The Australian Government has lowered its travel advice level for the Galapagos Islands, now advising Aussies to “Exercise normal safety precautions” in the Ecuadorian province.
“We’ve reviewed our travel advice for Ecuador and now advise exercise normal safety precautions on the Galapagos Islands,” the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) states on its Smartraveller website.
The Galapagos Islands have long been a favourite spot for nature lovers, and more recently, the destination has become a popular port for small-ship and expedition cruising, with many operators now calling into the islands.
However, for overall travel to Ecuador, of which the Galapagos Islands form a part, Aussie authorities “continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution” – DFAT’s second lowest advice level.
And “higher levels apply in some areas”.
“Ecuador is in a state of ‘internal armed conflict’ due to crime,” it states.
“A separate state of emergency is in effect in several provinces, and some districts are under curfew. The situation may change at short notice. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities.”
Meanwhile, DFAT advises Australians to “Reconsider your need to travel” to Sucumbios and Esmereldas provinces and Guayaquil City “due to the high level of gang-related crime and the threat of kidnapping”.
Elsewhere, the department urges Aussies to “not travel within 20km of the border with Colombia, except the official border crossing at Tulcan, due to the high risk of kidnapping and violent crime associated with drug-related criminal organisations”.
