Requirements for traveling to Galapagos in 2024 – 2025

The Galapagos Islands have specific regulations to protect the ecosystem, if you wish to enter the Enchanted Islands, you must take into consideration that it is not similar to any other destination, in the first instance you must inform yourself about the restrictions, permitted activities, and environmental regulations, this includes following the instructions of the local guides, not introducing invasive species, and complying with the norms for the protection of wildlife and flora.

If you have no idea where to start your adventure to this exotic spot on the planet, this article will help you resolve your doubts regarding everything you need to know before starting your trip to Galapagos.

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Is it safe to go to the Galapagos Islands?

Normally, Galapagos is quite a safe place; it is even considered a safer refuge than the mainland, making it the perfect destination for tourists. However, exploring the islands on a cruise adds an extra level of security to your trip.

In general, cruises are a convenient and safe way to explore the Galapagos Islands, as tour operators usually comply with strict regulations to protect visitors. Cruises are one of the most popular ways to explore the archipelago and provide visitors with a unique experience. We recommend checking the onboard safety policies.

If you want to know the best tours to Galapagos visit this link.

Check your documents

Make sure you have your identification (ID card for nationals; passport for foreigners). To enter the Galapagos Islands, both nationals and foreigners must meet certain requirements and present valid documentation. The following are the common documents required:

For Ecuadorian travelers:

1. ID or Passport: Ecuadorian nationals can enter the Galapagos Islands by presenting their identity card or passport.
2. Lodging reservation and/or letter of invitation: Accommodation reservation and/or letter of invitation: A reservation of accommodation in Galapagos may be required as part of the entry requirements. It may also be useful to have a letter of invitation if you are staying in someone's home.

For foreigners:

1. Valid passport: Foreigners must present a valid passport when entering Galapagos.
2. Tourist Visa: Most foreigners do not need a tourist visa to enter Ecuador, but it is important to check if your nationality requires a visa and, if so, obtain one in advance.
3. Migratory Control Card: Upon arrival in the Galapagos, foreign visitors must complete a Migration Control Card, which is usually provided during the flight or upon arrival at the airport.
4. Return air ticket: You may be required to present a return air ticket to your country of origin or departure from the Galapagos Islands as part of the entry requirements.
5. Accommodation reservation: Similar to nationals, some places may require an accommodation reservation as part of the documents required for entry.

Transit control card

At the airport, obtain the Transit Control Card (TCT) at the counter of the Galapagos Special Regime Government Council (CGREG) for tourists and temporary visitors. The cost is $20 for both nationals and foreigners, while children under 2 years old are exempt from the fee.

Luggage inspection

Inspect your luggage at the checkpoint of the Biosecurity Agency (ABG), whose mission is to control, regulate, prevent, and reduce the risk of introducing, moving, and spreading exotic organisms by any means that could endanger the biodiversity of the islands, the local economy, and human health.

Check your internet connection

If you are traveling from another country, remember to check the possibility of having roaming or getting an international eSIM to connect and download all the documents required by the authorities for entry into Galapagos.

Check your tickets

Check your flight tickets with the airline. You must have your personal and non-transferable flight ticket for the round trip between the mainland and the province of Galapagos.

The Galapagos Islands have two main airports. The Seymour Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island is one of the most common entry points for visitors, receiving flights from mainland Ecuador, especially from Quito and Guayaquil.

Por otro lado, el Aeropuerto San Cristóbal (SCY) en la Isla San Cristóbal también juega un papel importante como punto de llegada, recibiendo vuelos internos y conexiones desde el continente. Ambos aeropuertos son vitales para la conectividad en Galápagos, permitiendo a los viajeros explorar las fascinantes islas con su diversidad única de flora y fauna.

Park entrance fee

Upon arrival in the province of Galapagos, at the airport, you must present documents at the counter, your identification document and your TCT transit control card.

You must pay the park entry fee at the Galapagos National Park counter. Foreign tourists who are not residents of Ecuador and are over 12 years old must pay a fee of $200 USD. National tourists or foreign residents of Ecuador over 12 years old must pay a fee of $30 USD.

On February 24, the Galapagos Government Council set a new entry fee for the Galapagos Islands. The new entry fee for the islands in August will be as follows:

• Ecuadorian tourists over 12 years old and foreign residents will pay $30 USD.
• International tourists over 12 years of age will pay a $200 entrance fee to Galapagos.

Remember that this new entry fee will take effect in August 2024. Here you can find the full resolution. If you want complete advice for your trip, do not hesitate to contact us. We will help you personalize your journey.

Requirements for Ecuadorians

For Ecuadorian citizens, entry to the Galapagos Islands is simplified. They only need their national ID card, the Transit Control Card (TCT), and the park entry fee is much more affordable than for foreigners. It is important to note that while Ecuadorians do not need a visa to enter Galapagos, there may be specific regulations for tourist activities and visits to protected areas.

The best option to explore the enchanted islands is through a cruise, which you choose according to your taste and travel objectives, it is a popular and exciting way to enjoy this incredible archipelago, Galapagos cruises give you the opportunity to visit different islands, discover its unique fauna and flora, and experience the natural beauty of the place.

Requirements for EU and US citizens

Almost all travelers entering as tourists, including citizens of the European Union and the United States, do not require a visa.

The process to enter the Galapagos Islands from an Ecuadorian mainland airport involves certain security and migration steps that we will explain below.

At the counter of the Council of Government of the Galapagos Special Regime CGREG, you will receive the Transit Control Card TCT that you must keep during your stay in the Galapagos Islands.

You will pass through a security checkpoint where you will place your luggage on a conveyor belt for screening.

Galapagos travel requirements for foreigners

Traveling to the Galapagos Islands as a foreigner involves some requirements and costs. Keep in mind that this information may change, so it is important to verify it with updated sources such as this blog before planning your trip. Here is a general list of requirements and costs:

List of entry requirements:

1. Passport: Make sure you have a valid passport. This is a basic requirement to enter Ecuador.
2. Visa: Most countries do not require a visa to enter Ecuador for tourism, but it is important to check if your country is exempt or if you need to apply for a visa beforehand.
3. Migratory Control Card: Upon arrival in Ecuador, you will receive a Migration Control Card that you must complete and carry with you.
4. Air ticket: Buy an air ticket to the Galapagos Islands. Flights usually depart from Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito or Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil.

Approximate costs:

1. Plane Ticket: Prices may vary according to season and airline, but a flight from the mainland to the Galapagos Islands can cost between $400 and $600, or more, depending on the city of origin.
2. Galapagos National Park Tariff: All visitors must pay a fee to enter the Galapagos National Park. The cost for foreign tourists varies and is around $200 USD.
3. Migratory Control Card: This card usually costs around $20 and is paid upon arrival in Galapagos.
4. Galapagos airport entrance tax: Upon arrival at Baltra or San Cristobal airport, you must pay an entry tax of approximately $20.

Note: If you want a complete travel experience, we recommend purchasing an international eSIM for travel with unlimited data. This way, you can have internet access throughout your trip to Galapagos.

Can I visit Galapagos - Ecuador without a visa?

If you wish to visit the Enchanted Islands but are unsure whether you need a visa, we present a list of countries whose citizens DO NOT need a visa to enter Ecuador.

• The United States
• Canada
• all of the counties part of the European Union
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Japan
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Chile
• Colombia
• Uruguay
• Peru 
• Paraguay
• Bolivia

These countries have visa exemption agreements with Ecuador, which allow their citizens to enter and stay in the country for a specific period, usually 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions