Ecuador
Travel restrictions
Ecuador approved resumption of commercial flight operations beginning June 1st, 2020, with limited flight capacity.
Ecuador eliminated its COVID-19 entry requirements effective October 20th 2022. International travelers are no longer required to present COVID-19 vaccination cards or proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering Ecuador.
Travelers to the Galapagos are still required to present a “transit control card” issued by the Government of Galapagos. Guidance on registering for a “transit control card” is available here: https://www.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec/step-by-step-tct-online/.
Ecuador’s Ministry of Public Health has discontinued its practice of performing random COVID-19 testing to international travelers upon arrival. However, if airlines or airport staff observe a traveler with symptoms, that traveler may be referred to the Ministry of Public Health for testing.
Ecuador’s Ministry of Public Health no longer requires international travelers that test positive for COVID-19 to quarantine in hotels or private accommodations. If you test positive for COVID-19 while in Ecuador, the Ministry of Public Health recommends you isolate for five days and then wear a mask in public spaces while you continue to exhibit symptoms.
Measures taken by the government
On January 2nd, 2021, Ecuador’s Constitutional Court concluded that the nationwide state of emergency declared on December 21st, 2020 and its associated movement restrictions are unconstitutional. Certain provinces and municipalities have now adopted their own mobility restrictions.
Ecuador’s Emergency Operations Committee reinstated a nationwide mask requirement for indoor spaces effective December 8th 2022.
Masks are now required in workplaces, public transport, classrooms, health facilities and for individuals with symptoms of respiratory disease.
Masks are recommended in open spaces where social distancing is not practical.
These requirements will be in place for at least fifteen days.
The Government of Ecuador provides coronavirus-related information at this website (Spanish only): https://www.coronavirusecuador.com.
Please see https://www.gestionderiesgos.gob.ec/coe-nacional/ (Spanish only) for general information regarding restrictions and https://www.gestionderiesgos.gob.ec/resoluciones-coe/ (Spanish only) for specific resolutions for the most up to date information regarding curfew times and other restrictions.
Testing
A list of laboratories licensed to perform RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests is available on the website maintained by Ecuador’s Medical Services and Prepaid Medicine Quality Assurance Agency (ACESS). The Ministry of Public Health signed a ministerial agreement on April 20, 2021, which fixed the price of RT-PCR tests at $45. More information is available at this link: https://www.salud.gob.ec/comunicado-oficial-el-costo-de-las-pruebas-rt-pcr-sera-de-usd-45-08/ Rapid antigen tests can also be purchased at local pharmacies.
Laboratories generally promise results within 24 hours. Many laboratories will email results the same day.
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
Individuals with symptoms may call 171 or 911.
Source:
US Embassy in Ecuador https://ec.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-ecu-2/
Published on December 8th 2022 (checked on February 1st 2023)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx