visa and entry information

U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Ecuador, which simplifies entry into the country. However, a passport valid for at least six more months at the date of entry to Ecuador is essential. Upon entering the country of Ecuador, you will be given a visa stamp, which permits you to stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days. To enter Galapagos, the first official requirement is a valid Ecuadorian tourist visa stamp in your passport - this should have been issued to you upon arrival to mainland Ecuador.

Entrance Fee

Upon arriving in Galapagos, you will have to pay a 100 USD National Park entrance fee. Only cash payment will be accepted. Please make sure that the bills are not torn. This fee is for the national park and is used for the maintenance of paths, helps the local community and supports projects focusing on educational, environmental, sport, health and tourism topics. Please feel free to check the Galapagos National Parc Website for more Info on their local projects.

Also, your passport will be checked, as your luggage for organic goods (to avoid biohazards caused by fruit flies, bacteria or similar). Please keep the receipt of the entrance fee.

Immigration Control

There is also a 20 USD immigration control card that is payable to INGALA at Quito or Guayaquil airport and is only payable in cash. The reason why this is necessary to enter Galapagos, is because the Ecuadorian immigration department needs to register the number of tourists and wants to control illegal immigration. Please keep this Transit Control Card until the end of your Galapagos stay, as it will be checked upon you departure.