Travel Alert:
Bus transport from Cuenca and Manta to Guayaquil for Last Scheduled Commercial Flight Departing Ecuador on Friday, April 10
U.S. Embassy Quito, Ecuador – April 05, 2020
Location: Ecuador (country-wide)
Event: Immediate Action: Additional 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. The last scheduled commercial flight from Ecuador to the United States is now Friday, April 10, going from Guayaquil to Miami. This flight could fill at any time. There is no guarantee that any 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 Friday, April 10: 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.
The Embassy has arranged bus transportation from Cuenca and Mantato Guayaquil in order to take the flight on April 10
Cuenca and Manta Region Travelers: For those traveling from the Cuenca and Manta regions, the Embassy has arranged for bus transportation from Cuenca to Guayaquil and Manta to Guayaquil the morning of Friday, April 10. 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 or Manta. You may also call +593-9-9970-8893 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Please Note:
- Service will not be provided unless a minimum of 10 passengers reserve seats
- Only credit card payments are accepted
- Bring your passport and a copy of your passport
- Bring your Eastern Airlines ticket and a copy of your ticket
- Complete and bring the Mobilization Authorization to facilitate your transit from Cuenca or Manta to Guayaquil. It can be obtained here: https://ec.usembassy.gov/msg200325-01/
- Bring the letter from Ambassador to supplement the Mobilization Authorization, 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)
Transportation within Ecuador:
Due to the 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 a “Mobilization Authorization.” Complete the document by following the instructions located here: https://ec.usembassy.gov/msg200325-01/
Here is a letter from U.S. Ambassador to Ecuador Michael J. Fitzpatrick that may assist with cross-provincial travel . 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
