SELECT REGION

Passport, Visa and Other Important Ecuador Travel Information

Return to Previous Page

Traveling To Ecuador

Passport and visa requirements

A valid passport is required to enter and leave Ecuador. At this time, a visa is not required for US, Canadian and most European citizens if visiting for less than 90 days. Visas are required for citizens of some Asian, Central American and Eastern European countries. It is the passenger's responsibility to check with local immigration offices or the Ecuadorian consulate prior to departure to determine if a visa is necessary. For more information see www.passportexpress.com or www.ecuador.org

Immunizations

At this time, no vaccinations are required for visitors to the Galapagos Islands and most other parts of Ecuador.

A Yellow Fever immunization is required if arriving from an infected area and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) if traveling to certain jungle areas east of the Andes.
A prescription anti-malaria medication is recommended if traveling to elevations under 4,921 feet excluding Quito, Guayaquil and the Galapagos.
The Centers for Disease Control provides immunization information for travel in Latin America. www.cdc.gov

Customs

Entry During the flight to Ecuador, a flight attendant distributes an Ecuador entrance form to all passengers. At Customs, travelers are asked to show the completed form along with their passport and are asked how many days they plan to be in Ecuador. Normally, the passport will be stamped, indicating a permissible stay of 60 or 90 days. A copy of the Customs form will be returned to the traveler.
Exit There is an airport departure tax of $32US from Quito or Guayaquil for passengers departing on international flights (credit cards accepted).

Exchanging currency

The US dollar is now the official currency of Ecuador. Visa, MasterCard and Diners Club are the most recognized credit cards in Ecuador. American Express is not widely accepted. ATM machines (Visa/MasterCard/Cirrus/Plus), with directions in English, are widely available in all major cities and large towns including the Galapagos Islands and the only reliable method of obtaining money on Sundays but not at all locations. Hotels exchange money, and most offer safe-keeping for valuables. On trips of two weeks or less, we recommend carrying only US cash in denominations of $20s to exchange as needed. Before departure, we send booked passengers a packet of trip information that contains operating hours for money exchange offices (Casas de Cambio) and more money tips.

Using electricity

All of Ecuador uses 110-volt electrical outlets standard to the U.S. For video cameras, we suggest packing an extra set of charged batteries. Some Ecuador hotels and Galapagos boats have hair dryers for guest use, but most do not.

For questions about our trips to the Galapagos Islands, please see Frequently Asked Questions about our Trips to the Galapagos Islands.

SOUTHERN EXPLORATIONS
IS A PROUD
MEMBER / SPONSOR OF THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS