On August 15, the Ecuadorian government published new protocols for international travelers entering the country. The objective is to reactivate the tourism sector while guaranteeing the safety of its citizens as well as foreign visitors.
New protocols for international arrivals by air
The highlights of the new entry protocol to Ecuador are the following.
- All persons arriving in the country must present a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 10 days before entering the country. As long as these travelers do not show symptoms of COVID, they do not need to comply with a mandatory preventive isolation period.
- Travelers who do not have an international PCR test must take a PCR test on arrival (or where they are staying) at their own expense, and then proceed with isolation in temporary accommodations to await the results. If the test results are negative, they can continue their journey.
- Travelers who show symptoms of COVID upon arrival in Ecuador must undergo a PCR test, at their own cost, and proceed to isolation even if they present a negative PCR test at the airport of entry.
- Incoming travelers who test positive must comply with 10 days of mandatory preventive isolation in their accommodations until they are asymptomatic before they can continue their trip.
- All travelers must fill out a “Declaration of State of Health Form” and deliver it upon arrival to staff members of the Ministry of Health, who will also verify symptoms. The protocols apply to citizens of all countries and flights arriving from any destination. Travelers under the age of 18 are considered a priority group and do not need to have negative PCR tests.
Subsequent trips to the Galapagos Islands
- The following are the requirements for trips to the Galapagos Islands: Travel insurance with medical coverage
- A certificate indicating a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours of a traveler’s flight
- A safe-conduct pass issued by the traveler’s tour operator or hotel at least 24 hours before arrival in the country
- The Galapagos Traffic Control Card, completed online at least 24 hours before the traveler’s flight
- An electronic boarding pass
Travelers can use their negative international PCR test certificate to travel to the islands provided it is issued 96 hours prior to entry into the islands.
Please note that although travelers under 18 are not required to have a PCR test to enter Ecuador, the rules for entering Galapagos DO REQUIRE this test for children under 12 years of age.
When flying to the Galapagos Islands, all travelers go through temperature controls and disinfection footbaths, and they are requested to regularly wash their hands with disinfectants as well required to wear masks at all times. Luggage is disinfected before and after its inspection by the Galapagos biosecurity and quarantine control agency. Commercial flights connecting the islands resumed on August 3, and the first guests have been served by the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel and the La Pinta Yacht. If you have any comments, questions, or would like to request our complete biosafety protocols and measures, please contact us at Surtrek.