A new 60-day state of emergency has been declared in Ecuador due to “internal disturbance and armed violence”, according to the Foreign Office.
A curfew between 10pm and 5am is also in place across various districts in the South American country until further notice.
A warning of nationwide power outages for up to 12 hours a day has been in place since September 24, while latest Foreign Office travel advice also warns of water rationing in several areas.
The state of emergency “allows the military and police to seize assets, conduct inspections and enter private properties without permission,” the Foreign. Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) alert said.
“There are additional restrictions on the freedoms of association and assembly and the police and armed forces are permitted to break up gatherings in public spaces.”
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to seven coastal region provinces. However, this does not apply to airside transit within Guayaquil airport in Guayas province, including onward or return travel to the Galapagos Islands.
In a separate warning, the US embassy in Ecuador said: “The state of emergency was declared in response to an increase in violence, crimes, and presence of organised criminal groups, and is intended to facilitate the work of the armed forces and national police in the ongoing internal armed conflict that was declared on January 9, 2024.
“International airports in Quito and Guayaquil will remain fully operational during the state of emergency, curfews, and electrical outages.
“Travellers should monitor their flight status closely. Travel to and from the airports is permitted during curfew hours for individuals with a scheduled flight.”
Ecuador initially introduced a 60-day state of emergency in August last year, followed by others since January after an outbreak of deadly violence.