Entry Requirements for Ecuador & Galapagos
Updated on: November 30, 2021
It is important to be aware the entry requirements for Ecuador and Galapagos have changed and are effective as of December 1, 2021. Â Despite the new Omicron variant, Ecuador has not closed its borders to visitors other than from people whose points of origin or transit are: South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Eswatini.
With the new entry protocols, all crew and passengers will be fully vaccinated and test negative within 72 hours prior to boarding. Masks are not mandatory during the cruise and the Galapagos experience has not changed.
What are the current entry requirements for Ecuador and Galapagos?Â
Effective December 1, 2021, all travelers aged 16 and older to Ecuador and Galapagos must present a negative RT-PCR test for COVID19 issued within 72 hours of boarding the flight and a vaccination certification card that proves completion of the complete COVID19 doses at least 14 days prior to arrival. Children aged 2-15 must present a negative RT-PCR test issued within 72 hours prior to boarding the flight. Only children under age two are exempt.
All visitors must complete a Traveler Health Declaration Form (one per family) and present a printed copy to customs upon arrival to Ecuador.
Travelers who require a negative Antigen test result in Ecuador (to return to the US or travel to Peru) can be tested at the airport in Quito; VIP Medical is open 24/7. In GUAYAQUIL, VERIS is open on Sundays at 3:30 PM through a special arrangement made by Ecoventura.  Upon arrival to GYE on AV1637, our representative will escort our guests to the lab’s location in the business center.  The cost is $40 and results are available within 30 minutes, credit cards are accepted.
Departure Day (Sunday)
Upon check-in for the flight (AV 1636 only) to Galapagos, a representative from Ecoventura will assist you with your boarding pass, the park entrance, and transit card receipts if prepaid. During the flight to Galapagos, passengers are asked to fill out a bio-safety control form. Upon arrival, you may be asked to present a return flight ticket and a medical insurance ID card. Mandatory health insurance is required for all foreign tourists according to Article 49 of the Organic Law of the Special regimen for the Province of Galapagos). Currently, this is not being enforced. Our guides and crew will be waiting for you when you land and provide a safe and quick transfer to your yacht.
The Galapagos is the first province in Ecuador to be immunized against Covid-19. The entire adult population of 30,000+ have received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine. This includes all our crew members and staff who work a rotation of four weeks creating a Covid-free bubble onboard. The prompt vaccination of the inhabitants and measures to control the spread of Covid is a determining factor for the success of the economic recovery that depends on tourism. #GalapagosSinCovid
Ecoventura resumed our cruise operation in August 2020, and we guarantee to provide the same luxurious experience we have always provided our guests. Your well-being and safety continue to be one of our top priorities. While we have always maintained very rigorous cleaning procedures, Enhanced cleanliness and sanitation measures have been established according to WHO recommendations.
On June 8, the US State Department of state downgraded the Travel Advisory for Ecuador from a Level 4 (Do not Travel) to a Level 3 (Reconsider Travel).  The government of Ecuador under a new administration has vaccinated 70% of the entire population.
If you should have any questions about the entry requirements, please do not hesitate to get in touch by email info@galapagosnetwork.com or travel@ecoventura.com.
For timely updates and to stay informed, sign up to our newsletter and follow us on social media (facebook, instagram and twitter).
The Ecoventura/ Galapagos Network Team
