UK holidaymakers have been issued a travel warning as parts of South America are in a “state of emergency” with a danger of “armed violence”. Tourists and holidaymakers have been issued a fresh warning about Ecuador as the Foreign Office speaks out.
The FCDO said: “A nationwide 60-day state of emergency (SOE) was declared on April 19 due to the energy crisis in Ecuador. It will end on June 18. This may see increased military and police presence around public buildings, including key energy infrastructure, to avoid threats or sabotage.
“A separate 60-day state of emergency (SOE) was declared on 22 May due to armed violence. This covers seven provinces: Guayas, El Oro, Santa Elena, Manabí, Sucumbíos, Orellana, Los Ríos and the district Camilo Ponce Enríquez in the province of Azuay.
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“It will end on July 21. There is no curfew in place, but the SOE allows the military and police to seize assets, conduct inspections and enter private properties without permission.” The Foreign Office advises against “all but essential” travel to the Coastal Region provinces.
It includes Esmeraldas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. The Foreign Office warned: “This does not apply to airside transit within Guayaquil Airport in Guayas province, including onward or return travel to the Galapagos Islands.”
It adds: “There is no curfew in place, but the SOE allows the military and police to seize assets, conduct inspections and enter private properties without permission.” The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions.
It titled its latest update: “New State of Emergency decree for seven provinces and one district. Update on criminal kidnapping in Ecuador. Change to police record entry requirement (‘Warnings and insurance’, ‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).”