Everything you need to know about entering Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands!

Welcome to your Galapagos diving adventure. This page provides everything you need to know about entering Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, including passports, visas, travel forms, arrival and departure flights, and transfers.

We recommend reading this travel requirements page carefully to avoid travel delays.

For general travel information, including what to pack, dive gear to bring, wifi, and more – visit this page.

Quick Checklist – Before you Travel

  • Passport – valid 6+ months beyond travel dates
  • Visa – check if required for your nationality (Ecuadorian Consulate info)
  • Sworn Declaration Form – complete day of Galapagos flight (required for all 18+ years old) → Details here
  • Transit Control Card (TCT) – obtain online starting May 29, 2025 → Apply here
  • Flights – book domestic flights to Baltra (GPS) (not San Cristóbal)-Book through EV Fleet
  • Arrival Buffer – arrive in Quito/Guayaquil 1–2 days before your Galapagos flight
  • Meeting the Vessel – be at Baltra airport by 11:30 am Monday
  • Luggage – must arrive before vessel departs; lost bags can’t be retrieved mid-trip
  • Return Flights – earliest safe connections: after 5 pm from Guayaquil, after 7 pm from Quito

In Case of Emergency

Lost luggage: retrieval only after vessel returns
Missed flights: Call +593-95872-0537 immediately
Medical emergencies: alert your on-board guide

1. Forms To Complete

Passport & Visa Requirements

  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
  • Some travelers may require a visa. Please check with your closest Ecuadorian Embassy or see our Travel Advisory – Galapagos.

Health & Entry Forms

How to Fill Out the FRA

Starting July 29, 2025, all travelers and crew entering or leaving Ecuador regardless of nationality (tourists, Ecuadorians, foreign travelers) are legally required to fill out the FRA Formulario de Registro Aduanero (Custom’s Form) online, up to three days before travel. Then present the generated QR code upon arrival or departure. The form needs to be filled out whether you are declaring anything or not.

  1. Visit the Custom’s link here and select your preferred language (Spanish or English).
  2. Log in using your national ID (cédula, passport, etc.).
  3. If you don’t have an account yet, register-it usually takes less than a minute.
  4. Choose whether the form is for entry or exit.
  5. Complete the personal and travel details.
  6. Declare only if you are carrying taxable goods or over USD 10,000 in cash or valuables.
  7. You’ll receive a QR code – present this at custom’s checkpoints.

Transit Control Card (TCT)

Please preregister your TCT card at least a day in advance. 

  • The Transit Control Card (TCT) is mandatory for all visitors to the Galapagos.
  • Starting May 29, 2025, you must complete this online before traveling.
  • To get your TCT:
    1. Visit TCT Online System
    2. Accept data policy, watch short video, and fill out the form
    3. Confirm validation by email, enter travel/accommodation info
      • Tiburon Explorer appears as Tiburon Explorer. However, Humboldt Explorer is listed as Yate Humboldt near the bottom of the list. The list is not alphabetical.  
    4. Accept declaration, pay $20 online, and reload the page, then download your TCT
    5. A copy will also be sent to your email (check your spam folder)
  • Please arrive at Quito airport at least 2 hours before departure of your flight. 
  • At the airport, present:
    • TCT (digital or printed) 
    • Valid passport
  • Roundtrip flight ticket\Remember to check in online the day before your flight or you will have further delays (or in cause a $20 Avianca fine).

Note: If you cannot do your TCT online, arrive 30 minutes in addition to the mandatory time before the Galapagos flight (at least 2.5 hours) then go to the Consejo de Govierno booth and complete TCT in person and pay $20.

2. Flight Information

Domestic Flights to the Galapagos

  • Book flights to Baltra (GPS) — not San Cristóbal.
  • We recommend booking flights though Explorer Ventures Fleet. We can help with schedule changes if the tickets are booked through us
  • Flight times, airports, and prices may change last minute. Flights also often run late.
  • To avoid delays or lost luggage issues, plan to arrive in Quito or Guayaquil at least 1–2 days before your Galapagos flight.
  • You will need at least 3 hours between an international arrival and flight to Galapagos as you need to clear immigration and customs, retrieve all luggage and complete the process below for flight check in.
  • Consider an extra night in Ecuador after your cruise before your international departure.
  • More details: Traveling to Galapagos Islands – What You Should Know

Galapagos Flight Check in

Please follow the following steps in order. 

