Foreign Office Issues Urgent 11pm Curfew Warning for UK Tourists in Ecuador
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a critical update to its travel guidance for UK holidaymakers visiting South America, specifically highlighting a new curfew and state of emergency in Ecuador. This advisory, released on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, warns of significant restrictions affecting four provinces, with implications for travel plans and safety.
State of Emergency and Curfew Details
A 30-day state of emergency was renewed on February 28, 2026, due to internal disturbances and armed violence in Ecuador. The FCDO advises travellers to strictly follow instructions from police and local authorities during this period. The state of emergency currently applies to multiple provinces, including Guayas, El Oro, Manabí, Los Ríos, Santa Elena, Pichincha, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Esmeraldas, Sucumbíos, Bolívar (cantones Echeandía and Las Naves), and Cotopaxi (cantón La Maná).
As a result, travellers should anticipate heightened police and military presence nationwide without prior notice, along with potential travel disruptions due to increased security checks.
Curfew Implementation in Four Provinces
Specifically, a curfew has been announced in four provinces: Guayas, Los Ríos, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, and El Oro. This curfew will be enforced between 11pm and 5am from March 15 to March 30, 2026. UK tourists in these areas must adhere to these restrictions to avoid legal issues and ensure their safety.
Border Closure and Travel Disruptions
In addition to the curfew, the FCDO has highlighted that Colombia's border with Ecuador will be closed from Saturday, March 7, at 6pm until Monday, March 9, at 6am. This closure is related to Colombian elections and may cause significant travel disruptions. Travellers are urged to plan ahead and expect potential delays or rerouting during this period.
Background on Security Operations
This travel advisory update comes amid ongoing security operations in Ecuador. Earlier in the week, Ecuadorean and US forces launched joint operations against designated terrorist organisations in the country, as confirmed by the US military's Southern Command. Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa stated that the US is among regional allies participating in a new phase of the war on drug cartels.
The US Southern Command emphasised on Tuesday that these actions aim to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption across the hemisphere. This context underscores the severity of the situation and the necessity for the FCDO's updated warnings.
UK tourists planning trips to Ecuador are strongly advised to monitor FCDO guidance closely, adjust itineraries as needed, and prioritise safety during this volatile period.
