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Ready to Travel to Galapagos?

You have explored our Galapagos Travel Guide and booked your dream trip—now it’s time to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

This is a unique journey and to ensure you are well-prepared to enjoy all that this incredible destination has to offer, this section provides essential travel information, including required documents, information on the Galapagos entry fee, internet availability, and a comprehensive Galapagos packing list.

Visa, Insurance & Travel Documents

In order to make traveling to Galapagos Islands a smooth experience, we have outlined important trip requirements, including visa guidelines and passport validity. Getting the right documents ready ensures a worry-free experience in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

Ecuador Visa Requirements:

Visas are not required for citizens of the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and most European countries for stays in Ecuador of up to 90 days. However, we recommend verifying visa requirements with your local immigration office or Ecuadorian consulate to ensure you meet all entry regulations.

Passport Validity to travel to Ecuador:

Be sure to bring your original passport, and confirm that it is valid for at least six months after your planned departure date from Ecuador.

Travel Insurance:

Royal Galapagos requires all visitors to have mandatory travel insurance to protect against unexpected issues such as flight delays or missed connections that could affect your cruise or tour. We strongly recommend purchasing Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance, as it provides the most comprehensive coverage.

In addition, health insurance is highly recommended to ensure peace of mind during your travels. Insurance should be purchased in your country of residence before departure.

Galapagos Islands Packing List

Packing smartly when traveling to the Galapagos is essential for a seamless adventure. Our packing list will ensure you are comfortable and prepared for all activities, from island hikes to star-gazing on the cruise deck.

Clothing & Footwear for Galapagos

Daytime:

Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying clothing (preferably moisture-wicking and non-cotton).
Shorts or light pants paired with a loose, comfortable shirt.
Wide-brimmed or long-billed hat for sun protection. Swimwear (at least two swimsuits).
Sunglasses with UV protection.

Evening Wear:

Slightly more formal options, such as a dress shirt or a simple sundress.
Light pants for cooler evenings or plane rides.
Light sweater or sweatshirt for stargazing on cool nights.

Footwear:

Comfortable walking or hiking shoes with good traction for expeditions, dry landings and flights.
Teva-style sandals or water shoes for wet landings and beach exploration.
Flip-flops or casual sandals (acceptable aboard but not recommended for land excursions).

Electronics & Cameras

Camera or camera phone (don’t forget extra memory cards).
Chargers, power cords, and battery backups.
GoPro or waterproof camera for underwater adventures.
Binoculars (7x25 recommended) for wildlife spotting.
Multi-plug and electricity adapter for charging multiple devices.

Protection from Sun & Wind

High-SPF, ocean-friendly sunscreen to protect your skin and the environment.
Wide-brimmed hat or cap to shield your face from the equatorial sun.
Lightweight buff or neck gaiter for additional sun protection.
UPF clothing for UV radiation protection.

Galapagos Entrance Fees & Travel Procedures

Traveling to Galapagos involves a few entry requirements to protect the National Park and its unique ecosystem. Understanding these procedures before your trip ensures a smooth arrival and helps support a sustainable form of tourism in the Galapagos. Our airport representatives will assist you with every step of the process. Additionally, when you book your cruise in advance, both the park fee and the transit control card can be conveniently pre-paid during the reservation, ensuring a smoother travel experience.

Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee

All travelers visiting the Galapagos Islands must pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee. The fees are:

$200 for adults
$100 for children under 12 years old

This fee must be paid in cash only upon arrival in the islands. Credit cards are not accepted. Before traveling, confirm with your booking agent whether the entrance fee is included in your cruise package. If not, ensure you have the cash ready to make the payment upon arrival.

Transit Control Card (TCT or INGALA Card)

The Transit Control Card is mandatory for all visitors to the Galapagos Islands. The fee is $20 per person and must also be paid in cash only.

Confirm with your booking agent whether this fee is included in your cruise package. If it is not included, you will need to visit the Consejo de Gobierno de Galápagos airport counter to register your entry and purchase the card before boarding your domestic flight to the Galapagos.

