Galapagos Entry Requirements & Travel Restrictions – Guide to Galapagos Safety

With decades of experience we will help you navigate Galapagos entry requirements and travel restrictions. Book safely with the confidence that comes from experience.

Overview of Bartolome Island in the Galapagos Islands showing Pinnacle Rock and other hills, cliffs and beaches.

If you are planning travel to Galapagos we have compiled a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about Galapagos entry requirements, travel restrictions, and safety in the Galapagos Islands. Up to date information and expert advice to help you plan and book a safe trip to the Galapagos. Galapagos National Park entrance fees have been updated. New fees will take effect on August 1, 2024. Details below. IN THIS POST – Galapagos Travel Restrictions, Entry Requirements & Safety
Galapagos National Park Fees Update
Latest Galapagos Safety Updates
Can You Visit the Galapagos Islands?
Ecuador Travel Restrictions
Galapagos Entry Requirements
Are the Galapagos Safe?
Galapagos Safety Tips
COVID in Galapagos
Health Advice
Private Charter Options

Travelers walking on a covered walkway at the Galapagos airport.

STAY UP-TO-DATE Keep on top of
Galapagos travel updates.

LATEST NEWS – Galapagos National Park Fee Adjustment

$200 – Foreign visitors over 12 years old
$100 – Foreign visitors 12 years old and under
$50 – Foreign students registered at an Ecuadorian school
Free – Foreign visitors under 2 years old

This change was announced on February 26, 2024 by the Governing Council of the Galapagos Islands. Read the press release.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, “This resolution represents a significant step towards aligning the needs of the local community with crucial environmental preservation efforts. These funds will be directly channeled into conservation initiatives, infrastructure upgrades and community programs aimed at mitigating tourism’s ecological footprint on the islands.”

The entry fee to the National Park has not increased since 1998 when it was fixed at $100 for foreign visitors. It’s important to note that the fees generated by visitors fund not only the Galapagos National Park’s management, but also government agencies and local municipal governments. The Galapagos Biosafety and Quarantine Regulation and Control Agency, for example, plays a key role in keeping invasive species out of the archipelago, and controlling species which manage to get through their screening measures.

Read more about why we, as a member of IGTOA (the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association), support the Galapagos park fee increase.

Can You Visit the Galapagos Islands?

Yes, the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador are open to tourists. Flights, cruises and tours are operating.

Ecuador is open to travel. Entry is open to citizens of the United States, Canada, Europe and most other countries. Virtually all tourism in Ecuador is available. Ecuador has lifted all vaccination and testing requirements.

VIEW ALL GALAPAGOS
TRIPS & CRUISES

See the full list of itineraries on land and by ship.

Ecuador Travel Requirements

Before arriving to the Galapagos Islands all travelers must travel through mainland Ecuador. See our post on how to get to the Galapagos Islands. Therefore, we have outlined Ecuador’s entry requirements.

Ecuador Travel Requirements

All international travelers arriving in Ecuador must show a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the dates of travel.

A visa is not required for travelers from the United States, Canada and most European countries for visits up to 90 days. Travel for more than 90 days requires a visa. Visas are required for travelers from some Asian, Central American. Middle Eastern and Eastern European countries. Check with your local immigration office or the Ecuadorian consulate for exact visa requirements.

As of February 18, 2023, the Ecuadorian government has removed all COVID related travel restrictions. Only travelers arriving with symptoms (high temperature, cough, general malaise, loss of smell or taste, or skin rash) must fill out a Health Status Declaration Form. The declaration is available on the Ministry of Public Health Website. For travelers unable to submit this digitally, a physical form may be submitted, download it here. Travelers who fill out the digital form are not required to present a physical form.

Galapagos Islands Entry Requirements

Travelers flying from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands are subject to the following entry requirements. The provincial government updated Galapagos entry requirements on February 27, 2024.

Passport – Travelers must present a passport valid for at least six months after the dates of travel.
Park Fees – All travelers arriving in the islands must pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee. The fee of $200 for adults and $100 for children under 12 years old must be paid in cash. Travelers booked with AdventureSmith pay this fee in advance so no need to carry extra cash.
TCT Card – Travelers are required to obtain a TCT Transit Control Card (tarjeta de control de transito in Spanish). Also known as the INGALA card, this measure of immigration control to the islands costs $20. The card is issued in Quito or Guayaquil at a special desk in the terminal prior to checking in for Galapagos flights. TCT can be completed in advance online. Similarly, AdventureSmith travels pay in advance and the TCT is provided prior to boarding your flight to the Galapagos.
Luggage Inspection – Upon arrival in the Galapagos your bags will be inspected. In addition to standard arrival safety screening authorities will inspect for invasive species and seeds which are harmful to the island’s delicate ecosystems. Travelers will walk across a sanitizing footbath to disinfect shoes and luggage, including carry on luggage, may be sprayed with a disinfectant.
Medical Insurance – Legally, proof of medical insurance is required upon arrival in the Galapagos Islands. This regulation is rarely enforced, but we advise travelers to have travel insurance or proof of medical insurance, just in case.
Immunizations – At this time there are no required immunizations for travel to the Galapagos.

