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Reviewed: 19 August 2009, 14:05 NZDT
Still current at:
08 November 2009
There is extreme risk to your security in the north-eastern areas of Ecuador that border with Colombia and Peru because of the risk of kidnapping and danger from organised and drug-related crime. We advise against all travel to the town of San Lorenzo in Esmeraldas province, the provinces of Carchi, Napo, Sucumbíos and Orellana.
There is extreme risk to your security in the area of the Pichincha Volcano in Quito due to violent crime and we advise against all travel there.
There is some risk to your security in Ecuador due to violent crime such as armed robbery, particularly in the cities and isolated rural areas, and we advise caution.
There have been reports of “express kidnappings”, where individuals are forced to withdraw funds from automatic teller machines (ATMs) to secure their release, particularly in urban areas. We advise all New Zealanders travelling in Ecuador to be safety conscious at all times and avoid travelling alone or at night.
There are unexploded landmines and minefields in the Cordillera del Condor region near the Peruvian border. We advise against off-road travel south of Cuenca, including in the provinces of Zamora-Chinchipe, Morona-Santiago and El Oro.
Protests and demonstrations are common in Ecuador and have the potential to turn violent. We recommend you avoid such situations.
Piracy is a problem in and around Ecuador’s waters. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautionary measures in these waters. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy report: www.icc-ccs.org.
There are several active volcanoes on Ecuador’s mainland and on the Galapagos Islands. You should monitor local information sources and adhere to any restrictions and instructions issued by local authorities relating to volcano safety.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Ecuador should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Ecuador are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for Central and South America
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