Foreign Office Issues 'State of Emergency' Warning for Ecuador Amid Violence
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a critical travel warning following the declaration of a "state of emergency" in Ecuador, a South American country, marking a significant alert separate from ongoing Middle East tensions. This advisory comes as Ecuador renewed a 30-day state of emergency on 28 February 2026, citing "internal disturbance and armed violence" as the primary reasons.
Areas Affected and Safety Instructions
The FCDO has specifically highlighted multiple regions in Ecuador that are impacted by this emergency. These include Guayas, El Oro, Manabí, Los Ríos, Santa Elena, Pichincha, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. Additionally, the list extends to Esmeraldas, Sucumbíos, Bolívar (covering cantones Echeandía and Las Naves), and Cotopaxi (cantón La Maná).
In response to the heightened security situation, the FCDO strongly advises UK tourists to "follow the instructions of police and local authorities." Travelers should anticipate potential disruptions, including increased security checks, which may affect itineraries and mobility within these areas.
Background on the Emergency and International Involvement
This state of emergency coincides with military operations conducted by US forces in collaboration with Ecuador against "designated terrorist organizations" within the country, as confirmed by Southern Command. Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command, praised the Ecuadorian armed forces for their "unwavering commitment" and "courage" in combating narco-terrorists.
Meanwhile, in a related diplomatic context, Spain has expressed "surprise" at remarks made by German chancellor Friedrich Merz, who appeared to support US president Trump's threats to cut trade with Spain. Spanish foreign minister José Manuel Albares emphasized expectations of solidarity among European Union members, referencing past support for Denmark during tariff disputes.
Albares noted a shift in diplomatic tone, contrasting Merz's statements with the "pro-European spirit" of previous German chancellors like Merkel and Scholz, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions beyond the Ecuador situation.
