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Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026

Thursday, 22 January 2026

Questions (275)

John Lahart

John Lahart

John Lahart

Question:

275. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current travel advisory for Ecuador, with specific reference to the city of Quito given that the broad “avoid non-essential travel” warning results in Irish travellers being refused insurance coverage for transiting through Quito en route to the Galápagos Islands; if she will clarify the evidence supporting a blanket advisory for the entire country despite the UK and US providing more region-specific guidance; and the reason Irish citizens are subject to stricter advice than travellers from neighbouring jurisdictions, which places Irish travel businesses at a competitive disadvantage. [5198/26]

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Written answers

Helen McEntee

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department publishes advice for outward travel in respect of more than 200 countries and territories. The advice provides an objective assessment of the risks Irish citizens could face while travelling, working, or living overseas, with a view to helping them make informed decisions.

The Deputy will be aware that issues pertaining to insurance are a matter for Irish citizens and the relevant commercial providers.

On the Deputy’s specific concerns, my Department’s travel advice clearly states that it only applies to those intending to travel within Ecuador, not to airside transit in either the International Airport in Quito or Guayaquil Airport in Guayas Province, including for onward or return travel to the Galapagos Islands, which is considered safe.

The travel advice is based on consultations with our Embassy in Santiago, which is accredited to Ecuador, the relevant local authorities, and other partners, including those with a presence on the ground. As is the case with all travel advice, our guidance for Ecuador is regularly reviewed. The Deputy can find further information on my Department's travel advice and security ratings at this link: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/know-before-you-go/security-ratings/.

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