  1. Scan all baggage including hand luggage at ABG scanner. They will place plastic tags on all checked baggage. 
  2. Go to terminals in airport to check in – print out boarding passes and luggage tags.
  3. Then go to the counter of the airline you are flying with – LATAM or Avianca – to present proof of payment of TCT and drop bags. 

3. Meeting the Vessel

Arrival day (Monday morning):

  • Transfers between Baltra airport and the vessel are included for same-day arrivals. The guides will meet guests at bottom of the Arrivals ramp near the giant board (where all arrivals are listed). They will have a sign with the name of the boat. If you cannot locate the guide, please call +593 958720537. Please do not board any bus without the guide.
  • Guides depart the airport at 12:00 pm. Please meet them at the arrivals area by 11:30 am.

If you arrive later in the day:

  • A private guide transfer can be arranged for $150 per reservation.
  • Independent boarding is not possible.

If staying on Santa Cruz before the trip:

  1. Travel independently to Baltra airport by 11:30 am (taxi + ferry + bus, about $36 pp).
  2. Or arrange in advance a taxi pickup with Explorer Ventures from your Puerto Ayora hotel between 11:30–11:45 am ($30 per taxi, up to 4 guests).

Missed flights:

4. Luggage

  • Ensure your luggage arrives before the vessel departs.
  • If luggage is delayed in Quito or Guayaquil please file a report IN PERSON immediately with the agent for the airline. Please ask them for a local number and contact name to monitor the status of the luggage.
  • We can retrieve luggage up to 1 pm on the second day of your trip.
  • Once the vessel leaves port, lost luggage cannot be retrieved until the end of your trip. Luggage will need to remain at airport with airline until you can pick it up on the return. Usually in this case it is best left in Quito or Guayaquil if it will not arrive in time to meet the boat.

5. Returning Home

  • The vessel returns to port Monday morning (Humboldt Explorer) or Saturday morning (Tiburon Explorer)
  • Last night dinner is on land and not included in the trip price.
  • Transfers back to the airport are included.
  • Earliest safe connections:
    • 5 pm international flights from Guayaquil
    • 7 pm international flights from Quito
  • Remember: check-in for international flights is required 3 hours before departure.

6. Vessel-Specific FAQs

For detailed, up-to-date information about your liveaboard cruise, including Galapagos diving information, weather, recommended clothing, packing tips, currency, and vessel-specific policies, please refer to:

These pages are updated regularly with the latest information for each vessel.

7. Emergency & Contact Information

Lost luggage, missed flights, or travel emergencies:

  • Immediately contact: +593-95872-0537

Additional guidance:

  • Lost luggage can only be retrieved after the vessel returns
  • If you miss your flights, notify Galasam of your updated arrival time and location
  • For medical or safety emergencies, your on-board guide will provide local contacts
  • For booking-related or pre-trip questions, contact info@explorerventures.com

General Galapagos Travel Info:

  • Language: English is spoken by most.
  • Currency: US Dollar (USD). Credit cards accepted in larger towns; cash needed for taxis, tips, and small shops.
  • Clothing & Gear: Light layers, sun protection, rain jacket, sturdy walking shoes, water shoes for landings.
  • Diving: Cold water environment with advanced diving conditions. Gear is not provided but can be rented on board (let us know in advance). Consider thick wetsuits and motion sickness remedies if needed.
  • Connectivity: Limited mobile coverage. Wi-Fi available on vessels for a fee, but often slow. Local SIM cards available in Puerto Ayora or mainland.
  • Wildlife & Conservation: Do not feed or touch wildlife. Follow Galapagos Marine Park & National Park regulations.
  • Sustainability: Both vessels operate under Galapagos National Park regulations, Dive Green (Explorer Ventures policy) and are PADI Eco-Center certified, promoting responsible tourism and marine conservation.

Tip: Check vessel-specific FAQs for detailed guidance on packing, weather, and activities.

Helpful Links

Note – all times and prices are subject to change.