*** Updated on 18 September: see para 7***
CURRENT SITUATION
- This vulnerability assessment provides actionable intelligence for travel to Ecuador. Two findings are identified up front: a high crime rate as well as the presence of health hazards which will be evaluated in detail. Upon arrival register at the nearest Embassy or consulate and exchange contact information. Always leave an updated itinerary with a third party of trust as well as pertinent related information. Safe keep your passport and make copies for re-issue in case of loss. Avoid travel to areas bordering Columbia and Peru. Enjoy your worry free vacation!ASSESSMENT OF THREAT & RISK FACTORS
- Government/security forces: The National Police of Ecuador as well as other security agencies have the reputation for being corrupt and have been accused of human rights violations. For example illegal arrests and detention, physical abuses toward journalists and demands for bribes have been witnessed. Travellers should be reminded that since tourism is a minor but growing contributor to the national economy, the likelihood of tourists being targeted is unlikely. Areas of high tourism usually enjoy a good police presence. To contact the National Police countrywide dial 101. Quito tourist police dial 02-2543-983. Always inform your nearest Embassy or consulate if experiencing legal problems. The vulnerability factors to tourists associated from government or security forces is assessed as LOW. (See annexes A and B for full definitions).
Our recommendations: Use common sense. Abide to all laws and directives from local authorities as warranted. - Kidnappings: Kidnappings targeting tourists is a concern. Express kidnappings (a method of abduction that is used to obtain small amounts of money by driving the victim from one ATM to another to withdraw the victim’s account limit) are becoming more frequent. This type of crime is often reported for Guayaquil. Instances of kidnappings in tourist areas are of less concern. The vulnerability factors to tourists associated with kidnappings are assessed as LOW.Our recommendations: Do not show obvious signs of affluence when in public; avoid wearing watches, jewellery or finer type clothing. Do not openly handle money. Remain in groups when practical and maintain a low profile while enjoying your stay.
- Crime: Petty crimes are common in urban areas. Thefts have been reported in resorts. As an example never openly display your cell phone as “snatch and run” crimes are reported. Thefts from hotel rooms have occurred. Violent crimes against tourists and locals alike such as homicides, armed assaults, robberies, sexual assaults, and home invasions are reported. Gangs and organized crime groups are present in the country. Although there has been an increase in violent crimes and homicides, tourist resorts are less likely to be targeted. Be aware that little is done by law enforcement to recover stolen goods or to resolve actual crimes. The vulnerability factors associated from kidnappings are assessed as MEDIUM.Our recommendations: Be situationally aware of your surroundings. Do not leave any of your personal belongings unattended. Avoid showing signs of affluence. You are advised against public transportation and being alone especially after sun dawn. Do not offer opportunities to become a victim of crime; consult our booklet for appropriate courses of action.
- Biases: There have been reports of discrimination and abuses based on sexual orientation, gender and race. We remind travellers that local culture, religious and social perceptions, opinions and sensitivities can differ from what is accustomed in many western countries. Assaults and altercations, albeit rare, have been reported. The vulnerability factors associated from biases towards tourists are assessed as LOW.Our recommendations: Some behaviour reconsiderations may be judicious when necessary.
- Terrorism/Insurgencies: With the exception of areas near the Columbian border, our extensive research indicates that there are no known terrorist groups operating in Ecuador. Insurgent groups have been identified. These groups have political motives and are highly unlikely to target westerners. There have been no terrorist or armed insurgent acts reported in the past year; however two probable insurgent events were recorded against governmental infrastructure in 2011. The vulnerability factors associated from terrorism or insurgencies to tourists are assessed as NO RECOGNIZED THREATS.
- Civil unrest/violent protests: Protests are part of Ecuadorian life as students, indigenous groups as well as unions constitute the usual groups that demonstrate from time to time against government institutions, usually within urban areas, especially Quito. Gatherings can be hasty and it is possible to get caught in a crowd without warning. In rural areas, road blocks appear to be the norm. Tourists are unlikely to be directly affected but are likely at risk if in the vicinity of large and sudden crowd gatherings. It cannot be discounted that such unrest/protests occur in areas popular with tourists due to the fact that governmental agencies are unlikely to be present. As of early September, anti-government demonstrations are likely to increase nationwide with the potential for mounting violence. The vulnerability factors associated from civil unrest and violent protests to tourists are assessed as LOW at this time but can elevate to MEDIUM if anti-government protests persist.
Our recommendations: Even though it may be difficult, leave the immediate vicinity of sudden crowd gatherings as acts of violence can suddenly arise. Be proactive and ask your hotel or resort staff for any scheduled demonstrations for where you will be.
ASSESSMENT OF HAZARDS
- Health: Many prevalent diseases are present in Ecuador such as tuberculosis and malaria. Air pollution is a concern in the larger cities. Local food, water supplies may be contaminated. Poor sanitation exist and is not at western standards. The hazard factors associated from health and diseases to tourists are assessed as MEDIUM.Our recommendations: Ensure you do consult with your local vaccination clinic for all required immunization prior to travel. If ill, do seek medical care in Quito or Guayaquil as they have higher standards for services. Better yet, go to private clinics. Common sense practices such as drinking from sealed bottles and to avoid consuming ice are prescribed. Purchase medical insurance prior to departure and inquire about the policy limitations.
