Ecuador travel guide for Britons

UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist visits up to 90 days. Apply for a visa only if you intend to stay longer, work, study or volunteer.

A valid UK passport (at least six months beyond your intended departure) is required. No visa is needed for stays of 90 days or less. A return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds (≈ USD 100 per day) may be asked at the border.

The British Embassy is in Quito. Address: Av. Amazonas N34‑115, Quito. Phone: +593 2 254 9700. Email: [email protected]. The consular section can help with lost passports, emergencies and notarial services.

Accommodation: hostels £10‑£20 per night; mid‑range hotels £40‑£80; upscale £120+. Meals: street food £3‑£6, restaurant £12‑£25. Internal flights (Quito‑Galápagos) £250‑£350. National park entry (Galápagos) £100 per day. Budget for a 10‑day trip: £1,200‑£1,800.

Direct flights to Quito are not available; typical routes connect via Madrid or Amsterdam. Total travel time from London to Quito is 15‑18 hours including layover. From Quito to the Galápagos, a 2‑hour domestic flight departs daily.

Ecuador uses Type A and B plugs, the same as the United States (120 V, 60 Hz). UK travellers will need a plug adapter; voltage converters are not required for most low‑power devices.

A 10 % service charge is often added to restaurant bills; if not, leaving a 10 % tip is customary. For guides, drivers and hotel staff, small cash tips (£1‑£3) are appreciated.

Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance on the mainland; 911 also works in the Galápagos. The UK Foreign Office travel advice (check) recommends standard precautions in urban areas and keeping valuables secure.