2023 entry requirements and safety protocols

(updated 3/8/2023)

A lot has changed since March of 2020. Galapagos Travel closed our California office for 10 weeks at the time, and it was 13 months before we returned to our beloved Galapagos Islands. Our other destinations, including Tanzania, Madagascar and Antarctica would be even longer.

We are grateful, 36 months on, to still be here. Not only has Galapagos Travel come through the pandemic, but all of our key partners weathered the storm as well: The Tip Top Fleet in Galapagos, plus our representatives in Quito, Beyond Adventures in Tanzania, as well as Aurora Expeditions, Oceanwide Expeditions and Heritage Expeditions for Polar destinations and more.

Covid protocols have changed, country by country, countless times.

Ecuador and the Galapagos are fully open and there has never been a better time to visit without crowds! Travel is easy, with neither visa nor vaccination requirements. In addition Ecuador’s vaccination rates are among the highest in Latin America and an emphasis is placed on safety throughout the country.

Ecuador entry requirements:
• passport, valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your stay in Ecuador,
• a completed health attestation will be required if you present with Covid symptoms upon arrival: https://declaracionsalud-viajero.msp.gob.ec
• proof of medical & evacuation insurance.

Galapagos entry requirements:
• INGALA tourist migration card (which we arrange for our participants)
• Galapagos national park entry fee paid ($100, cash only)

Thermal imaging cameras are in use the the airports. Any travelers presenting Covid symptoms may be subject to a rapid Antigen test in the airport.

Testing requirements to fly to the U.S. from Ecuador:
As of July 12, 2022, the U.S. ended Covid testing requirements for entry.

In the event of a positive test result for anyone once in Ecuador:
Anyone with a positive PCR or Antigen test result while in Ecuador is “suggested” to quarantine at your local hotel, at your expense, for 5 days. Hotels have quarantine protocols and packages to protect travelers and staff alike. For example the Hotel Mercure Alameda where we stay in Quito…

• private accommodations with no staff entering the room
• meals via room service (trays are left outside room doors),
• clean linens delivered every 3 days,
• daily trash collection is specialized bags outside doors.

Quarantine rates are $120-$160 per night, including taxes. Other hotels have similar programs in place.

New biosecurity and safety protocols are in place throughout Ecuador and Galapagos. This includes:

Our airport transfers now utilize larger SUV’s, vans and busses affording everyone more space. Vehicles are subject to a special sanitation regime between uses. The drivers and guides used are fully vaccinated.

The hotel we use in Quito – the Mercure Alameda Quito – has all new procedures in place, from an expanded registration area to allow for social distancing when checking in/out, temperature checks, contactless payments, deep cleaning and disinfection of all accommodations before and after each occupation, to personal hygiene kits and more. The breakfast buffet has been replaced with an (included) American breakfast, and capacity of the dining room is capped based on social distancing guidelines (with tables and chairs disinfected before and after each use). Room service (not included) is available 24 hours a day. Staff will enter guest rooms less frequently (although rooms will be stocked with extra towels and bed linens should you desire). Porters currently will not be handling luggage.

In Galapagos all arrivals walk across a sanitizing foot bath and all luggage, including hand-luggage, will be sprayed with a disinfectant. There will be a health screening where your COVID-19 test results are checked, plus a temperature check, and verification of health insurance.

The crew of the Tip Top yacht fleet are all triple vaccinated at this time, and subject to health checks and regular covid antigen testing. Numerous protocols, both obvious and behind the scenes, are in place to keep everyone in good health.
• more meals are served plated, and any buffets are served by the cooks,
• social distancing at meals,
• new cleaning procedures, timelines and sanitation products in use, including updated air filtration systems and employing an ozone generator air purifier.