Ecuador: COVID-19 restrictions remain largely unchanged as of June 20 by comparison with those in effect during late May /update 29

Event

As of June 20, COVID-19 restrictions in effect in Ecuador remain largely unchanged by comparison with those that were in force during late May. Under existing directives, the use of facemasks is mandatory in public spaces. The national government urges all individuals to practice social distancing and encourages regional officials to ban access to beaches for tourism purposes, as well as to keep gyms, sporting centers, cinemas, theaters, bars, and nightclubs closed, and limit the operating capacities of malls and restaurants to 50 percent.

Municipal authorities are still empowered to impose tighter restrictions on business operations and public movement, depending on local disease activity. Such measures could include capacity limits and restrictions on operating hours, as well as limitations on access to entertainment and recreational facilities.

In Quito, the "Hoy no Circula" regime program for regulating use of private vehicles remains in place. Under the system, motorists may only drive their vehicles in the capital during the stipulated time frame on days of the week determined by the final digit of their license plate numbers. As of June 20, these regulations are as follows:

• Mondays: Private vehicles with plates ending in 0, 1, 2, and 3 may not be on the roads 06:00-20:00.

• Tuesdays: Private vehicles with plates ending in 2, 3, 4, and 5 may not be on the roads 06:00-20:00.

• Wednesdays: Private vehicles with plates ending in 4, 5, 6, and 7 may not be on the roads 06:00-20:00.

• Thursdays: Private vehicles with plates ending in 6, 7, 8, and 9 may not be on the roads 06:00-20:00.

• Fridays: Private vehicles with plates ending in 8, 9, 0, and 1 may not be on the roads 06:00-23:00. No private vehicles may be on the roads 23:00-23:59.

• Saturdays: No private vehicles may be on the roads 00:01-06:00 or 23:00-23:59. Outside of these hours, all private vehicles may be on the roads.

• Sundays: No private vehicles may be on the roads 00:01-06:00. Outside of these hours, all private vehicles may be on the roads.

International Travel Restrictions
All passengers entering Ecuador from Brazil, including those who had a layover there, must quarantine at government-authorized hotels for 10 days upon arrival, regardless of the result of any COVID-19 tests. The following requirements are in effect for all other persons arriving by air:

• Travelers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 RT-PCR or antigen test for entry; the test must be taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

• Travelers possessing proof of having been inoculated with a full course of an approved COVID-19 vaccine may enter without a negative test.

• Passengers presenting COVID-19 symptoms will be subject to an antigen test upon arrival. If the test is positive, the traveler must complete a 10-day self-quarantine period. Nonresidents must complete the quarantine at a government-regulated hotel or accommodation.

• Passengers are required to complete a Traveler Health Declaration form upon arrival. To view the form, click here.

All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice, depending on local disease activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and appointments. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Coronavirus Ecuador (Spanish)
Air Traveler Entry Protocols (Spanish)