Ecuador Tourist Visa: Entry Requirements and Galapagos Rules
Enter Ecuador visa-free and understand the special Galapagos entry requirements. Covers visa-free entry, documents, extension options, Galapagos Transit Control Card, and practical tips for travelers.
Citizens of most countries including the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and all South American nations enter Ecuador visa-free for up to 90 days within any 12-month period. No advance application is needed. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Ecuador is one of the most accessible countries in South America for entry.
Carry proof of a return or onward ticket
Immigration officers and airlines may ask for proof of departure from Ecuador. A return flight, onward ticket to another country, or a bus ticket to Peru or Colombia satisfies this requirement. The check is inconsistent but airlines are more likely to verify than immigration officers.
Show proof of sufficient funds if requested
Ecuador may ask for proof of at least 200 USD per month of intended stay. A bank card, bank statement on your phone, or cash satisfies this requirement. In practice, this is rarely checked for Western passport holders but is enforced more frequently for nationalities with higher overstay rates.
Galapagos Islands Entry
Buy a Galapagos Transit Control Card at the airport before your flight
All travelers to the Galapagos must purchase a Transit Control Card (TCT) at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil before boarding their Galapagos flight. The card costs 20 USD and is purchased at the INGALA/Galapagos Government Council counter in the domestic terminal. Bring cash in USD. The counter is located before security in the domestic departure area.
Pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee on arrival
The entrance fee is 100 USD for foreign adults and 50 USD for children under 12. Payment is made in cash at the Galapagos airport upon arrival in Baltra or San Cristobal. Only US dollars are accepted. This fee is separate from the Transit Control Card and any tour or hotel costs. The fee supports conservation of the Galapagos ecosystem.
Have your luggage inspected for prohibited items before the Galapagos flight
Before boarding a Galapagos-bound flight, all luggage passes through an agricultural inspection by the Galapagos biosecurity agency (ABG). Fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, plants, and live animals are confiscated. Processed packaged food is allowed. The inspection takes 5-10 minutes. Plan an extra 30 minutes at the airport for this process.
Book accommodation and tours in advance for the Galapagos
The Galapagos has limited accommodation and cruise capacity controlled by the national park. Budget lodges on the inhabited islands (Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela) cost 40-80 USD per night. Cruise ships range from 250-800 USD per person per day. Book 2-6 months ahead during peak season (June-September and December-January).
During Your Stay in Ecuador
Register with immigration for stays over 90 days
The 90-day visa-free period cannot be extended for tourists. If you want to stay longer, apply for a specific visa category (student, volunteer, retirement) before your 90 days expire. You can also leave Ecuador for any period and return for a new 90-day period. The 90-day limit resets after each exit and re-entry.
Carry your passport or a copy at all times
Ecuadorian law requires foreign visitors to carry identification. A color photocopy of your passport bio page and entry stamp is accepted by police for routine checks. Keep the original in your hotel safe. Migration officers can request the original passport during formal checks, which are rare in tourist areas.
Use the official US dollar as Ecuador's currency
Ecuador adopted the US dollar as its official currency in 2000. Prices are quoted in USD and all transactions use USD bills and coins. Ecuador mints its own coins (equivalent to US coins) that circulate alongside US coins. ATMs dispense US dollars. Bring small bills (1s, 5s, 10s, 20s) as many small businesses cannot break 50 or 100 dollar bills.
Practical Tips
Get a local SIM card for data and communication
Claro, Movistar, and CNT sell prepaid SIM cards at airports and phone stores. A SIM with 5-10 GB of data costs 5-15 USD for 30 days. Registration requires your passport. Coverage is good in cities, along the coast, and in major tourist areas. The Amazon region and high-altitude areas have limited coverage.
Take altitude precautions when arriving in Quito
Quito sits at 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level. Altitude sickness symptoms include headache, nausea, and shortness of breath. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours, and take it easy on your first day. Coca tea (mate de coca) is available at hotels and markets and helps with altitude adjustment.
Use safe transportation options in cities
Use registered yellow taxis or ride-hailing apps for urban transport. Quito's Ecovia and Trolebus rapid transit systems cost 0.25 USD per ride. Intercity buses connect all major cities at low prices (Quito to Guayaquil costs 8-12 USD, 8 hours). For the Galapagos, inter-island ferries (speedboats) cost 25-30 USD per trip between the main islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Ecuador?
US citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days within any 12-month period. Entry is visa-free with a valid passport (6 months validity required). No advance application is needed. You receive an entry stamp at immigration. The 90-day period cannot be extended for tourists, but you can leave and re-enter for a new 90-day period.
How much does it cost to visit the Galapagos Islands?
The mandatory costs are 100 USD for the national park entrance fee and 20 USD for the Transit Control Card, totaling 120 USD before flights, accommodation, or tours. Round-trip flights from Quito or Guayaquil cost 250-500 USD. Budget island-based trips cost 100-150 USD per day including accommodation, food, and day tours. Cruise-based trips cost 250-800 USD per day.
Can I extend my Ecuador tourist stay beyond 90 days?
Tourist visa-free stays cannot be extended beyond 90 days. To stay longer, apply for a specific visa category (student, retirement, investor, or volunteer) before your 90 days expire. Alternatively, exit Ecuador for any period and re-enter for a new 90-day period. There is no minimum time you must spend outside Ecuador before re-entering. Overstaying incurs fines and potential deportation.
Is Ecuador safe for tourists?
Ecuador has mixed safety ratings. Quito's historic center, tourist areas, and the Galapagos are generally safe. Guayaquil has higher crime rates, particularly at night. Petty theft and pickpocketing are common in markets and buses. Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps. Avoid displaying expensive electronics. The northern border with Colombia has security concerns. Check current travel advisories before visiting.