Ecuador and Galápagos Islands | Birding the Chocó-Andes and Eastern Archipelago

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Ecuador. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry.

For visits fewer than 90 days, visas will be issued upon arrival in Ecuador. Tourists may be required to provide evidence of return or onwards travel.

The Galápagos National Park Administration also requires travelers to complete an electronic affidavit with their travel information and a declaration of transported goods.

This affidavit may be completed up to 48 hours prior to arrival in the Galápagos. As most travelers will already be in Ecuador or en route to Ecuador during this timeframe, your guide will be able to assist you with this process. It will be helpful for you to have a smartphone or other mobile device to complete the affidavit, but if you don’t have one, your guide can help make arrangements for you to access the internet before your flight. Should you be arriving to Ecuador with more time available, you may complete the form within 48 hours of your flight at https://declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Embassy of Ecuador for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Ecuador (unless you have spent more than 10 days in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, or Peru immediately prior to arrival, or are arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccine is required. The vaccine must have been administered at least 10 days before arrival, and is valid for life.)

Though vaccination is not required for most travelers, yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Ecuador, especially east of the Andes at elevations below 7,550 feet. In addition to protecting against mosquitos, the CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine if you are traveling to these areas.

The CDC also recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Ecuador.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

Malaria is not known to be present in Quito or the Galápagos Islands, and is very rare in the Andean highlands. If you are concerned about malaria prevention or if you plan to extend your time in Ecuador to visit other areas on the mainland (especially in the Amazon region), please consult your physician for guidance.

Other Insect-borne Illnesses

Other insect-borne illnesses are known to occur on mainland Ecuador, including dengue fever, leishmaniasis, Zika virus, and others. The CDC recommends that travelers to Ecuador protect themselves against insect bites: cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.

Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, binoculars, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.

As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

SEA SICKNESS

If you’re prone to feeling queasy, we suggest you consult your physician for advice on the best ways to prevent motion sickness. We recommend that you avoid showering when the boat is in motion and remain cautious of activities while passing through rocky waters.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Upon arrival at locations of high elevation, shortness of breath and a pounding heart are normal responses to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors, these symptoms can deteriorate into altitude sickness. Headache, extreme tiredness, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite are standard symptoms. Staying hydrated and well rested is important to adjust to the altitude. Avoiding heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arriving to altitude can help. Over-the-counter medications are also available to help prevent or alleviate symptoms. It’s advisable to avoid sleep medications, as they can slow breathing and respiration, which aid in getting the blood oxygenated while sleeping. Participants who take blood pressure medications should discuss this with their doctor as the medication can drop pressure too low at times.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin, especially near the equator. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids. If you'll be in the ocean, we strongly recommend reef-safe sunscreen.

PHYSICAL FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

Visitors to the Galápagos Islands should be in good health and capable of walking over rocky, uneven, and potentially slippery terrain. Regardless of your physical stamina, bringing a walking stick will help maintain your balance.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.