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 the Galapagos is a fairly safe place, even considered a safer haven than the mainland so it's the perfect place for tourists, but getting to know the islands through a cruise gives your trip a little extra security.
In general, cruises are a convenient and safe way to explore the Galapagos Islands, because tour operators usually adhere to 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 that you ask about safety policies on board.
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:
- ID or Passport: Ecuadorian nationals can enter the Galapagos Islands by presenting their identity card or passport.
- 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:
- Valid passport: Foreigners must present a valid passport when entering Galapagos.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, purchase the Transit Control Card TCT at the counter of the Council of Government of the Special Regime of Galapagos CGREG (tourists and transients) which costs $20 for nationals or foreigners, for children under 2 years of age there is no cost.
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 introduction, movement, and dispersal of exotic organisms by any means that 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 having an International eSIM to be able to connect and download all the documents requested by the authority for entry to Galapagos.
Check your tickets
Check your tickets at the airline, you must have your personal and non-transferable return airline ticket between the mainland and the Galapagos province.
The Galapagos Islands have two main airports. Seymour Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island is one of the most common entry points for visitors, receiving flights from the Ecuadorian mainland, especially from Quito and Guayaquil. This airport provides access to several islands in the archipelago.
On the other hand, San Cristobal Airport (SCY) on San Cristobal Island also plays an important role as an arrival point, receiving internal flights and connections from the mainland. Both airports are vital for connectivity in Galapagos, allowing travelers to explore the fascinating islands with their unique diversity of flora and 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 at the counter of the Galapagos National Park the park entrance fee, los turistas extranjeros no residentes en el Ecuador mayores de 12 años deben cancelar un valor de $200, turistas nacionales o extranjeros residentes en el Ecuador mayores de 12 años deben cancelar un valor de $30.
El 24 de febrero el Consejo de Gobierno de Galápagos fijo una nueva tasa de ingreso a las Islas Galápagos. La nueva tasa de ingreso a las Islas en Agosto será la siguiente:
- 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 this new admission rate will be effective August 2024. Here you can find the complete resolution. If you want assistance in your trip do not hesitate to contact us. We will help you to customize your trip.
Requirements for Ecuadorians
For Ecuadorian citizens, entry to the Galapagos Islands is facilitated, they only need an identity card, transit control card TCT and the cost of entry to the park is much lower. budget friendlier than for a foreigner, it is important to bear in mind that, although Ecuadorians do not need to be able to see their own, visa to enter GalapagosThere may be certain specific regulations for tourism 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
- Passport: Make sure you have a valid passport. This is a basic requirement to enter Ecuador.
- 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.
- Migratory Control Card: Upon arrival in Ecuador, you will receive a Migration Control Card that you must complete and carry with you.
- 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:
- 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.
- Galapagos National Park Tariff: Todos los visitantes deben pagar una tarifa para ingresar al Parque Nacional Galápagos. El costo para extranjeros varía y se sitúa alrededor de $200.
- Migratory Control Card: This card usually costs around $20 and is paid upon arrival in Galapagos.
- Galapagos airport entrance tax: Al llegar al aeropuerto de Baltra o San Cristóbal, deberás pagar un impuesto de ingreso de aproximadamente $20.
Can I visit Galapagos - Ecuador without a visa?
If you wish to visit the Enchanted Islands but are not sure if you need to go through the visa process, here is a list of countries whose citizens are NOT in need of 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
We recommend an average of 6-7 days based on a main island such as Santa Cruz Island or San Cristobal and then move between islands of the Galapagos archipelago.
The only way to get to the Galapagos Islands is to fly from the Ecuadorian mainland, either from Quito or Guayaquil. The cost of airfare will depend on the season in which you wish to visit the Galapagos Islands, as well as the airline you choose to return.
Personal identification: identity card or passport (valid). Air ticket, personal and non-transferable, round trip between the mainland and the province of Galapagos. Not to exceed 60 days corresponding to the category. Cancel the payment of the tax (TCT) $20.00. You can check these requirements at Migration Control TCT
During your flight you will be given a CUSTOMS declaration form, which you must fill out and submit upon arrival at the airport in Galapagos.
