Security Overview for Ecuador

Crime is the main threat in Ecuador. Violence, sometimes gratuitous, is increasingly common in the capital city of Quito and is pervasive in the coastal industrial city of Guayaquil. Crime also is on the rise at the popular resorts of Playas and Salinas. Do not leave possessions unguarded at beaches, even briefly; thieves roam the area looking for unattended belongings. Police reports in Guayaquil show that robbery, murder, rape, carjacking, assault and kidnapping are on the rise.

Overland travel throughout Ecuador is dangerous, especially at night, due to highway bandits and poor road conditions. Never venture on the road late at night, and when possible, travel by air to all destinations. Carjackings are a concern, particularly in urban areas. Licensed, telephone or radio-dispatched taxis hired through a hotel are generally secure means of travel. Petty thieves are very active in public transportation hubs and at the airports. Avoid using commuter buses.

Ecuador's political climate is volatile, with a high risk of civil unrest and a coup or other sudden government change. Since the mid-1990s, Ecuador has been beset by protests over economic woes that have led to the ouster of several presidents and fostered doubts about the poverty-stricken country's ability to govern itself as a democracy. If operating in Ecuador, have plans in place to protect personnel and facilities and to evacuate foreigners in the event of a sudden crisis.

Demonstrations and protests are common. Protesters often block roads and attempt to disrupt public services. Violence, such as looting and the use of Molotov cocktails, is met with force by security personnel. Give demonstrations wide berth.

Terrorist activity in Ecuador is relatively low but small bombings are not uncommon in Quito and Guayaquil. Kidnapping for ransom is increasingly a problem in Ecuador. Kidnappers usually target wealthy locals but foreigners have also been victims of this crime. Kidnapping gangs in Ecuador have links to Colombian criminal gangs and illegal armed groups that specialize in these types of crimes. In addition to these groups, local indigenous tribes have a history of targeting foreign-owned companies that operate in their traditional lands. Several oil technicians have been kidnapped in recent years, particularly in the Amazon region.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.