Galapagos Travel Restrictions

There are currently no travel restrictions to the Galapagos Islands. Ecuador has eliminated all COVID entry requirements for the Galapagos Islands. Due to their isolation and limited medical facilities, the island province may implement its own Galapagos travel restrictions in addition to any Ecuador entry requirements.

A male traveler in a hat kneels beside a Galapagos giant tortoise in bright green grass

CONNECT WITH A
GALAPAGOS SPECIALIST

You’ve got questions.
We’ve got answers.

Are the Galapagos Islands Safe for Travel?

Yes, the Galapagos Islands are arguably among the safest travel destinations in the world. Tourism supports about 80% of the Galapagos economy, so authorities have a vested interest in keeping travelers safe. Likewise, the National Park has extensive regulations to protect travelers and the environment.

Galapagos Travel Safety Tips

Our experts share their tips for staying safe while traveling in the Galapagos Islands:

Sun Protection – Sunburn and dehydration are the biggest health threats in the Galapagos. Use strong sunscreen frequently and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Seasickness – Wind can cause rough seas so take precautions to prevent seasickness before it occurs. See our posts on Galapagos ocean conditions and how to prevent & treat seasickness on cruises.
Excursions – Stay on designated trails and follow the instructions of your guide. This is for your safety and that of Galapagos wildlife. Stay at least 6 feet away from wildlife, even if they approach you.
Swimming & Snorkeling – Wear a life jacket or flotation device when needed. Listen to your guide. Take the arm of your crew when transferring into the panga and onto shore. Don’t touch coral reef or aquatic animals.
Safety in town – Communities in the Galapagos are small and isolated. As such they are generally quite safe. Take precautions to secure valuables as you would in any foreign city or country. Don’t walk alone late at night.
Cruise safety – The best way to ensure that vessels meet safety standards is to book with a reputable operator like AdventureSmith Explorations. If booking direct verify that the vessel is licensed to operate in the Galapagos Islands, meets international safety standards, carries necessary emergency equipment and adheres to established regulations. Galapagos cruises are highly regulated, but there are unscrupulous operators out there.

AdventureSmth travelers are provided with an extensive pre-trip dossier to prepare them for their journey. Included is information on entry requirements, traveler safety, weather and wildlife, national park rules, ocean conditions, what to expect upon arrival and more. In addition our experts will answer your questions about Galapagos safety and entry requirements. We are here to help you prepare and make the most of your Galapagos adventure.

COVID in the Galapagos Islands

COVID-19 hit hard in the Galapagos Islands. Early on in the pandemic Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands were completely shut down. Like the rest of the world the Galapagos have learned to live with COVID. Effective October 2022 all COVID-19 entry requirements and travel restrictions have been lifted.

Certain protocols instituted during the pandemic remain. For instance travelers arriving into Ecuador with obvious signs of fever or illness will be asked to complete a health declaration form. Aboard Galapagos cruises guides and crew are required to be vaccinated and are tested upon signs of illness. Enhanced disinfection methods, social distancing in hotel reception areas and hand sanitizer remain ubiquitous.

Health Advice Before You Leave Home

For two weeks prior to your departure, and during travel to your destination, we recommend you follow common sense protocols to avoid illness. Take reasonable measures to reduce the risk of illness and follow all CDC guidelines for international travel. Wash your hands frequently. Be careful in bars, restaurants, airports and other crowded places that are higher risk. Arriving for your trip healthy will provide peace of mind and help you to enjoy your vacation.

Private Charter Options

Evan as Galapagos travel restrictions have eased we have seen a tremendous increase in interest for Galapagos yacht charters. Yachts range in size from 12 to 32 guests and a full boat charter offers many advantages over an independently booked cruise. The most obvious advantage is that you will know and trust all the travelers aboard and can create your own travel bubble. Other advantages include lower prices, exclusivity, customization and the joy of experiencing the islands with an intimate group of family and friends. Contact our experts to begin planning your Galapagos charter cruise.

Galapagos travel restrictions and entry requirements are easy to navigate. With common sense precautions the Galapagos are extremely safe for travel. Ensure your trip is safe and seamless by booking with AdventureSmith Explorations.

A traveler in a green shirt and tan AdventureSmith logo hat kneels on lava rocks next to a group of Galapagos marine iguanas

CONNECT WITH A
GALAPAGOS EXPERT

1-on-1 consultation.
Start planning today.

If you have a question or are looking for advice, please use the comments below. Our experts will answer your questions to make this guide to Galapagos travel restrictions even better. If you are ready to book your travel to Galapagos please contact us.