Summary

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is obtained before travelling to Ecuador. Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

For entry requirements for Ecuador, please contact the nearest Ecuadorian Embassy or Consulate. 

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

In the event that your passport is lost or stolen, obtaining a replacement passport can take several weeks, due to time and distance factors. Take all precautions necessary to keep your travel documents secure at all times.

Safety and Security

You are advised to be alert, avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, watch the news and keep in touch with events. Street demonstrations, protests and strikes are commonplace in Ecuador, and occasionally turn violent.

You are advised to be alert, avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, watch the news and keep in touch with events. Street demonstrations, protests and strikes are commonplace in Ecuador, and occasionally turn violent.

Although most visits to Ecuador are trouble-tree, crime is on the increase.  Violent crimes - including sexual assault, armed robbery, muggings and express kidnappings – are a continuing problem in Ecuador. To reduce the risk of being targeted you should avoid walking alone after dark, especially when leaving bars or nightclubs.  You should keep a close eye on your personal belongings at all times and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafes, overnight long-distance coaches, and train and bus stations. 

Crime by unregistered taxi drivers is also on the rise. If you require a taxi, please ensure that you only hail an authorised radio taxi (yellow cab); these taxis display their taxi registration sticker on the windscreen and doors and have licence plates.

Local Laws and Customs

Drug trafficking is a serious problem in Ecuador. Do not handle illicit drugs, and do not transport packages in your luggage back to Ireland for anyone, even if they are well known to you. Arrests for drug trafficking are common and conviction leads to severe penalties, including up to two years being held on remand prior to sentencing and lengthy prison sentences in harsh and dangerous conditions in Ecuadorian prisons.

Natural Disasters and Climate

Please be aware that Ecuador is in an earthquake zone and is also subject to volcanic eruptions. Travelers should check the website of the National Ecuadorian Geophysics Institute for the latest information.

The country has a very wide-ranging climate. The four main regions of the country are La Sierra (Highlands), La Costa (Coastal Lowlands), El Oriente (Amazon region) and the Galapagos Islands and each of them has different temperatures, climates and seasons.

La Sierra (Highlands) has cooler weather and temperatures change with altitude. In the Andes, the climate changes according to the elevation and the period of the year. The temperature in Quito at night is 7ºC, 26ºC at midday; the average temperature is around 16ºC. La Costa's (Coastal lowlands) climate is normally very warm with an average temperature of 25ºC to 31ºC throughout the year. The rainy season is from December to May which is warm and very humid. The dry season is slightly humid. The climate in Piedra Blanca (settled between the upland and lowlands) is very pleasant. El Oriente (Amazon region) usually has a warm, rainy and humid climate. Average daylight temperature varies from 23ºC to 25ºC. The Galapagos Islands experience warm and dry climate which continue throughout the year, 28º C is the average temperature.

The required attire in the upland areas is warmer clothes. In subtropical areas, lightweight natural fabrics are recommended.

Additional Country Info

Driving and road standards are variable in Ecuador.  You are advised to exercise caution if traveling by road outside the major cities, including by public transport.

Malaria is a risk in most of Ecuador. You are advised to take medical advice on anti-malarial medication prior to travel, and to take adequate precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes.

Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region. Take precautions against being bitten by dengue-carrying mosquitoes, which are active throughout the day.

Altitude sickness can also present problems, especially in Quito which is located 2800 metres above sea level. You should seek medical advice on the risks of altitude sickness before traveling to Ecuador.

Tap water is considered unsafe to drink unless it is first filtered or boiled. Bottled drinking water is available.

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS 

The Department of Foreign Affairs does not have a resident Mission for Ecuador.  In case of emergency, the Honorary Consulate may be contacted at: 

Honorary Consul of Ireland
Yanacocha N72-64 y Juan Procel
Quito
Ecuador

Tel: 005932 3570156.

E-Mail: dominiquekennedy@gmail.com 

You may also contact the Embassy of Ireland in Buenos Aires at:

Embassy of Ireland
Edificio Bluesky
6th Floor
Avenida del Libertador 1068
Recoleta
Buenos Aires
Argentina

Tel:  00 54 11 5787 0801 

E-mail: buenosairesembassy@dfa.ie

You are also advised to read our “Before You Go” and “Stay Safe Abroad” sections before travelling abroad. 

Please note: In countries where the Department of Foreign Affairs does not have a resident Mission, consular assistance can be provided by another EU Mission.