Planning travel to Quito? Speak with a security consultant.
Quito is the capital of Ecuador, situated at approximately 2,850 metres altitude in the Andes. It is the political and administrative centre of Ecuador and a significant base for NGO and development finance operations, oil sector activity, and regional corporate headquarters. Ecuador’s security environment has deteriorated significantly since 2022, driven by a surge in organised crime linked to narcotics trafficking, gang violence, and spillover from Colombian criminal organisations. The FCDO has elevated its Ecuador advisory substantially in response to this change.
FCDO and State Department advisory
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to several provinces of Ecuador including Esmeraldas, Manabi, Santa Elena, El Oro, Guayas (excluding Guayaquil city), and areas near the Colombian border. For Quito itself, the FCDO notes increased security incidents including kidnappings, shootings, and carjackings. The US State Department rates Ecuador at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Source: FCDO Ecuador travel advice (2026). US State Department Ecuador advisory Level 2 (2026).
The Ecuador security deterioration
Ecuador’s security environment changed rapidly from 2022 onwards, driven by narcotics-linked criminal organisations expanding from coastal port areas into urban centres including Quito. The January 2024 prison escapes and live-television studio attack marked a public escalation. The government declared an internal armed conflict and deployed the military. Quito’s city centre remains operational but the surrounding metropolitan area has seen an increase in violent crime, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
Sources: FCDO Ecuador travel advice (2026). US State Department Level 2 Ecuador advisory (2026). Ecuador National Police crime statistics (2025). For comparable operating environments, see our Bogota city briefing and Lima city briefing.
What are the main security threats in Quito?
Kidnapping and Express Kidnapping
Kidnapping in Ecuador has increased significantly since 2022, including express kidnapping (short-term abduction for immediate financial gain, typically forcing withdrawals from ATMs or bank accounts). The risk affects both Ecuadorian residents and foreign nationals. Criminal organisations with Colombian cartel links have expanded their operations into urban areas including Quito. Source: FCDO Ecuador travel advice (2026).
Armed Robbery and Carjacking
Armed robbery, carjacking, and vehicle hijacking have increased across Quito, particularly in peripheral and commercial districts. The combination of narcotics-linked organised crime and economic pressure has elevated the crime profile significantly since 2022. Source: FCDO Ecuador travel advice (2026); US State Department Ecuador advisory (2026).
Civil Unrest and Political Demonstrations
Ecuador has a history of significant civil unrest. Indigenous-led protests have blocked major highways including routes to Quito. The January 2024 security crisis and subsequent military operations produced significant disruption. Political demonstrations can occur with limited notice. Source: FCDO Ecuador travel advice (2026).
Vetted operators with direct experience in Quito
What security services are available in Quito?
Security Drivers
Vetted, licensed security drivers for airport transfers and in-city movement.
Bodyguard Hire
Close protection officers for senior principals and visiting executives.
Executive Protection
Structured EP programmes for principals with elevated risk profiles.
Risk Assessment
Pre-travel security assessment covering the current threat environment.
What are the rules for private security in Quito?
Key regulatory requirements for operating security services in Quito.
Firearms Policy
Under the Organic Law on Private Surveillance and Security 2024, armed services must meet the requirements set by the national defence authority (article 24). Only limited liability companies may be authorised to provide armed services (article 13).
Licensing
Private security companies need an operating permit (permiso de operación) from the national authority for citizen security, internal protection and public order, which is the only document that authorises the activity (Organic Law on Private Surveillance and Security, Registro Oficial 496, 9 February 2024, articles 21 and 38). The relevant National Police unit supports inspection and control. Personal protection is a defined service (article 18).
Foreign Operators
The Law requires a candidate for basic private security guard training to be Ecuadorian (article 50). It sets out no separate route for a foreign security company. International clients normally engage an Ecuadorian company holding a current operating permit. Take local legal advice before a foreign team carries out protective duties.
Sources, checked : Ley Orgánica de Vigilancia y Seguridad Privada, Registro Oficial 496, 9 February 2024 (gob.ec); Ley Orgánica de Vigilancia y Seguridad Privada, full text (gob.ec).
Which areas of Quito carry elevated risk?
Lower-Risk Areas
- La Mariscal and Gonzalez Suarez: Primary expatriate and diplomat residential zone in north Quito. International hotels, restaurants, and corporate offices. Best security infrastructure.
- Quito historic centre (La Ronda area during daylight): UNESCO World Heritage colonial centre. Active during daytime with security presence.
- Cumbaya: Eastern suburban valley with a large expatriate community. Lower crime profile than the city centre.
Elevated-Risk Areas
- La Marin and south Quito: Higher crime rates and gang activity. Not on standard corporate visitor itineraries.
- Night-time movement throughout the city: Crime increases significantly after dark across all districts.
- Areas around Quito bus terminals: High theft risk.
Deploying to Quito? Get a vetted close protection detail.
Request ConsultationWho do you call in an emergency in Quito?
Police Emergency
101
ECU 911 (combined emergency)
911
Hospital Metropolitano (best private facility)
+593 2 399 8000
British Embassy Quito
+593 2 397 2200
What travel advisories apply to Quito?
- Ecuador's security environment has deteriorated significantly since 2022. Kidnapping, armed robbery, and carjacking have all increased. All principals should implement a comprehensive security plan before and during any Quito visit. Source: FCDO Ecuador travel advice (2026); US State Department Level 2 advisory (2026).
- Do not use informal taxis or unverified ride-share drivers in Quito. Virtual kidnapping and express kidnapping have been facilitated through informal transport. Pre-booked vetted transport from trusted operators is the only acceptable standard.
- The altitude of Quito (approximately 2,850 metres) affects visitors arriving from sea level, causing altitude sickness symptoms including headache, nausea, and shortness of breath. Allow 24-48 hours of acclimatisation before conducting strenuous meetings or site visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Ecuador's security situation deteriorated?
Is Quito appropriate for standard corporate travel?
What medical facilities are available in Quito?
How does altitude affect security operations in Quito?
This page is published by CloseProtectionHire.com and written to editorial standards overseen by James Calloway, Senior Security Consultant (regulation, licensing, vetting and risk frameworks) and Marcus Webb, Security Operations Adviser (operational close protection, secure transport and city-specific safety).
Threat, regulatory and emergency information is sourced to named, dated authorities such as the FCDO, the US State Department and national licensing bodies. Last updated . See how we verify.