Health Alert – U. S. Embassy, Quito, Ecuador – March 26, 2020
EVENT: Travel to airport for State Department-chartered humanitarian flights
A FEW SPACES REMAIN ON STATE DEPARTMENT-CHARTERED HUMANITARIAN FLIGHTS OUT OF QUITO AND GUAYAQUIL BOTH THURSDAY, MARCH 26, AND FRIDAY, MARCH 27.
If you want to join one of these flights, IMMEDIATELY contact QTOUSCitizen@state.gov and make your way to the airport. Due to the global nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the worldwide demand for evacuation assistance, we cannot guarantee any additional U.S. State Department-chartered flights will be available for U.S. citizens wishing to depart Ecuador.
GROUND TRAVEL IN ECUADOR: The Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry informed the U.S. Embassy on March 25 of new rules designed to facilitate expat departures: Foreign travelers going from their lodgings to airports within Ecuador are permitted to travel within 72 hours of their flights, irrespective of the 2 p.m. – 5 a.m. national curfew, providing they have:
- A “Mobility Authority” which travelers must complete, click here for instructions;
- Their passport; and
- Documentation of their confirmed flight departing Ecuador (either printed or electronic).
We encourage individuals to download a copy of the U.S. Ambassador’s letter as well; click here. The U.S. Embassy does not have confirmation from the Government of Ecuador that this document guarantees or grants special permissions for transit, but it has proven helpful to many U.S. citizens.
It is recommended, but not required, that you use a taxi/transportation driver who has a “salvoconducto,” which is a document issued by the Government of Ecuador that permits travel in the country for limited or special purposes. The document is issued to a driver who must list all their passengers’ information on the form and have it authorized as appropriate. This process is the responsibility of the driver and the Embassy does not have authorization to issue or authorize a “salvoconducto” for Ecuadorian or private U.S. citizens.
AIRPORT INFORMATION: You will need to be at the airport at least three hours prior to departure. Each passenger is limited to one (1) 30 (thirty) lbs checked bag, one carry-on bag limited to 10 (10) lbs, and one personal item, such as a laptop. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General cannot take possession of any excess baggage. The amount billed to evacuees for loan/ticket costs will be comparable to full-fare economy flights that would have been charged immediately prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Actions to Take:
- Contact us immediately if you wish to travel today or tomorrow. Email QTOUSCitizen@state.gov.
- Click here for a message from the U.S. Ambassador to Ecuador.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for up-to-date information on flight availability, conditions in Ecuador, and advice on how to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.
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
- COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov
- CDC page on COVID-19
- Travel.state.gov Ecuador Country Information and Travel Advisory page
