Message to U.S. Citizens
Ecuador Announces 30-Day State of Emergency
December 21, 2020
On December 21, the Government of Ecuador announced a 30-day state of emergency to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. All U.S citizen tourists and residents are subject to local laws, including those related to the state of emergency. New restrictions include:
- All travelers (including U.S. citizens) arriving from the European Union, the United Kingdom, South Africa, or Australia, must present a negative PCR test taken within ten (10) days prior to arrival, and must take a rapid antigen test at the airport upon arrival in Ecuador. Non-residents of Ecuador arriving from these locations must also quarantine for five (5) days at a hotel approved by the Ministry of Tourism, while residents of Ecuador must quarantine at the address indicated on their entry form. If the rapid antigen test is positive for COVID-19, the quarantine period increases to 10 days. The new restrictions do not affect U.S. citizens travelling between the United States and Ecuador whose travel did not originate in, or transit, the affected regions. The restrictions also do not affect U.S. citizens’ travel from Ecuador.
- Beginning December 21, a 15-day curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Alcohol sales and consumption are also prohibited during these times.
- Social and family gatherings are limited to a maximum ten (10) persons until January 1, 2021.
- Beaches will be closed on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.
- Capacity limits in restaurants, hotels, and retail establishments.
- Vehicle circulation restrictions effective December 22. Vehicles may circulate as follows:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Plates ending in odd numbers
- Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: Plates ending in even numbers
- Sunday, December 27: Plates ending in odd numbers
- Sunday, January 3: Plates ending in even numbers
We encourage you to visit our COVID-19 webpage and the Government of Ecuador’s webpage for the latest information on COVID-19 in Ecuador.
Assistance
- U.S. Embassy Quito, Ecuador
+(593)(2) 398-5000
ACSQuito@state.gov - U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil, Ecuador
+(593)(4) 371-7000
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
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