Security Status
- Normal precautions
- High degree of caution
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Do not travel
- Overview
- Safety and Security
- Local Laws and Customs
- Natural Disasters and Climate
- Additional Information
- Embassy Contact
Overview
Overview
Overview
Ecuador is situated in an area prone to seismic activity. There is increased risk of earthquakes, and other natural disasters. You should make yourself familiar with evacuation procedures in whatever area of the country you are in, and in case of emergency, follow the advice of the local authorities.
Security status
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution.
Latest travel alerts
There is currently an outbreak of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Irish Citizens are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) at http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Vectorborne/Zika/.
Emergency assistance
The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.
We suggest you learn as much as you can about Ecuador before your trip from travel agents, tour operators and guide books. The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems when you’re in Ecuador, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.
You can contact the emergency series in Ecuador by dialling (911).
There is no Irish Embassy in this country, we’re limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Honorary Consul of Ireland in Quito, Ecuador or the Irish Embassy in Buenos Aires in Argentina.
If you phone outside of working hours, leave us a message giving:
- Your name
- The nature of your problem
- Where you are now
- Your contact details (mobile phone number or phone number of where you’re staying)
We regularly monitor these messages and one of our staff members will be in contact with you.
EU Directive on Consular Protection
Under the EU Consular Protection Directive, Irish nationals may seek assistance from the Embassy or Consulate of any other EU member state in a country where there is no Irish Embassy or permanent representation.
Our tips for Safe Travels:
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance which covers all your intended activities.
- Add an alert for your destination within the Travelwise App.
- Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
- Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
- Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.
Safety and Security
Safety and Security
Safety and security
Crime
Crime can be an issue in Ecuador and you should take sensible precautions.
There is a continuing risk of violent crimes against foreign nationals with reports of European nationals being attacked, robbed and sexually assaulted. The area of La Mariscal, popular with tourists, can be particularly dangerous.
You should remain extremely vigilant and cautious about your surroundings whilst travelling around Ecuador, especially on arrival in the country.
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.
Interstate travel is dangerous, with an increase in robberies at bus stations. We advise against travelling at night.
The Northern border with Colombia has a higher crime rate, including kidnappings, than the rest of the country, and we advise against all travel to this region.
Local Laws and Customs
Local Laws and Customs
Local laws and customs
Illegal Drugs
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
Natural Disasters and Climate
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.
Climate
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.
Additional Information
Additional Information
Additional information
Entry requirements (visa/passport)
If you are unsure of the entry requirements for this country, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the country’s nearest Embassy or Consulate.
You can also check with them how long your passport must be valid for.
Passports
It’s 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.
Health
Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling (8 weeks)to see if you need any vaccinations for Ecuador.
Dengue Fever
Ecuador is a risk country for dengue fever transmission. Take precautions against being bitten by dengue-carrying mosquitoes, which are active throughout the day.
Malaria
Malaria risk is present throughout most of the country. You should discuss anti-malarial treatment with your doctor before you travel, and take adequate precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes.
Altitude Sickness
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.
Embassy contact
Embassy Contact
Outside office hours, for genuine emergencies involving Irish citizens, which cannot wait until the next working day, please call +54 9 11 5945 7483.
Embassy of Ireland
Edificio Bluesky
6th Floor
Avenida del Libertador 1068
Recoleta
Buenos Aires
Argentina
Tel: +54 11 5787 0801
Fax: +54 11 5787 0802
Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm
Honorary Consulate Contact
Ms. Dominique Kennedy,
Honorary Consul of Ireland,
Edificio Site Center,
Calle del Establo #50
Torre III, Of. 104
Urb. Santa Lucía Alta, Cumbaya
Quito
Ecuador
Tel: + 593 2 3801 345
Fax: + 593 2 2494 251
10:00 - 13:00
Email: Email us
Get travel and medical insurance
From 1 May 2018 it will be mandatory for tourists to carry valid health insurance. The Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
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