Logan Reed
As of May 2025, Ecuador's Ministry of Health requires all travellers arriving from Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to present proof of a yellow fever vaccination. This requirement has been introduced following a public health emergency and an outbreak of yellow fever in Ecuador's border regions. Additionally, travellers are advised to take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, Zika, and yellow fever, as well as other diseases like measles and diphtheria. It is recommended to consult official travel advice and a healthcare professional for specific vaccination and health requirements before visiting Ecuador.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Yellow Fever vaccination required | Yes, if arriving from Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda and have stayed in one of these countries for more than 10 days before entering Ecuador. Required for all nationalities. |
| Vaccination exemptions | Individuals over 59/60 years of age, under 1 year of age, or those with a medical exemption. |
| Other recommended vaccinations | Malaria, Rabies, Typhoid, Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Hepatitis A |
| Other health risks | Dengue, Zika, motor vehicle accidents, ferry accidents, pirate attacks, robbery, kidnapping |
| Other recommendations | Travel insurance, insect repellent, long-sleeved clothing, EPA-approved repellents (DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus), bed nets, travel medication in original packaging, entry/exit report from Ecuadorian immigration office |
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What You'll Learn
- Yellow fever vaccination is required for some travellers
- The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to arrival
- Malaria risk: take prescription medication for the duration of your trip
- Dengue fever: protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times of day
- Zika virus: there is no vaccine, so strict mosquito bite avoidance is necessary
Yellow fever vaccination is required for some travellers
Yellow fever is a common mosquito-borne disease in Ecuador. The CDC and WHO recommend getting a yellow fever vaccine if you are travelling to regions in Ecuador that are under 7,500 feet in elevation. This includes popular tourist destinations like the capital, Quito, and Guayaquil. Travellers are advised to receive the vaccine at least 10 days before arriving in the country.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving in Ecuador from Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Peru, or Uganda, and have stayed in one of these countries for more than 10 days before entering Ecuador. This requirement does not apply to anyone over 59 years of age, under 1 year of age, or anyone with a medical exemption.
Even if you are not arriving from these countries, it is still recommended that you get the yellow fever vaccine before travelling to Ecuador, especially if you plan to visit the Amazon region. This is because the risk of yellow fever transmission is higher in areas with a lot of mosquitoes and animal reservoirs.
In addition to yellow fever, there are other mosquito-borne diseases present in Ecuador, such as malaria, dengue, and Zika. Be sure to bring repellents and netting to protect yourself from mosquito bites. It is also recommended that you take antimalarials to protect yourself from infection. Speak with your travel health specialist to identify which antimalarial is best for your trip and medical history.
It is important to note that country entry requirements may change, so it is recommended that you contact a healthcare provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before your trip to get personalized health advice and information about any other vaccines that may be recommended or required for your trip to Ecuador.
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The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to arrival
As of May 12, 2025, Ecuador has implemented a new health entry requirement for travellers. All travellers arriving from Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo who have stayed in these countries for more than 10 days before entering Ecuador must present proof of a yellow fever vaccination. This requirement does not apply to individuals over a certain age (59 or 60 years), under 1 year of age, or those with a medical exemption. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to arrival in Ecuador.
The yellow fever vaccine is effective for life with a single dose, and previously issued certificates will be accepted. Travellers may be asked to present their vaccination certificate when boarding their flight, bus, or boat to Ecuador, and authorities may request it at the point of entry.
It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that travellers contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of their destination(s) to verify any additional entry requirements. Additionally, travellers should consult their doctors for recommendations concerning medication and lifestyle tips, especially when travelling to high-altitude destinations like Quito, which is 9,400 feet above sea level.
While the yellow fever vaccine is the only vaccine with an explicit minimum administration period before entering Ecuador, travellers should ensure that all other vaccinations are up to date as recommended by official health organizations, such as the CDC. For example, the CDC recommends that all international travellers be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Furthermore, travellers should be aware of other health risks in Ecuador that cannot be prevented by vaccines. Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, malaria, and chikungunya are present in the country, so it is crucial to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Rabies is also a concern, and pre-exposure rabies vaccination should be considered before travelling to Ecuador.
