Find essential emergency contacts, medical support details, and
British Embassy assistance for the Galapagos. This guide helps UK
travellers stay safe, act quickly, and handle urgent situations with
reliable, up-to-date information.
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A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting The Galapagos Islands — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.
• Ecuador enforces strict drug laws — possession, use or trafficking can lead to long prison sentences.
• Carrying weapons, including knives or sprays, without lawful reason is illegal.
• Alcohol restrictions apply in protected areas and on national-park land.
• Drink-driving laws are strict and enforced on all islands.
• Bringing illegal substances into the Galápagos is treated severely due to conservation concerns.
• The Galápagos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — environmental respect is mandatory.
• Littering, feeding wildlife or touching animals is prohibited.
• Public displays of affection are generally accepted but modesty is appreciated in rural communities.
• Vandalising natural or cultural property is a criminal offence.
• Respect rules set by park rangers at all times.
• Police or park officials may request identification — carry your passport or a copy.
• Petty theft can occur in ports and busy towns — stay aware.
• Avoid walking alone late at night in unlit areas of Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal.
• Protests or local strikes sometimes disrupt ferries — avoid involvement.
• Attempting to bribe officials is a criminal offence.
• All visitors require official entry cards and must pass quarantine inspections.
• Travelling between islands requires authorised boats — illegal transport is banned.
• Public ferries require valid tickets; missing manifests can result in fines.
• Overstaying tourist permits leads to fines or denied departure.
• Diving, hiking or entering restricted zones without a licensed guide is prohibited.
• Drone use is banned in most of the archipelago unless you have special permission.
• Photographing wildlife from too close or obstructing animal paths is prohibited.
• Do not take photos of restricted conservation areas or research zones.
• Flash photography may be banned around sensitive species.
• Removing stones, shells, sand, plants or any natural material is strictly illegal.
• Staying on marked trails is compulsory — off-trail walking damages fragile ecosystems.
• Swimming in unmarked or rough-sea areas can be dangerous.
• Lighting fires or barbecues is forbidden in national-park zones.
• Feeding marine or land wildlife is illegal.
• Damaging marine reserves, coral, volcanic formations or heritage sites is a criminal offence.
• Removing fossils or natural materials is strictly prohibited.
• Entering research stations or conservation labs without permission is not allowed.
• Buying wildlife products (e.g., shells, coral, tortoise-related items) is illegal.
These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels relaxed or acceptable in the UK may carry very different cultural or legal implications in Ecuador.
• Don’t touch, feed or get too close to wildlife, including iguanas, sea lions and giant tortoises — minimum distance rules are enforced for conservation.
• Don’t wander off marked paths on the islands, as fragile habitats can be damaged with just one step.
• Don’t remove sand, shells, stones or natural objects, as this disrupts the ecosystem and is illegal.
• Don’t use flash photography, which can disturb wildlife.
• Don’t ignore biosecurity checks, and always declare seeds, food or soil on shoes to protect the islands.
• Don’t litter, even minimally, as small waste items can harm wildlife.
• Don’t fly drones without official permission, since aerial equipment is largely banned.
• Don’t touch or lean on mangroves, cacti or volcanic formations, which are easily damaged.
• Don’t swim or snorkel too close to resting sea lions, which can be territorial.
• Don’t chase or surround marine animals, including rays and sharks — maintain calm movements.
• Don’t bring outside food onto sensitive islands, where crumbs attract invasive species.
• Don’t underestimate strong equatorial sun, even on cloudy days, and use reef-safe sunscreen only.
• Don’t step on or disturb nesting areas, especially for seabirds and turtles.
• Don’t stray away from your guide, as many areas are licensed-access only.
• Don’t buy souvenirs made from black coral, shells or lava rock, which are protected materials.
• Don’t ignore marine currents, which can be stronger than they appear when snorkelling.
• Don’t touch underwater creatures, even if they approach you — passive observation is essential.
• Don’t smoke except in designated areas, as cigarettes pose huge fire risks.
• Don’t bring plastic bags, which are restricted to help reduce pollution.
• Don’t assume Wi-Fi or phone signal will be available, especially on the more remote islands.
The British Embassy provides assistance to UK nationals, including help with passports, emergencies and consular enquiries.
There is no UK Embassy in the Galápagos Islands — services are provided via mainland Ecuador.
British Embassy Quito (Main Office — covers Galápagos)
Address: Av. de la República E2-34 y Av. Nuñez de Vela, Edificio Citiplaza, Quito, Ecuador
Telephone: +593 2 2970 800
Official website: https://www.gov.uk/world/ecuador
Honorary Consulate Guayaquil (Useful for onward travel and emergencies before/after visiting Galápagos.)
Full UK representation: https://www.gov.uk/world/ecuador
The image shown is for illustration only. Always rely on the address and contact details provided above when seeking embassy assistance.
Use the following numbers for police, fire and medical emergencies.
• General Emergency: 911
• Police (Policía Nacional): 911
• Fire Service: 102
• Medical Emergency / Ambulance: 131
• Coastguard / Maritime Rescue: 103
Tourist police and assistance lines can help visitors with safety concerns and local guidance.
• Tourist Police stations operate in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal) and other main islands.
• National Park rangers provide safety information and assistance on trails, beaches and conservation zones.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) – 24/7 Global Helpline
Keep this number stored in your phone and written down separately in case your mobile is lost or stolen.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides essential consular support to British nationals abroad. This includes help with lost or stolen passports, information on local laws and legal processes, and guidance during medical issues, crime, or major emergencies. When local circumstances make it difficult to reach a British Embassy or Consulate, travellers can also contact the FCDO’s 24/7 global helpline for immediate advice and support.
Contact your travel-insurance provider’s 24-hour emergency assistance line immediately in the event of illness, accident, serious injury or theft.
Honorary Consuls offer limited support in regions where the British Embassy is not present.
Where applicable, details are listed here: https://www.gov.uk/world/ecuador
This information explains how to access urgent medical help and emergency treatment.
GHIC/EHIC do not apply in Ecuador or the Galápagos. Full travel insurance with emergency evacuation cover is essential.
NHS GHIC information: https://www.nhs.uk/ghic
If you need medical help:
• Call 131 or 911 in emergencies.
• Clinics in Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal offer basic treatment; more serious issues require transport to mainland Ecuador.
• Carry your passport, insurance details and a payment method.
• Diving and marine activities require insurance that covers hyperbaric treatment.
Below is an overview of public and private healthcare services, including what travellers can expect when accessing medical care.
Medical care in the Galápagos is basic, with limited specialist facilities on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal. Serious or complex cases require evacuation by air or sea to mainland Ecuador, which can be costly without insurance. Due to the remote island setting, travellers should ensure their insurance covers evacuation, diving incidents, marine injuries and repatriation.
Follow these steps if your passport is lost or stolen, including how to apply for an Emergency Travel Document.
If Your Passport Is Lost Or Stolen
You may need passport photos, proof of travel plans and to pay a fee for the ETD.