From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Ecuador Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Thu, 10 Oct 1996 15:38:07 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1152 Path: world!root Message-ID: <961010153807_76702.1202_CHN54-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: root@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 142 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Ecuador ============================================================ Ecuador - Consular Information Sheet October 8, 1996 Country Description: Ecuador has a developing economy. Tourism facilities are adequate but vary in quality. Entry Requirements: A passport and a return/onward ticket are required to obtain an entry permit valid for up to 90 days. Travelers without a visa cannot extend this stay beyond 90 days. It is important, therefore, that a visa be obtained if a traveler intends to stay longer than 90 days. For current information concerning entry and customs requirements for Ecuador, travelers can contact the Ecuadorian Embassy at 2535 15th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, tel. (202) 234-7200 or the Consulate in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New Orleans, New York, or San Francisco. Medical Facilities: Medical care is available but varies in quality. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Many hospitals do take credit cards. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful in many emergencies. For additional health information, travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime and Security Information: An American tourist was kidnapped in 1996. Kidnappings of wealthy Ecuadorians and foreign residents for ransom are on the rise. The most frequent reports of crimes committed against tourists are robberies and assaults. Although crimes may be of a non-violent nature, such as pickpocketing, burglary of personal effects, or thefts from vehicles, thieves are often armed with guns and knives. Violent crimes, such as armed robberies and carjackings, are increasing. The Ecuadorian government has increased police patrols in tourist areas, but travelers in resort areas along the coast and in the cities of Quito and Guayaquil should remain alert to their surroundings and maintain constant control of purses, backpacks, and briefcases. Expensive-appearing jewelry and watches should not be worn. In Quito, extreme caution should be taken in tourist areas and crowded marketplaces, especially on the crowded streets of south Quito, the Panecillo and all transportation terminals. In Guayaquil, extra caution should be taken when in the downtown section of the city (also known as the Las Penas neighborhood) as well as while in the dock (El Malecon) and airport areas. Most recently, there have been incidents of luggage theft at the airport. Traffic accidents involving buses are frequent. Bus travel throughout Ecuador can be particularly dangerous, especially at night, because of the frequency of crimes perpetrated against bus travelers. The U.S. Embassy does not recommend travel to the northern province of Sucumbios; as of September 1996, U.S. government personnel are restricted from travel there. Travelers are also cautioned against visiting the areas of Carchi Province adjacent to the Colombian border. Both areas are dangerous because of the significant incidence of common crime, extortion and kidnapping. Caution should also be used in areas bordering Colombia, as local law enforcement is faced with growing challenges from Colombia-based organized crime, drug traffickers and armed insurgents. Widespread civil disorder is rare, but demonstrations at times occur, mostly in the urban centers of Quito and Guayaquil, and sometimes can involve looting and other random violence. Hostilities in the disputed border area between Ecuador and Peru have ceased. A demilitarized area has been negotiated and is in effect, and the border between the two countries is open. Crossing or approaching the Ecuador-Peru border anywhere except at official checkpoints is dangerous and not advisable. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." This publication, as well as others such as "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America," is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties in Ecuador for possession or use of and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict. Offenders can expect prolonged pretrial detention without bail and lengthy jail sentences and fines when convicted. Civil Aviation Oversight: As the result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in November 1995, the FAA has found the government of Ecuador's Civil Aviation Authority not to be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Ecuador's air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, Ecuador's carriers are permitted to conduct limited operations to the U.S. subject to heightened FAA surveillance. For further information, travelers may contact the U.S. Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873. Other Information: Maritime safety standards on some tour vessels to the Galapagos Islands are deficient. Travelers have found it useful to verify credentials of tour vessels in advance. Under a provision of Ecuadoran law, a business dispute that normally would be handled by civil litigation in the U.S. may be converted into a criminal proceeding. This provision of law has been used to impose travel prohibitions against resident Americans and also has led to the arrest of U.S. business people. Embassy Location/Registration: Americans are encouraged to register and obtain updated information on travel and security within Ecuador at either the U.S. Embassy in Quito or the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil. The Embassy in Quito is at the corner of Avenida 12 de Octubre and Avenida Patria (across from the Casa de la Cultura), telephone (593-2) 562-890, afterhours 561-749. The Consulate General in Guayaquil is at 9 de Octubre and Garcia Moreno (near the Hotel Oro Verde), telephone (593-4) 323-570, afterhours 321-152. The Consulate General in Guayaquil has jurisdiction over the Galapagos Islands. No. 96-168 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet of March 14, 1996, with revised information on crime and security. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories