airport, which is located on the outskirts of Manta in the province of Manabí in western Ecuador. However, some flights have been delayed or cancelled. U.S. citizens should check with their airlines for the latest flight status.
A state of emergency has been declared in six provinces (Esmeraldas, Santo Domingo, Manabí, Guayas, Los Ríos, and Santa Elena) along the western coast. While the majority of the country has power and cellular service, affected provinces may not have basic services restored, and there are many road closures. The Government of Ecuador posts the most up-to-date information on the status of recovery efforts at http://www.gestionderiesgos.gob.ec/.
The U.S. Embassy in Quito and the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil will be open for business on Monday, April 18. U.S. citizens with emergencies should use the contact information below.
We urge U.S. citizens in Ecuador who are safe to contact their loved ones directly and/or update their Social Media status, and we strongly encourage U.S. citizens traveling abroad to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at travel.state.gov so that you receive all official messages.
U.S. citizens in Ecuador who need assistance can contact the U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil at 04-371-7000 or the U.S. Embassy Quito at 099-788-3222.
If you are in the U.S. and are calling about a U.S. citizen friend or family member, please call 1-888-407-4747.
You may also contact us at EcuadorEmergencyUSC@state.gov
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
