Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
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Over 2,000 people detained in 9 days. The penalty for violating curfew is up to 3 years in prison. Here's what every resident needs to know about the enforcement, exceptions, and your rights.
Ecuador's Instituto Geofísico recorded three earthquakes in a 14-hour window across April 20-21, including a 5.2 magnitude quake centered near Cotacachi felt in nine provinces. No damage has been reported. A good moment to review preparedness.
Three Ecuadorian nationals are among the first group of 15 migrants sent from the United States to the Democratic Republic of Congo, arriving in Kinshasa on April 17, 2026. Ecuador's Foreign Ministry confirms they are housed in a hotel 'in good condition.' The arrangement is described as temporary, with permits lasting 6 to 12 months.
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake hit 55 km east of Santa Elena early Saturday morning, April 4. The tremor was felt across six provinces including Guayas, but caused no structural damage, injuries, or tsunami alert. Here's what happened and what expats on the coast should know.
President Noboa signed Decreto 353 on April 2, declaring a 60-day state of exception across nine provinces and four cantons. Warrantless searches are now legal in affected areas, though no curfew has been imposed. Expats in Pichincha, Guayas, Manabi, and other covered provinces should understand what rights have been suspended.
Ecuador's online-only visa system, mandatory since December 15, 2025, has pushed processing times to 4-5 months across most visa categories. Pensioner and Rentista visas now require $1,458/month in income, Digital Nomad $1,446/month, and Investment visas $48,200 in capital. Paper applications are no longer accepted.
President Noboa signed Decree 353 on April 2, declaring a 60-day state of emergency across 9 provinces and 4 additional cantons. Unlike the previous emergency that ended March 30, this renewal does not include a curfew -- but it does authorize police raids and suspends home inviolability in affected areas.
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck off Ecuador's coast near Santa Elena and Guayas early Saturday morning, April 4. The quake was felt across 6 provinces but caused no damage, injuries, or tsunami alert. It follows a 4.1 magnitude tremor near Loja on April 2.
Ecuador's Semana Santa holiday runs April 3-5 with Good Friday as a national holiday. Banks and government offices close, IVA drops to 8% for tourism, and major processions take place across Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, and Riobamba. Here's your practical guide.
A magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck near the Ecuador-Peru border at 3:30 AM on April 2, with an epicenter 44.91 km from Macara in Loja province at a depth of 63 km. No damage or injuries have been reported.
Ecuador's Registro Civil has extended walk-in service for cedulas and passports through July 31, 2026. No online appointment is needed. All agencies operate Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Cedula costs range from $5 for first issuance to $16 for renewal.
Ecuador has imposed an 11pm-to-5am curfew in four coastal provinces — Guayas, Los Rios, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, and El Oro — as part of the ongoing state of emergency. The restriction runs through at least March 30, 2026.
