Requisitos para viajar a Galápagos en 2026

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.

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GALAPAGOS AT A GLANCE

Safety Galapagos has special controls and regulations in place to protect both visitors and the ecosystem.

Documents: Ecuadorian travelers need a valid national ID card or passport; international travelers need a valid passport.

TCT: The Transit Control Card is mandatory for tourists and temporary visitors.

Luggage: Your luggage must pass a biosecurity inspection before you travel to the islands.

Tickets: You need a round-trip ticket between mainland Ecuador and Galapagos.

Entrance fee: The amount depends on your nationality, residency status, and age.

Ecuadorian travelers: Specific entry requirements and rates apply.

EU and U.S. travelers: A tourist visa is generally not required, but all other entry requirements still apply.

Other international travelers: Check passport and visa requirements for your nationality, as well as the TCT and other travel documents.

Costs: Plan for flights, the TCT, the Galapagos National Park entrance fee, and other travel expenses.

Visa: Requirements depend on your nationality and Ecuador’s current entry regulations.

Length of stay: Tourists may stay in Galapagos for up to 60 days per year, depending on their immigration status.

New rules for 2026: Regulations covering naturalist guides, wildlife, drones, photography, camping, and the use of protected areas have been updated.

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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. Tarjeta de Control de Tránsito: Al llegar a Galápagos, los visitantes extranjeros deben completar una Tarjeta de Control de Tránsito, que generalmente se proporciona durante el vuelo o al llegar al aeropuerto.
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.

También puedes comprarla en línea y consultar tu tarjeta de control de tránsito aquí.

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.

Recuerda esta nueva tasa de ingreso está en vigencia desde agosto 2024. Aquí puedes encontrar la complete resolution. If you want assistance in your trip do not hesitate to contact us. We will help you to customize your trip.

NEW RULES FOR VISITING GALAPAGOS IN 2026

Galapagos National Park updated its regulations for Ecuadorian and international visitors. The new provisions came into effect on September 14, 2026 and aim to protect ecosystems and wildlife while improving visitor safety.

What you need to know

• Guianza: Tourist visits must be accompanied by an authorized Galapagos naturalist guide, except at sites specifically exempted from this requirement.
• Drones y cámaras profesionales: Prior authorization from the Galapagos National Park Directorate is required.
• Fotografías con flash: Flash must not be used when it could disturb or alter wildlife behavior.
• Fauna silvestre: Keep the required distance and never touch, feed, chase, handle, or interfere with animals.
• Campamentos: Camping is only allowed at authorized sites and with the required permit.
• Arena, piedras y conchas: Natural materials must not be removed from or transported out of protected areas.
• Residuos: Take all waste you generate with you and dispose of it at an authorized location.
• Contenido no autorizado: Photo, video, or digital content obtained in violation of filming, photography, or drone regulations must not be published or distributed.

What has not changed?

• TCT: The Transit Control Card remains mandatory for tourists, and the official fee remains in effect.
• Entrance fee: Current rates remain in place: USD 200 for adult international visitors, USD 100 for CAN/Mercosur visitors, and USD 30 for Ecuadorian nationals or residents of Ecuador, with reduced rates applying where applicable.
• Controles de bioseguridad: Inspections remain in place to prevent the introduction of species or products that could harm Galapagos ecosystems.
• Ingreso por Quito o Guayaquil: Document, TCT, and luggage checks still apply before traveling to the islands.
• Tiempo de permanencia: Current regulations allow tourists to stay for up to 60 days per year, depending on their immigration status. 60 días en el año, según su categoría migratoria.

Para Guianza según el tipo de visitante

La obligación de ingresar con guía aplica principalmente a turistas nacionales y extranjeros en las áreas protegidas donde la DPNG exige acompañamiento. Existen sitios expresamente exceptuados y los residentes de Galápagos pueden tener condiciones diferentes para determinados sitios y actividades.

Reservas mediante SIMAVIS

Algunos sitios de alta demanda funcionan con reserva previa y cupos por horario. Entre ellos se encuentran Volcán Chico, Minas de Azufre y determinados centros de crianza. La reserva se gestiona mediante el sistema de la DPNG y, dependiendo del sitio, intervienen agencias u operadores autorizados.

