Are you ready for your trip to the Galápagos Islands? Even if you already have your dates, flights, accommodation, and itinerary planned, you might be overlooking some essential requirements  and rules that could prevent your entry into this natural paradise.

The Galápagos Islands are a protected National Park, and the Government of Ecuador has established a series of mandatory procedures to preserve their unique ecosystem. Knowing and following these requirements will allow you to enjoy your vacation without any setbacks.

Below, we explain everything you need to know to enter the Galápagos Islands in 2025:

It is mandatory to have a reservation for every night of your stay on the islands. You can book through platforms like Booking.com or directly with the property if you know the name or received a recommendation. You also need a round-trip ticket to and from the Galápagos. Without these documents, you won’t be allowed to enter.

At Galápagos Low Cost, we not only offer tours and itineraries but can also recommend accommodation options based on your preferences and budget. Feel free to contact us for suggestions.

Before boarding your flight to the Galápagos (from either Quito or Guayaquil), you must visit the Galápagos Special Regime Government Council offices at the departure airports to obtain your TCT. Here, they will verify your completed pre-registration form (or have you fill it out on-site if you haven’t done so) and inspect your luggage to ensure you are not carrying restricted items.

This inspection happens before checking in your bags. Don’t worry—the airline staff will direct you to the right place for this process. It’s highly recommended to arrive early, even though it’s a domestic flight.

Here are some pictures to familiarize yourself with the inspection site at Guayaquil Airport, the TCT card, and a sworn declaration form you’ll need to sign.

The office hours at each airport are:

• Guayaquil: 6:30 AM to 1:30 PM

• Quito: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM

To speed up the process, avoid carrying animal or plant products. You can check the full list of prohibited products here.

The TCT costs $20 USD, payable by card or cash. However, keep in mind that the Galápagos National Park entrance fee can only be paid in cash, so we recommend paying the TCT by card to save your cash for the park fee.

You’re almost there! After landing at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island next to Santa Cruz  or San Cristobal, picking up your bags, and clearing passport control, you’ll need to pay the National Park entrance fee. This is the main source of funding for preserving this incredible natural site. The rates that apply are as follows, depending on age and nationality and country of residence:

As of August 1, 2024, the updated fees are:

*CAN = Andean Community Nations: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
*Mercosur = Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela

During the COVID 19 pandemic it was mandatory to have health insurance to travel to Galapagos. However, since things have improved this is no longer a requirement to enter the Galapagos Islands.

However, even before pandemic, we always recommended people to have a health and travel insurance because even though Galápagos Islands are safe its landscape sometimes can cause accidents and you dont want to be in an inhabited island with a twisted ankle waiting for a helicopter to reach you and be thinking about the bill. Good news is that there are many options as cheap as $4 a day that cover all you need including covid-19. We recommend Mondo Insurance Company and if you book there you’ll get 5% discount for being a Galapagos Low Cost reader. Get you 5% discount here.

If you go to Galápagos Islands you’ll find that you will need to pass through several luggage controls. First one on the Guayaquil or Quito airport before they even let you pass through the door. Then, the whole plane cabin will be disinfected and then, another check when you land. This is to make sure you don’t involuntarily bring any seeds, bugs or things that can alter the Galápagos environment. You have the full list of restricted items to bring to Galápagos but it’s mostly seeds, fruits, any animals (even meat). Make sure you take a good look at the list and avoid wasting time on the airport.

You already know what you’re not allowed to bring, but here are our recommendations for items that will make your trip easier and safer.

If you’re referring to souvenirs like magnets, a T-shirt, craft beer, or anything purchased from an authorized store, the answer is YES.

However, under no circumstances are you allowed to take sand, rocks, animals, shells, or anything else from nature as a “souvenir.” The Galápagos Islands receive over 300,000 tourists each year, and if each person took a bit of sand, a few rocks, or any natural item, the cumulative impact could seriously harm the fragile balance of the islands’ ecosystem.

Carrying such items in your luggage can lead to heavy fines, and in serious cases, even jail time.

Still have questions?
If you have any questions about your trip to the Galápagos or need help planning your itinerary, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Galápagos Low Cost — we’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you create a personalized travel plan.