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Malaria risk: take prescription medication for the duration of your trip
There is no mandatory vaccination required to enter Ecuador. However, it is recommended that travellers get vaccinated for yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are arriving from Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Peru, or Uganda and have stayed in one of these countries for more than 10 days before entering Ecuador.
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine available for malaria. However, there are antimalarial medications that can help protect against infection. Atovaquone, doxycycline, mefloquine, and tafenoquine are recommended for travellers to Ecuador. It is important to speak with a travel health specialist to identify the best antimalarial medication for your specific needs and medical history.
Malaria risk is generally low throughout the year in areas below 1500m, including coastal provinces. There is no risk in Guayaquil, Quito, other cities in the inter-Andean region, and the Galapagos Islands. However, it is essential to take malaria precautions, especially if travelling to areas with a higher risk of malaria transmission.
Mosquitoes that spread malaria are most active at dawn and dusk. To protect yourself from mosquito bites, use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during peak mosquito hours. Sleep under a bed net and ensure your accommodation has screens on windows and doors.
If you develop a fever during or after your trip, seek medical attention promptly, as malaria can develop up to a year after exposure.
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Dengue fever: protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times of day
To enter Ecuador, you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. A visa is not required for stays under 90 days. According to some sources, you should be fully vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and have proof of yellow fever vaccination, especially if you are arriving from specific countries. Other recommended vaccinations include typhoid, hepatitis A, and rabies.
Dengue fever is one of the mosquito-borne diseases present in Ecuador. Dengue symptoms include a sudden onset of fever, headache, and severe joint, bone, and muscle pains. To protect yourself from dengue fever, it is essential to prevent mosquito bites at all times of the day. Here are some ways to protect yourself:
- Wear protective clothing: Choose loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants made of thicker materials like denim or khaki. Tuck your pants into your socks to protect your ankles.
- Use insect repellent: Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow the instructions on the product, and be careful not to apply insecticides directly to your skin.
- Choose the right accommodation: Stay in places with proper netting and screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
- Remove potential breeding grounds: Eliminate any sources of standing water near your accommodation, as female mosquitoes lay their eggs in still water.
- Use mosquito coils: As a last resort, hang mosquito coils that vaporize insecticides to repel or kill mosquitoes, but note that these are less effective in windy conditions.
By following these precautions, you can effectively reduce your risk of mosquito bites and protect yourself from dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases while in Ecuador.
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Zika virus: there is no vaccine, so strict mosquito bite avoidance is necessary
To enter Ecuador, you may need to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Peru, or Uganda and have stayed in one of these countries for more than 10 days. It is also recommended that you get vaccinated for rabies before your trip.
Ecuador is home to several mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue, Zika, and yellow fever. Zika is a mosquito-borne virus first identified in Uganda in 1947, and it has been present in South America since 2015. There is currently no vaccine available against Zika, so strict mosquito bite avoidance is necessary. The Aedes mosquito, which transmits the Zika virus, breeds in small collections of water near human settlements. They bite mostly during the day, and their bites can cause serious health issues, especially for pregnant women.
To avoid mosquito bites, it is recommended to cover exposed skin with clothing and wear EPA-registered insect repellent. Sleep indoors in a room with screens on the windows or under a mosquito bed net. It is also important to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by covering water storage containers and removing standing water. These precautions should be taken for at least three weeks after returning from a Zika-affected area to prevent the spread of the virus.
In addition to mosquito bite prevention, it is advised to use condoms or abstain from sex for at least two to three months after potential exposure to the Zika virus, as it can remain active in semen and vaginal fluids for an extended period. Pregnant women or those trying to conceive should be particularly cautious and may consider avoiding travel to Zika-affected areas.
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Frequently asked questions
As of May 12, 2025, all travellers arriving from Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, or Uganda, and who have stayed in one of these countries for more than 10 days before entering Ecuador, must present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. This requirement does not apply to individuals over 59/60 years of age, under 1 year of age, or those with a medical exemption.
The CDC recommends that all international travellers be fully vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. It is also recommended that you are up-to-date with all other vaccines recommended by the CDC. Rabies, malaria, dengue, and Zika are common in Ecuador, but there are currently no vaccines available for these diseases.
It is recommended that you consult with a healthcare professional to understand the wider health risks at your destination and take the necessary precautions. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers healthcare abroad, and check if there are any restrictions on travelling with medications.
