Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
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Ecuador’s customs agency is reminding travelers returning during the World Cup to review the personal-effects rules before flying home. The warning is practical: know what is tax-free before you reach airport controls.
A strong storm in Santo Domingo on the night of June 25 caused flooded homes and damage to educational and sports infrastructure. Emergency calls came after 23:00, with responders mobilized through ECU 911.
Ecuadorian authorities say five people were detained in an alleged migrant-trafficking network that operated in Guayas and Tungurahua. The case involves current and former Migration officials, real passports used with substituted identities, and alleged illegal fees of $5,000 to $8,000.
Ecuador opened registration on June 18 for public technological institutes and higher conservatories. The process runs through June 22, 2026, for applicants who completed the Registro Nacional and want to continue in the public technical education admissions process.
The SRI is applying stricter controls to IVA refund requests in 2026. Older adults can recover up to $144.60 per month, but invoices must use a cedula, be for personal consumption, and fit accepted categories such as food, clothing, health, education and construction.
Ecuador's Registro Civil will begin permanent Saturday service on June 20, 2026, at 14 agencies in 11 provinces. The special Saturday schedule runs from 08:00 to 17:00 and includes cedulas, passports, marriages, certificates and other regular civil-registry procedures.
Registro Civil users in Quito can handle several certificates fully online, while first cédulas and passports still require in-person biometrics or issuance steps. Online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Primicias reports a new Ministry of Education agreement opened debate over Saturday activities for public-school teachers. The ministry says the activities are voluntary and compensated with vacation days, while the UNE says the text is not clear.
Ecuador's National Assembly approved a new marine-coastal governance law on May 21. Expreso reports it creates tools to protect breaking waves, regulate maritime activities and catalog important surf zones.
Gunmen opened fire at a sports complex on Avenida 25 de Julio in southern Guayaquil, killing multiple people and wounding several others, including minors. The attack bears the hallmarks of gang violence and underscores why southern Guayaquil remains Ecuador's most dangerous urban zone.
Ecuador and Colombia have imposed tit-for-tat tariffs reaching 50% on hundreds of goods, putting approximately $2.8 billion in annual bilateral trade at risk. Colombia has also suspended electricity exports and faces retaliatory pipeline fee increases from Ecuador.
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.
