Ecuador: Authorities update COVID-19-related domestic measures as of Jan. 29 /update 38

Event

As of Jan. 29, authorities in Ecuador have introduced a three-tier traffic light system to classify locations based on local levels of COVID-19 activity and accordingly impose restrictions. Authorities will update the list of locations under each level on a weekly basis. Additionally, individuals ages five and older are now required to present proof of vaccination to board public transport.

Other previously imposed restrictions, including those regarding international travel, remain largely unchanged.

Domestic Measures
Locations in Ecuador are divided into three risk levels under the traffic light system, including green (low risk), yellow (medium risk), and red (high risk). According to the color-coded risk designations effective through Jan. 30, most of the country is under the yellow alert level.

Restrictions and locations under each risk level are described below:

Green Alert: Supermarkets, financial and public services, public transport, institutions of higher education, restaurants, bars, and most other businesses may operate at 75 percent capacity. In-person classes are allowed for primary education; preschool classes may be held according to Ministry of Education regulations. Some 29 locations remain under this alert level as of Jan. 29, including Salcedo, Balsas, Isabela, Antonio Ante, Catamayo, Gualaquiza, Pedro Moncayo, Gonzalo Pizarro, and Mocha.
Yellow Alert: Supermarkets, financial and public services, public transport, institutions of higher education, restaurants, bars, and most other businesses may operate at 50 percent capacity. Pre-school education must be suspended and primary school education may continue with hybrid classes. Most of the country is classified under this alert level as of Jan. 29, including Quito, the capital, as well as Camilo Ponce Enriquez, Cuenca, Santa Isabel, Zamora, San Miguel, Bolivar, San Pedro de Huaca, Espejo, Mira, and Portoviejo.
Red Alert: Supermarkets, financial and public services, public transport, institutions of higher education, restaurants, bars, and most other businesses may operate at 30 percent capacity. Additional industry-specific measures, such as restrictions on establishments' operating hours, also apply. Pre-school education must be suspended and primary school classes may only be held online. As of Jan. 29, 13 locations remain under this alert level, including Sigsig, Biblian, Alausi, San Lorenzo, Colimes, Mocache, Arajuno, and Santa Elena.

In general, all individuals over 12 years of age must show proof of being fully vaccinated to enter any nonessential business. Individuals must wear a facemask in public settings.

International Travel Restrictions
The government of Ecuador maintains a ban on travel for foreign visitors arriving from or who have transited through Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe due to concerns over the Omicron strain of COVID-19.

The following pandemic-related requirements also remain in effect for persons arriving in Ecuador by air:

Travelers ages two and older must present a negative result from an RT-PCR test to enter the country; the test must be taken no more than 72 hours before departure for Ecuador.
Visitors ages 16 and older must also show proof of having been inoculated with a full course of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before departure for the country.
Passengers presenting COVID-19 symptoms are subject to testing upon arrival. Those receiving a positive test result are subject to quarantine for up to 14 days. Nonresidents must complete the quarantine period at a hotel at their own expense.
Passengers must present a completed Traveler Health Declaration form upon arrival. To view the form, click here.
Travelers who have arrived from or have transited through India must complete a 10-day quarantine period upon arrival.

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.