There are new changes to entry requirements for the Galapagos Islands starting from NOV 2018 that require you to have a reservation with a cruise or land-based hotel, a return ticket, and proof of health insurance before leaving for the islands. To help facilitate this, pre-registration for a transit card(previously just taken care of at the airport) is available online – if you can’t do it online you can still do it at the airport.
The Transit Control Card
The transit control card was established to keep track of people entering and leaving the Galapagos Islands. The card is issued at the airport on the mainland before check in, and then shown upon entering the Airport in the Galapagos. Don’t lose this card! You need to show it at the Galapgos airport whe departing or you will need to pay the fee again.
There is a new system in place where you register your details online here. The website is initially in Spanish and can cause a security flag. For a breakdown in English about what you need to complete the form, reference this page.
After completing the form, you will be given instructions for receiving and paying for your card at the airport.
HOTEL OR CRUISE RESERVATION – The Exception is a Personal Invitation from a Resident of the Galapagos.
For people who are visiting the islands and staying in a private residence, or other places not referenced in the new laws, a personal invitation from a resident of the Galapagos is required. The invitation should include specific dates that coincide with the previously mentioned legal limits of 60 days.
Proof of Health Insurance
New laws in both Ecuador and the Galapagos require proof of health insurance before entering the country or the islands (Mandatory for anyone traveling to Ecuador since the 1st of November 2018) . Make sure to print out copies of your insurance to show at the airport.
Of course, if you have any questions about your travel to Galapagos please do not hesitate to contact us and we will try to our best to answer your questions.