UK tourists have been warned by the Foreign Office to expect "curfews" in South America. The Foreign Office has warned British holidaymakers and tourists who are heading out of the European Union over the prospect of strict rules. Britons have been given new guidance on visiting South America and t he UK Government has given a warning to anyone thinking of visiting Ecuador.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) told UK tourists: "A 60-day state of emergency (SOE) was declared on May 22 due to armed violence and extended for a further 60 days on July 2. "The SOE currently applies to the following provinces: Guayas, El Oro, Santa Elena, Manabí, Orellana and Los Ríos. The SOE allows the military and police to seize assets, conduct inspections and enter private properties without permission.
READ MORE UK given 'exact date' of 'final' 30C day of year in one last heatwave "There are additional restrictions on the freedoms of association and assembly and the police and armed forces are permitted to break up gatherings in public spaces." UK tourists were told that "on August 8, curfew hours (10pm until 5am) were announced, until further notice" for several districts (cantons). Districts with curfew hours include the Azuay province (Camilo Ponce Enríquez) as well as the Los Ríos province, from Baba and Babahoyo to Buena Fe, Mocache, Montalvo and Palenque.
Pueblo Viejo, Quevedo, Quinsaloma, Urdaneta and Valencia were also listed. Ventanas and Vinces completed the list. Guayas province was also affected - from Balao and Durán to Parroquia Tenguel del canton Guayaquil.
Orellana province was also listed - from La Joya de los Sachas Puerto Francisco De Orellana to Loreto. Holidaymakers were warned: "Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice." Ecuador is a beautiful travel destination in South America but the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border too.
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