Biosafety and Quarantine Screening

To protect the delicate ecosystems of the Galapagos, travelers must undergo biosafety screening before departure:

Luggage Inspection: All baggage must be screened at the ABG - Galapagos Biosafety and Quarantine Control Agency counter before check-in for your domestic flight.
Affidavit Form: Complete the affidavit form, either online or in paper form, declaring that you are not carrying prohibited items (seeds, animal or plant products).

These measures are strictly enforced to prevent invasive species from harming the islands’ fragile environment.

What to Bring to Galapagos? Currency, Cash, and Credit Card Tips for the Galapagos

Traveling to Galapagos Islands involves some preparation when it comes to your finances. Ecuador’s official currency is the U.S. dollar, adopted in 2000. While some Galapagos shops and our cruises accept credit cards, card fees or surcharges may apply. We recommend carrying enough cash for your expenses and tips, as ATMs and banks are only available in port towns like Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. During cruises and expeditions, you will often be in remote locations where access to banking services is unavailable.

Galapagos Tipping & Gratuities:

While tipping is not mandatory, it is customary and appreciated on a Galapagos cruise. Tips are a meaningful way to show your gratitude for the exceptional service provided by the naturalist guides and crew. Tipping is typically done at the end of your cruise in cash and is divided into two parts: one for your guide and another for the crew.

Cell Phone & Internet Connection in Galapagos:

Phone and internet coverage in the Galapagos Islands can be limited. Port towns often provide Wi-Fi in shops and restaurants, and all of our vessels offer satellite internet service at no additional cost.

Royal Galapagos Travel Tips

Turning your Galapagos travel into an elevated adventure is our specialty. With expert travel tips and guidance from our destination specialist, we provide everything you need for a seamless and enriching experience. From luggage guidelines to excursion etiquette, we ensure you are fully prepared to explore the best of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

Mainland Ecuador

We recommend arriving in Ecuador at least two nights before your flight to the Galapagos to allow for smooth connections and adjustments. Ecuador features four distinct regions: the Andes, Amazon, Coast, and Galapagos. Each region offers countless adventures and cultural experiences, enriching your journey with unique landscapes and traditions. We highly encourage extending your vacation to explore mainland Ecuador and its wonders.

Galapagos Flight Luggage Allowance

For air tickets purchased with Royal Galapagos, the baggage allowance per person is:

Checked baggage: One piece up to 23 kg
Carry-on: One piece up to 7 kg
Personal item: A small purse, backpack, or laptop bag

Any additional or overweight luggage will incur extra fees payable directly at the airline desk.

Health and Safety

Vaccinations: While no specific vaccines are required for entry, ensure routine vaccines are up-to-date. Consider Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever vaccinations if you plan to explore remote areas of mainland Ecuador like the Amazon.
First Aid Kit: Pack a small first aid kit with essentials like motion sickness tablets, antihistamines, pain relievers, band-aids, and any personal medications.
Sun Protection: The equatorial sun is intense, and sunburn and dehydration are common risks. Apply strong sunscreen frequently, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and stay hydrated throughout the day.

Excursions & Wildlife Etiquette

Do not feed wildlife, as it disrupts their natural behavior and diet.
Avoid flash photography when capturing pictures of animals.
Be mindful of where you step; delicate plants and nests can be hard to spot.
Stay on designated trails and always follow your guide’s instructions. This ensures your safety and protects the fragile Galapagos ecosystem.
Maintain at least a 6-foot distance from wildlife, even if they approach you.

Panga/Zodiac Tips

Always wait for the crew's instructions before boarding or disembarking.
Keep your balance and rely on crew assistance while entering or exiting the boat.

Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve Visiting Rules

When you visit Galapagos, you enter a protected natural wonder unlike any other. To preserve this unique ecosystem, it is essential to follow and respect the National Park and Marine Reserve rules.

Keep a distance of 2 meters from wildlife including the cameras.
Do not touch or feed the fauna.
Do not remove elements from the ecosystem.
Do not smoke, drink alcohol or make campfires.
Walk on marked trails only.
Take pictures without flash. Professional shootings and drones need authorisation.
Camp in designated sites prior authorisation.
Use authorised sport fishing boats.
Do not introduce external elements to the ecosystem.
Do not use motorised water-crafts, submarines, and air tourism.

*Failure to comply with these rules will result in sanctions.