State of exception
Warden Message
October 2, 2009
Dear Warden and/or Registrant:
The U.S. Embassy in Quito and Consulate General in Guayaquil wish to inform American citizens visiting or resident in Ecuador that on September 30, 2009, President Rafael Correa put into effect a “state of exception” for the cities of Quito, Guayaquil, and Manta. This “state of exception” will last 60 days and will allow the Ecuadorian Armed Forces to collaborate and support the Ecuadorian National Police in operations to combat crime and in operations to control weapons and vehicles. The “state of exception” is a response to the rising incidents of crimes within Quito, Guayaquil, and Manta.
It is likely that Americans will begin to see an increase number of check points manned by the Ecuadorian National Police and the Ecuadorian Armed Forces throughout the aforementioned cities. Due to the increased checkpoints, all citizens should have appropriate documents with them when driving. These documents include: driver’s license, vehicular registration, and proof of insurance. American citizens are also reminded that all vehicles should have license plates.
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Americans living or traveling in Ecuador are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Ecuador. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. Please see the following links for local warden message information in Quito and Guayaquil, respectively, http://ecuador.usembassy.gov and http://guayaquil.usconsulate.gov.
U.S. citizens should consult the Country Specific Information for Ecuador and the latest Travel Alerts and Warnings and Worldwide Caution at the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov. Updated information on travel and security in Ecuador may also be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States or by calling 1-202-501-4444 outside the United States.
The U.S. Embassy in Quito is located at Avigiras E12-170 y Eloy Alfaro. The telephone during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) is (011) 593 2 398 5000 X3800. Within the same city use the last seven digits. Add the city code for intercity telephone calls. See also the Embassy web site at http://ecuador.usembassy.gov. American Citizen walk-in hours are between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Thursday, excluding U.S. and Ecuadorian holidays.
The U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil is located at the corner of Avenida 9 de Octubre and Garcia Moreno (near the Hotel Oro Verde); telephone (011-593-4) 232-3570 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or 232-1152 for after-hours emergencies; fax (011-593-4) 232-0904. See the Consulate General web site at http://guayaquil.usconsulate.gov.
This email is UNCLASSIFIED