Fresh travel warning for Britons as South American holiday hotspot declares 'state of emergency' due to armed violence

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A 60-day state of emergency was declared in Ecuador on October 3

Britons have been given a travel warning for Ecuador, as a state of emergency has been declared.

Holidaymakers should be aware of which provinces are affected, plus which districts and parishes have a curfew in place.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) told holidaymakers: "A 60-day state of emergency (SOE) was declared on October 3 due to internal disturbance and armed violence.

"The SOE currently applies to the following provinces: Guayas, El Oro, Santa Elena, Manabí, Orellana, Los Ríos, Quito Metropolitan District (Pichincha province) and Camilo Ponce Enríquez district (Azuay province).

"The SOE allows the military and police to seize assets, conduct inspections and enter private properties without permission.

"There are additional restrictions on the freedoms of association and assembly and the police and armed forces are permitted to break up gatherings in public spaces."

Visitors were told that curfew hours are in place "until further notice", for several districts (‘cantons’) and/or parishes ('parroquias').

The curfew hours imposed in these areas are between 10pm and 5am.

Ecuador is a popular tourist destination, famous for the Galápagos Islands, the Amazon rainforest, the dramatic landscapes of Devil’s Nose Train and the picturesque capital, Quito.

But before visiting the stunning holiday destination, it's important to consult the FCDO's up-to-date guidance.

This includes warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and getting help.

There are some parts of Ecuador the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to.

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Coastal Region provinces of:

This does not apply to airside transit within Guayaquil Airport in Guayas province, including onward or return travel to the Galapagos Islands.

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border, except for these areas in Carchi province:

Holidaymakers were recently given a Middle East travel update as the "situation could change suddenly".