Breaking news, politics, economy, visas, safety, and lifestyle updates for expats living in Ecuador.
Authorities detained 16 people on San Cristobal after an operation near the Muelle de los Marinos. Police reported the seizure of boats, outboard motors, mobile phones and electronic devices in a fuel-trafficking investigation.
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.
Ecuador’s country-risk indicator closed at 386 basis points on June 12, the lowest level reported since September 30, 2014. The drop signals improved market confidence, though it does not immediately change day-to-day costs for residents.
Ecuador recorded 2,539 disappearance reports between January and April 2026, up 2.1% from the same period of 2025. Adolescents accounted for 1,289 cases, making them the largest reported age group.
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck near Macara, Loja, at 01:35 on June 13. The quake was felt in Loja, Azuay and El Oro, but national risk officials had not reported injuries or significant structural damage by the close of the source report.
An explosive attack damaged the Arcom building in central Machala on the night of June 12. The Environment and Energy Ministry said no injuries were reported and linked the attack to retaliation after 88 illegal-mining operations in El Oro.
BIESS has three mechanisms for affiliates, retirees and pensioners with pending mortgage obligations: refinancing, restructuring and novation. The options are designed to reduce late-interest pressure, protect credit history and avoid legal action tied to missed payments.
A heavy downpour on Thursday, June 11, flooded streets in Ibarra and Atuntaqui, with water rising above half a meter in some areas. In Cotacachi, farmers in Peribuela reported damaged corn and fruit crops after the storm and hail.
Quito's Property Registry says payment orders for 20 registry procedures and certificates can now be generated automatically in about 20 minutes. The same step previously took 24 to 48 hours, and payment orders are valid for eight days.
Guayaquil recorded 300 road deaths in 2025, a 15% increase from 2024, and 75% of those killed were pedestrians or motorcyclists. ATM data also tied 208 of the 300 deaths to speeding-related incidents.
Ecuador's customs service found 21 hidden iPhones in luggage from a passenger arriving from Panama at Guayaquil's airport. In a separate Quito airport case, customs also retained about 6,000 dental medical-device items including implants, ligatures and resins.
IESS says Teodoro Maldonado Carbo Hospital allocated $435,083 for medications and supplies, including antibiotics, neonatal respiratory supplies, suction hoses and Tocilizumab. For expats using IESS or watching the public system, this is a concrete supply update with named purchases and dollar amounts.
