Traveling to Galapagos During COVID-19

What’s the status?

First things first:

The Galapagos Islands are an extremely safe travel destination. Traveling to the islands is possible.

 

The Islands have been open for travel continuously since August 2020. With a vaccination rate over 95% and no reported cases in 2 months, the risk of catching the coronavirus on your liveaboard trip is minimal.

Ecuador as a whole has reached a vaccination rate of more than 80% and reports about 60 cases per 100,000, which is a fraction of the numbers reported by the US and central European countries. Consequently, all European countries have lifted their travel warnings for Ecuador.

 

In all of Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands, there is a mask requirement in public and spacing is practiced.

Hotels and Restaurants have hygiene protocols in place.

Parks, beaches and main attractions are open and there are no curfews!

You will be absolutely able to get the maximum out of your trip.

 

 

 

Entry requirements into the Galapagos Islands?

Since February 11^th, 2022 you are able to enter Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands either with your proof of full vaccination OR a negative PCR-test. Find the full government note here.

 

Option 1: If you are fully vaccinated (last shot at least 14 days before entry) you will only have to present a vaccination certificate with QR code or a COVID-19 vaccination card. That means, no more hassle to get tested and no risk of missing your flight in case of a positive test!

Option 2: If you are not fully vaccinated you will have to present a negative PCR test which is no older than 72 hours before departure to Ecuador.

 

In addition, a health declaration (download here) must be filled out. There are no quarantine requirements at all.

Apart from the above, you will only need the “usual” entry documents to fly into the Galapagos:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity from entry date
• Visa not required for US and most EU countries, please check with your embassy
• Transit Control Card (to be purchased at Quito/Guayaquil Airport), 20 USD, cash only
• National Park Entrance Fee, 100 USD paid upon arrival to Galapagos, cash only
• Hotel and flight booking documents (recommended)

On the airport in Quito or Guayaquil (in Ecuador) plan enough time for the usual Galapagos biosecurity screening before boarding the plane.

 

 

What about returning home?

Travelers from the US currently still need a negative COVID antigen-test to return.

We’re happy to help you organize your testing on the islands or the mainland Ecuador.

Travelers from many EU countries no longer require a PCR test to return to Europe – often your vaccination certification is all you need.

 

If you are not sure about your country’s requirements, you can check with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which offers the most updated regulations for all countries or contact your local embassy.

 

 

 

What if I need to cancel because of COVID?

Travel regulations can change and we understand that during the pandemic there may be situations where our guests are not able to join the trip they originally booked.

 

With our flexible COVID Cancellation Policy, we offer you to reschedule your trip to a later departure in the next year(s) if you can’t join us due to COVID-related reasons (cancelled flights, closed borders, positive test, etc.). We stay flexible and make sure your Galapagos dream does come true!

 

However, we strongly advise all visitors to Ecuador (Galapagos included) to contract Travel Insurance with Covid-19 coverage if travel plans get affected by unforseen events and/or due to personal reasons.

We expect many of the remaining restrictions to be eased or completely removed as the global situation continues to improve and COVID is downgraded to endemic status.

 

 

 

What’s next?

 

If you are planning your Galapagos adventure and have any open questions, reach out to us anytime – we will answer any of your travel related questions to make your dream voyage a reality!