Drones y fotografía profesional

No es lo mismo una fotografía turística normal donde si puede tomar fotos en senderos y sitios de visita, sin flash y sin alterar fauna. No necesita permiso.

Una producción profesional. Los drones, cámaras remotas y filmaciones profesionales requieren autorización previa. El uso recreativo de drones dentro de áreas protegidas no está permitido; los proyectos autorizables siguen un trámite específico ante la DPNG.

Fotógrafo profesional
Si realiza una sesión comercial, documental, editorial o planificada con equipos profesionales:

Debe solicitar autorización previa a la DPNG.

Debe presentar el proyecto y cumplir el procedimiento correspondiente.

No puede asumir que el permiso de ingreso turístico o la reserva del sitio autorizan la producción.

Si usa dron, necesita además la autorización aplicable al vuelo y operación del equipo.

El manual específico de filmación y fotografía, que incluye drones, es este:

Manual de regulación para proyectos de filmación, fotografía y drones

Distancia con fauna

La distancia no es igual en todas las actividades. Como referencia, se establecen 2 metros en caminata, snorkel, apnea y buceo, y 4 metros en kayak, tabla o panga. Para ballenas y delfines se aplican distancias mayores: 100 m y 50 m respectivamente, y se duplican si hay crías.

Protectores solares

Para actividades acuáticas, evita productos que contengan oxibenzona, octinoxato u otros compuestos perjudiciales para los ecosistemas marinos.

Campamentos

El campamento solo se permite en lugares expresamente autorizados por la Dirección del Parque Nacional Galápagos (DPNG) y con permiso previo. Confirma directamente el sitio habilitado, cupo, fechas, acceso y condiciones. No se permite acampar libremente ni hacer fogatas dentro del Parque.

Operadores autorizados

Para actividades dentro de áreas protegidas, utiliza operadores, embarcaciones y guías autorizados.

Fotos y videos en redes

No debes publicar material obtenido incumpliendo las normas, por ejemplo usando un dron sin autorización o interfiriendo con la fauna.

Incumplir las normas sí puede generar sanciones. La resolución no establece una multa única para todos los casos: la DPNG puede registrar la infracción, retener preventivamente objetos no permitidos, impedir el ingreso, suspender cuentas de reserva e iniciar el procedimiento administrativo sancionador correspondiente.

Detalles y datos interesantes sobre las normas de las Galápagos

El año 2026 no lo cambió todo: en muchos casos, esta resolución codifica, modifica y refuerza normas que ya estaban vigentes. Publicada en el Registro Oficial el 14 de septiembre de 2026.

Estas leyes no son solo para turistas extranjeros. Afectan a las áreas protegidas de Galápagos y a los visitantes, operadores, guías y otros usuarios. En algunas circunstancias, los residentes locales pueden estar sujetos a condiciones diferentes, especialmente en lo que respecta a la actividad de guía.

El manual oficial indica que los permisos profesionales no se otorgan en el momento, sino que la solicitud debe presentarse con al menos 30 días hábiles de anticipación e incluye documentación, evaluación, cuotas, garantías y un contrato con el DPNG.

Se permite acampar, pero no se permite el campismo libre. Actualmente, la DPNG autoriza sitios específicos en Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal e Isabela. La solicitud debe realizarse con una antelación de entre 2 y 15 días, cuesta 10 dólares por persona y algunos lugares requieren un operador local autorizado.

La arena y las rocas tampoco son recuerdos: antes de esta actualización, la DPNG ya intentaba prevenir infracciones como la extracción de arena, rocas u otros elementos del ecosistema.

La DPNG lleva a cabo inspecciones de campo: los guardaparques se aseguran de que se respeten las normas en las playas y otros lugares frecuentados por el público.

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. Tarjeta de Control de Tránsito: Al llegar a Ecuador, recibirás una Tarjeta de Control de Tránsito que debes completar y llevar contigo.
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: Todos los visitantes deben pagar una tarifa para ingresar al Parque Nacional Galápagos. El costo para extranjeros varía y se sitúa alrededor de $200. El costo para nacionales es de $30 USD
3. Tarjeta de Control de Tránsito: This card usually costs around $20 and is paid upon arrival in Galapagos.

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