Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy Quito, Ecuador – October 5, 2019
Location
The Embassy has received notification that road blockades continue in cities and towns throughout the country as part of continued demonstrations.
Event
Although the transportation unions announced the end of their strike October 4, other groups continue their protests. The Embassy continues to receive reports of demonstrations and road blockades in cities and towns throughout the country. The Embassy has received specific reports of demonstrations within the provinces of Azuay, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Imbabura, Loja, Pichincha, and Tungurahua, although other provinces may also be affected. There are reports of pockets of violence associated with these demonstrations. Transportation may be seriously disrupted during this time.
Roads within Quito are currently open, as are access roads to the Mariscal Sucre International Airport of Quito.
U.S. government personnel are being strongly advised to use caution in moving within and between cities. Additionally, U.S. Embassy personnel are being strongly advised to remain within the greater Quito metropolitan area and to return from outside the city if able to safely do so.
Information on protests is widely reported on public media and we encourage U.S. citizens to continue to actively monitor the situation until the demonstrations conclude. ECU911 provides nationwide updates at https://www.ecu911.gob.ec/consulta-de-vias/. Agencia Metropolitana de Transito provides updates via Twitter. Follow @AMTQuito or search #AMTInforma on Twitter. To continue to receive important safety information about conditions in Ecuador, please register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at: https://step.state.gov/step/.
Flights may continue to be cancelled in and out of Quito as a result of the disruptions. If you have a scheduled flight, please contact the airline directly for additional information. You may also monitor flight information on the Quito airport website. Note, however, that flights may be cancelled close to departure time.
Actions to Take
- Avoid demonstration areas.
- Monitor local media for updates on road closures.
- Avoid crowds.
Assistance
- U.S. Embassy Quito, Ecuador
+(593)(2) 398-5000
+(593)(2) 398-5000 (after hours)
ACSQuito@state.gov - U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil, Ecuador
+(593)(4) 371-7000
+(593)(4) 371-7000 (after hours)
ACSGuayaquil@state.gov - State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - Ecuador Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) to receive security updates
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
