Ecuador
This page contains the main health risks for travellers and general recommendations. Travel conditions are different for everyone and each patient's health condition varies. Discuss your trip during a travel consultation with your doctor or in a travel clinic, preferably six to eight weeks before departure.
Check the current security situation on the federal government website.
Important health risks
Malaria
The malaria risk is:
- moderate n the regions below 1500 m in some areas in the Amazon basin, including national park Yasuni. We recommend the use of mosquito-repellent measures from dusk till morning. For people with an increased risk, we sometimes recommend preventive malaria tablets, or taking an emergency treatment with you.
- low in the remaining areas below 1500 m, islands Puna and Mondragon. We recommend the use of mosquito-repellent measures from dusk till morning.
There is no malaria risk in Quito, Guayaquil and Galapagos Islands.
In case of fever during or after your journey, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.
Yellow fever
There is a risk of yellow fever east of the Andes: Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbios and Zamora-Chinchipe.
The risk of yellow fever is low west of the Andes, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Los Rios, Santa Helena, Santa Domingo de los Tsachilas and designated areas of Azuay, Bolivar, Canar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Imbabura, Loja, Pinchincha and Tungurahua.
There is no risk of yellow fever in the areas above 2300m, nor in the cities Guayaquil, Quito nor at the Galapagos islands.
Other insect-borne diseases
Insects can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, zika, leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.
Protect yourself against insects.
Ticks
Ticks can transmit diseases.
Rabies
Dogs and other mammals can be infected with rabies.
Altitude sickness
You may experience altitude sickness in areas above 2500 metres.
COVID-19
Take a look at the general preventive measures related to COVID-19.
- Carefully read the entry conditions and local measures of this country.
Other frequent health risks while travelling
Read these tips before you leave.
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers from the age of one year.
In addition, vaccination is compulsory if you have been in a country where yellow fever may be present during the last six days, even if you are in transit through an airport (see map). This does not apply to the Galapagos Islands.
This vaccination must be administered at least ten days prior to arrival by an official yellow fever vaccination centre and must be registered in an International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers.
Update of basic vaccinations
Other vaccinations
Discuss with your doctor whether one of the following vaccinations is recommended for you: