Travel Alert: One Remaining Commercial Flight to the United States Available – U.S. Embassy Quito, Ecuador – April 01, 2020
Location: Ecuador (country-wide)
Event: Immediate Action: Commercial Flight Departing Guayaquil Available
The Embassy is pleased to have facilitated the return home of over 2,700 U.S. citizens on commercial and State Department-chartered flights since March 19. There are no more State Department-chartered humanitarian flights scheduled. However, the Embassy is aware of one commercial flight from Guayaquil to Miami for U.S. citizens to return to the United States. This flight could fill at any time and there is no guarantee that future flights will be scheduled. We urge U.S. citizens to immediately arrange for their travel to the United States unless they are prepared to remain in Ecuador for an indefinite period.
Guayaquil to Miami on Tuesday, April 7: Interested travelers should contact Eastern Airlines directly at +1-855-216-7601, +1-877-971-0919, or +1-201-526-7616 to reserve a seat on this flight.
Cuenca Region Travelers: For those traveling from the Cuenca (or Loja/Vilcabamba) region, the Embassy has arranged for bus transportation from Cuenca to Guayaquil the morning of Tuesday, April 7. Please reserve a seat with Eastern Airlines first. To be eligible for the bus transportation, you must have a confirmed reservation on the Eastern Airlines flight. Once you have a seat reserved for the flight, contact transportationusa@mtagencia.com to arrange for transportation from Cuenca. You may also call +593-9-9970-8893 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Please note:
- Only credit card payments
- Bring passport and a copy of your passport
- Bring Eastern Airline ticket and a copy of your ticket
- Complete and bring Mobilization Authorization which can be obtained here: https://ec.usembassy.gov/msg200325-01/
- Bring letter from Ambassador which can be obtained here: https://ec.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/Request-for-assistance.pdf
- Bring and wear a disposable face mask and gloves
- Allowed one checked bag (plus carry-on and backpack)
- Note: service will not be provided unless a minimum of 10 passengers reserve seats
Transportation within Ecuador:
- Due to the current nationwide curfew and travel restrictions, please be sure to complete and take with you the Mobilization Authorization that permits travel throughout the country irrespective of curfew hours. Each passenger should have an “Mobilization Authorization.” Complete the document by following the instructions located here: https://ec.usembassy.gov/msg200325-01/
- Here is a letter from the U.S. Ambassador to Ecuador, Michael Fitzpatrick, that might assist with cross-provincial travel should individuals decide to journey to Guayaquil. However, please note that the U.S. Embassy does not have confirmation from the Government of Ecuador that this document guarantees or grants special permissions for transit. The letter may be of use when presented in conjunction with the Mobilization Authorization, a U.S. passport, proof of a confirmed flight, and a “salvoconducto” for the driver of the vehicle if possible..
- U.S. citizens who wish to depart Ecuador should contact commercial airlines directly.
For further information, please coordinate directly with the transportation operator.
If you need financial assistance in returning to the United States, please consider several options:
- Your credit card company may be willing to temporarily raise your credit limit.
- Family or friends could send you money via Western Union.
- Family or friends can purchase an airline ticket and/or accommodations directly with a credit card.
- Alternatively, family or friends could send money through “OCS Trust,” a service offered by the Department of State. They can learn more under the U.S. Department of State section on Sending Money to Destitute U.S. Citizens Overseas webpage in travel.state.gov.
- Travelers may consider minimizing their expenses and moving to alternative lodging. If you need assistance with lodging in Ecuador, contact the Ministry of Tourism.
- If no options remain, contact the Embassy or Consulate (see contact information below)
Please enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Embassy Quito security updates: https://step.state.gov/
Consult the Embassy’s website (https://ec.usembassy.gov/) for additional information on the situation in Ecuador and the Department of State’s COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
We are working hard to bring #AmericansHome
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
+1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
- 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
