Increasing unrest in Ecuador – particularly in Guayaquil – due to gang violence has claimed as many as 15 lives.
Ecuador’s president Daniel Noboa, who was elected in October on the promise to crack down on violent crime, declared a two-month state of emergency late on Monday after masked gunmen stormed a television studio.
Peru, meanwhile, has taken steps to avoid “subversive groups” crossing the border and also declared a state of emergency in the north.
The FCDO said: “You will notice an increased security presence and should comply with any local instructions, avoid crowds and monitor the situation closely, and take this into consideration whilst planning to travel to that region or cross the various land border checkpoints.”
The FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to Ecuador’s coastal region provinces – Esmeraldas, Manabi, Santa Elena, El Oro, Los Rios, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas and Guayas.
“This is due to a high level of gang-related violence linked to the presence of organised crime relating to the production and trafficking of illegal drugs,” the FCDO said.
“Tourists are not usually targeted; however, you could be a victim of violence due to mistaken identity or be caught up in a security incident involving others.”
The Foreign Office’s Ecuador advisory does not include passengers transiting through Guayaquil airport in Guayas province, with onward or return travel arrangements.
Guayaquil is the arrival point for guests sailing on Celebrity Cruises’ Galapagos-based ships.
Celebrity Cruises confirmed it would contact passengers booked on Galapagos sailings on Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Xploration and Celebrity Xpedition if any changes to their bookings need to be made.
A Celebrity spokesperson said: “We are aware of the political unrest in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority.
“Our global security teams are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Should any changes be necessary, impacted guests will be notified directly.”
