Ecuador: Authorities revise COVID-19-related entry requirements as of March 22 /update 23

Event

Effective March 22, authorities in Ecuador have amended the entry requirements for international air travelers under the nation's ongoing COVID-19 response. These are in addition to other pandemic-related domestic restrictions and international travel restrictions, which include the closure of Ecuador's land and sea borders to passenger traffic until further notice.

The following new requirements are being enforced for air arrivals:

• Travelers must present a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test result for entry; the test must be taken within 72 hours before departure, instead of 10 days, as before.

• Travelers with proof of having received a full dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine may enter without a negative PCR test.

• Travelers diagnosed with COVID-19, with the onset of symptoms occurring more than a month before travel and who continue to have a positive result in their PCR test, may still enter Ecuador, provided they do not present symptoms and provide a medical certificate confirming their good health.

Only travelers in transit, airline crew, and children under the age of two are exempt from the testing requirements. 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. Nonresidents must complete the quarantine at a government-regulated hotel or accommodation. Persons who present a negative PCR test and who do not have COVID-19 symptoms are exempt from quarantine; however, airport officials will randomly select passengers for testing upon arrival. Persons who test positive will also be subject to quarantine protocols.

Domestic Measures
Authorities continue to enforce restrictions at the national and regional levels. Nationally, authorities urge all individuals to practice social distancing. The use of facemasks in public spaces is mandatory. All schools are to remain closed to in-person teaching, and teleworking policies will remain in effect until at least April 13. Municipal authorities are still empowered to impose stricter restrictions on businesses and public movements, depending on local disease activity. Such measures could also include restrictions on operating hours and capacity limits, as well as access to entertainment and recreational facilities.

In Quito, commercial establishments and public transport are limited to 50-percent operating capacity, while cinemas, theaters, and auditoriums are limited to 30 percent. Under the "Hoy no Circula" vehicular restrictions in place through March 31, restrictions will be enforced as follows between 06:00-20:00 on weekdays:

• Mondays: Plates ending in 0, 1, 2, and 3 may not circulate.

• Tuesdays: Plates ending in 2, 3, 4, and 5 may not circulate.

• Wednesdays: Plates ending in 4, 5, 6, and 7 may not circulate.

• Thursdays: Plates ending in 6, 7, 8, and 9 may not circulate.

• Fridays: Plates ending in 8, 9, 0, and 1 may not circulate.

All vehicles are permitted to circulate 20:00-05:59, as well as on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

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)
Map of Color-Coded Municipalities (Spanish)