- Risks from climate: Ecuador, as a relatively small country and does have three distinct climatic regions. The east and west sides of the country have higher humidity factors characterised by their tropical climates while the central Andean region experiences colder temperatures. There is a rainy season that extends from November usually until May. The hazard factors associated from climactic issues to tourists are assessed as LOW.Our recommendations: Dress properly for travel to higher altitude. Do note that there are important temperature differences between the cities of Guayaquil and Quito.
- Topography: Visitors can easily be affected by altitude sickness, a serious ailment and it is rather difficult to pin point exact symptoms. Quito sits at 2800m (9400’) above sea level while Guayaquil being a port city by the Pacific Ocean offers better opportunities. Among other topographical features, volcanoes are mainly situated along the Andes and many are active. Earthquakes have occurred, the most recent reported in 2010 at 7,1 on the Richter scale. Other reported natural disasters include floods, landslides and periods of drought. The hazard factors associated from topographical issues to tourists are assessed as LOW.Our recommendations: Tourists from low altitude countries should avoid the higher altitudes or at least progressively elevate. Do consult your doctor prior to departure if you have health limitations.
- Infrastructure: Traffic laws are similar to those in Canada but are often not respected. Outside major towns, road quality varies. Telecommunications and internet services are modest but usually reliable. The hazard factors associated from infrastructure are assessed as NO RECOGNIZED HAZARD.VULNERABILITY FACTORS AT A GLANCE
|
VULNERABILITY
FACTORS
|
ASSESSMENT
|
|
GOVERNMENT/SECURITY
FORCES
|
LOW
|
|
KIDNAPPINGS
|
LOW
|
|
CRIMES
& GANGS
|
MEDIUM
|
|
BIASES
|
LOW
|
|
TERRORISM/INSURGENCY
|
NO RECOGNIZED THREAT
|
|
CIVIL
UNREST/VIOLENT PROTESTS
|
LOW
|
|
HAZARDS
|
ASSESMENT
|
|
HEALTH
& DISEASES
|
MEDIUM
|
|
CLIMATE
RISKS
|
LOW
|
|
TOPOGRAPHY
|
LOW
|
|
INFRASTRUCTURE
|
NO RECOGNIZED HAZARD
|
Note: We
will send you daily e-mails for update reports. PAR-SEC Consulting wishes you a
memorable & worry free trip!
Annex A – Threat and
Operational Hazard Definitions
Vulnerability Factors
Definitions
NO RECOGNIZED THREAT:
No imminent
threats have been identified.
LOW: Possible hostile intent.
Although it may occur, threats are
mitigated if certain precautions are taken. Risk is assessed at less than
25%.
MEDIUM: Incentive to carry out hostile intent. This
is based on one or more indicators such as opportunity to act. Review our
recommendations. Risk is 50%.
HIGH: High likelihood to commit a hostile act. The
associated undertaking is to be avoided. This is based on
the current assessment of the vulnerability factor. Risk is higher than 75%.
Hazard Definitions
NO RECOGNIZED HAZARD:
No hazard
has been identified.
LOW: The hazard posed by
the mentioned factor is greater than
in Canada. Serious illness, injury, death are moderately more likely.
Precautionary measures may be necessary.
MEDIUM: The hazard posed by
the mentioned factor is such that serious disease, injuries, fatalities are probable and the chances of
surviving injuries are less than in Canada. Precautionary measures are necessary.
HIGH: The hazard posed by
the mentioned factor is such that serious disease, injury or fatality is/are extreme. Prolonged exposure will
result in serious injury/illness and/or fatality and this hazard is to be avoided based on the indicators
for the assessment.
Annex B – Terminology
Our definitions & associated key words
Government Forces: Military, Police,
para-military members. Uniformed or not. Bribes, corruption, unreliability,
illegal arrest or detainment.
Kidnappings: Actual acts reported,
known areas renowned for and opportunities for.
Crimes: Crimes against
persons to include assault, robbery, carjacking, rape, murder, crimes of
opportunity and by profiling. Crimes against property to include burglary,
identity theft, larceny, auto theft, carjacking, cyber scams.
Gangs: Crimes that include
multiple perpetrators, access to prostitution, bribery, extortion, and
blackmailing.
Terrorism/Insurgency:
Areas
with history of acts, presence of, popular or perceived support for.
Biases: How will the
traveller(s) be perceived in host country. Vulnerabilities may include one or a
combination of the following; race, religion, ethnic background, language(s)
spoken, skin color, gender, sexual orientation, mixed-race couple, past visas
in passport(s), political affiliation, financial status, nationality, employer,
etc.
References:
http://travel.state.gov/
https://www.gov.uk/
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook.html
https://www.osac.gov/
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/
www.southamericaliving.com
http://www.who.int/
https://www.google.ca/
Two confidential sources intentionally omitted.
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