Galapagos - Covid Travel information
View entry requirements here If you are fully vaccinated, you can enter Ecuador. At least 14 days must have passed since your second dose of the vaccine, and the vaccine must be approved by the World Health Organisation. or Ecuador will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. If you are not fully vaccinated you must present a laboratory PCR or antigen test, taken up to 72 hours prior to boarding your flight, in order to enter Ecuador. All passengers are required to complete a Health Declaration Form with their itinerary and local contact details. From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you: do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form do not need to quarantine when you arrive This applies whether you are vaccinated or not. It includes people who are transiting through England. Updated 13SEP 2022
Galapagos - the location, language, time difference
It usually takes around 16 hours flying time to reach Guayaquil - this is your gateway to the Galapagos islands. The flight from Guayaquil to San Cristobal is then around 2 hours. The Galapagos has year round big fish. It's most famous for the schooling hammerheads, but from December to May, Manta Season is the warm season for Galapagos diving. Air temperatures go up a few degrees, but typically the water at Wolf and Darwin Islands will be anywhere from 25-27C. Despite the warmth, visibility is also usually the best Galapagos has to offer during Manta Season. Between June and November, the number of whaleshark encounters increases dramatically.
- GMT-6hrs
- Spanish, English widely spoken
Galapagos - weather and climate
The Galapagos has good weather all year round. The weather is not normally too wet (inspite of its equatorial location), with the dry season running from Jul - Dec and the warm season from Jan - Jun. Temps range from 21-30C.
Galapagos - Currency and Tax
$USD
We strongly recommend taking cash USD for gratuities and onboard charges are best paid in cash to avoid Ecuadorian taxes and service fees. Credit cards are subject to the 14% VAT plus 5% in bank fees.
How do I get there?
Our holidays to the Galapagos can be quoted with most major airlines from Heathrow to Guayaquil or Quito. We are able to book most major airlines. If you would like to depart from a different UK airport (eg. Glasgow/Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham or Gatwick) or have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. Times and any applicable costs will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday. If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to Guayaquil, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.
As there are no direct flight, it is simple to add a stop over en route - simply ask your travel consultant for a quote. Popular locations include the USA, Amsterdam or Madrid.
Are there any extension options?
There are a huge number of extension options. Many people chose to spend a few nights on the Galapagos Islands, with Puerto Auyora, Isabella, or San Cristobal being the main locations. Or why not head back to the mainland for a few nights in the jungle and Cloud Forest. You can easily add time in the historic city of Quito. For the truly adventurous, you can even had to Peru after your trip.
Passports and Visas
Passports - Must be valid for 6 months from return date
UK passport holders are able to obtain a free 90 day tourist visa on arrival. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Preparing to fly
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world. click here
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think. click here
Current duty free allowances allowed into Ecuador:400 cigarettes, 500 grams of tobacco and 25 cigars; 3 liters of alcoholic beverages per family; Gifts, personal effects up to the amount USD 1,999.- Allowances can change without notice - please reconfirm before travel.
What do I need to arrange before I go?
UK passport holders are able to obtain a free 90 day tourist visa on arrival. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities. We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation. Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here
Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival to the Ecuador mainland, you will need to clear immigration and collect your baggage. You will then be met outside of arrivals by a representative. They will be holding a board with either your destination or your name on it. If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Quito airport is around 1 hour by car from Quito city. Guayaquil airport is closer to the city, and transfers to your hotel are usually no more than 30mins. You will be advised locally of your pick up time for your return to the airport and flight to the Galapagos Islands. The flying time is around 2 hours between Guayaquil and San Cristobal
What happens on departure day?
At the end of your holiday, your return transfer details will be advised locally. On leaving the Ecuador there is an departure tax of $30-$40 which must be paid in cash.
Plugs and Electricity
Most plugs need a flat, 2 pin adaptor and are 220V