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Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Ecuador due to high levels of crime.
Ecuador
Straddling the equator, Ecuador fuses high‑altitude volcanoes, Amazonian rainforests and Pacific surf in a compact tapestry.
Overview
Ecuador’s Spanish‑speaking cities—Quito’s historic altitude charm and Guayaquil’s riverine bustle—anchor a nation where the Andes, the Amazon basin and the Galápagos Islands coexist. Indigenous Quechua communities enrich the cultural mosaic, while volcanic peaks like Cotopaxi dominate the skyline.
At a glance
Languages
- Quechua(Official)
- Spanish(Official)
- Shuar(Recognized)
Population16,938,986
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
1 USD = 1.4402 AUD
1 AUD = 0.6943 USD
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
Cost of LivingPotentially much less expensiveSource category: All | 2026
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Local Purchasing PowerMuch weaker local purchasing powerSource category: Purchasing Power | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
Quality of LifeStrongSource category: Quality Of Life | 2026 | Overall quality of life index
SafetyLimitedSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
HealthcareGenerally favorableSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
PollutionModerateSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
TrafficHighSource category: Traffic | 2026 | Overall traffic index (considers time + inefficiency + CO2)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for Temporary Residence, Permanent Residency, Investor, and 5 more.
Temporary Residence
- Andean Migration Statute Temporary Residence
Temporary residence route for citizens of the Andean Community countries who wish to reside in Ecuador.
- 2 years, renewable
- Path to residency
Permanent Residency
- Permanent Residence after More Than 21 Months
Permanent residence route for foreign nationals who have held temporary residence in Ecuador for more than 21 continuous months and intend to settle in the country.
- Full work rights
Investor
- Temporary Investor Residence
Temporary residence route for foreign nationals who qualify through a bank deposit, real-estate purchase, or ownership of shares or participations in an Ecuadorian company.
- 2 years
- Path to residency
Passive Income / Rentista
- Temporary Rentista Residence
Temporary residence route for foreign nationals with lawful monthly rents or similar personal income from Ecuador or abroad.
- 2 years
- No work rights
- Path to residency
Digital Nomad
- Temporary Rentista Residence for Remote Work (Visa Nómada)
Temporary residence route for foreign nationals who work remotely in Ecuador for foreign employers, clients, or an overseas company they own.
- 2 years, renewable
- Remote/foreign employment only
- Path to residency
Self-Employment
- Temporary Residence for Autonomous Work
Temporary residence route for autonomous work, professional, civil, consulting, or sponsorship-based activity in Ecuador.
- 2 years
- Limited work rights
- Path to residency
Work (Employer-Sponsored)
- Temporary Residence for Dependent Work
Temporary residence route for foreign nationals establishing residence in Ecuador to perform lawful work under an employment relationship.
- 2 years
- Employer-sponsored only
- Path to residency
Tourist / Visa Waiver
- Visitor Temporary Tourist Visa
Temporary visitor tourist visa for eligible foreign nationals entering Ecuador for tourism.
- 90 days
- No work rights
Languages
- Quechua(Official)
- Spanish(Official)
- Shuar(Recognized)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Ecuador.
United Kingdom
FCDO advises against all but essential travel
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel
United States
Level 2Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to these areas due to terrorism and crime:
- Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue
- The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the province of El Oro
- The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios
- The canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas
- Esmeraldas City and all areas north of Esmeraldas City in Esmeraldas province
- The area north of Esmeraldas City to the Colombian border and east to Carchi province
Reconsider Travel to these areas due to terrorism and crime:
- Guayaquil north of Portete de Tarqui Avenue
- El Oro province outside the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas
- Los Rios province outside the cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo
- All areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province
- The provinces of Sucumbios, Manabi, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo
Crime and kidnapping Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador. Violent crime typically associated with narcotrafficking is common. It includes murder, assault, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Areas with transnational criminal organizations see much higher rates of violent crime. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping and extortion. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Ecuador. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
- Demonstrations Demonstrations happen across the country
- They are usually driven by political or economic reasons
- Demonstrators often block local roads and major highways without warning, disrupting access to important infrastructure
Local and U.S.
- Government Assistance Most of Ecuador’s land is empty and remote, especially outside big towns and cities
- Local and U.S. government help may be very limited in remote areas
This may cause delays for U.S. citizens in remote areas.
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