Galapagos Entry Requirements 2026: Everything You Need Before You Fly

So you've booked your flights, packed your snorkel, and mentally prepared yourself for the most jaw-dropping wildlife encounter of your life — welcome to the Galápagos club! Whether you're exploring on your own or traveling with one of our Galapagos Tour Packages, before you board that plane there are two mandatory online processes every traveler must complete. Miss them, and you might not make it past the airport.

Don't worry — we've got you covered. Here's the complete Galapagos entry requirements for 2026 — so nothing surprises you at the airport.

What Are the Galapagos Entry Requirements?

The Galápagos Islands are one of the most ecologically sensitive places on Earth. Ecuador takes their protection seriously — and that means controlling who enters, what they bring, and how long they stay. Two key documents make this possible:

1. The TCT (Tarjeta de Control de Tránsito) — your official entry permit

2. The DJM (Declaración Juramentada de Mercancías) — your biosecurity declaration

Both are done 100% online, and both are required before you land. Let's break them down.

1. TCT — Tarjeta de Control de Tránsito (Transit Control Card)

What Is the TCT and Why Do You Need It?

The TCT is your official permit to enter the Galápagos province. Think of it as your "golden ticket" — without it, you won't get on the flight. It's managed by the Council of the Galápagos Government (CGREG) and is mandatory for every visitor, whether you're coming from Quito, Guayaquil, or anywhere else in the world.

How Much Does It Cost?

$20 USD — paid online by credit or debit card. Children under 2 years old are exempt.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your TCT Online

1. Go to 👉 siig-cgreg.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec

2. Accept the personal data policy

3. Watch the short mandatory informational video (yes, it's required — no skipping!)

4. Fill in your personal details and verify your email with a security code

5. Enter your trip details: travel dates, accommodation, and flight info

6. Accept the declaration of responsibility

7. Pay the $20 USD fee online

8. Click "Reload Page" after payment to download your TCT

9. Save it — a copy will also be sent to your email

   
   

💡 Tips

• Do this at least 24–48 hours before your flight — don't leave it for the morning of departure.

• You'll need to show your TCT at the CGREG counter at the airport in Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE) before boarding — along with your passport and round-trip Galápagos tickets.

• Digital copy on your phone is perfectly fine, but having a printed backup never hurts.

  
  

2.DJM — Declaración Juramentada de Mercancías (Sworn Declaration of Goods)

What Is It?

The DJM is a biosecurity declaration managed by the ABG (Agency for Biosecurity and Quarantine Regulation for Galápagos). You're essentially swearing that you're not bringing in anything that could harm the islands' unique ecosystem — like certain foods, plants, seeds, or animal products.

As of January 31, 2026, the old paper form handed out on the plane no longer exists. It's fully digital now, so you need to handle this before you travel.

How Much Does It Cost?

Completely free!

Who Needs to Complete It?

All travelers 18 years and older.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete Your DJM Online

1. Go to 👉 declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec/declaracion

2. Fill in your personal details (name, passport/ID number, flight info)

3. Declare the items you're bringing: food, plants, camping equipment, souvenirs, etc.

4. Answer whether you've visited farms, wildlife areas, or been in contact with animals in the last 72 hours

5. Submit the form

6. You'll receive a QR code or confirmation number — save it on your phone!

7. Show it to biosecurity inspectors upon arrival in Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY)

   
   

💡 Tips

• You can complete this up to 72 hours before your flight — we recommend doing it the day before.

• QR codes are also available at the airports in Quito and Guayaquil if you forget, but why risk the stress?

• Leave the exotic snacks at home. Bringing in unauthorized fruits, seeds, or animal products is not just illegal — it's genuinely harmful to the Galápagos ecosystem.

• If you have trouble with the platform, biosecurity staff are available at checkpoints to assist you.

  
  

Galápagos National Park Entry Fee

Upon landing in the Galápagos — either in Baltra or San Cristóbal — you'll pay the National Park entrance fee directly to park rangers at the airport. This is separate from the TCT and DJM.

Visitor Type	Fee
Foreign adults (12+)	$200 USD
Foreign children (under 12)	$100 USD
Andean Community / MERCOSUR nationals	$100 USD
Ecuadorian residents	$30 USD
Galápagos residents	Exempt

⚠️ Important: The park entry fee is cash only (USD). There are no ATMs at the airport, so come prepared. The fee goes directly toward conservation of the islands and is non-negotiable.

💰 Cost Breakdown at a Glance

Document	Issued By	Cost	Who Needs It
TCT	CGREG	$20 USD	All travelers
DJM	ABG	Free	All travelers 18+
Galápagos Entry Fee	PNG	$200 USD (foreigners) / $30 (MERCOSUR)	All visitors

❓ FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit the Galápagos Islands?

Most international travelers — including citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, and Australia — do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days in Ecuador, which includes the Galápagos. Your valid passport is sufficient. A small number of nationalities require an Ecuadorian visa; check with your country's embassy or the Ecuadorian consulate to confirm your status.

Can I complete the TCT and DJM on my phone?

Yes — both forms are fully mobile-friendly. A stable internet connection is all you need. We recommend doing it from a laptop or tablet just to be safe with the payment step.

What happens if I forget to get the TCT before my flight?

You likely won't be allowed to board. Airlines and CGREG staff at the airport verify the TCT before departure. Complete it well in advance — don't risk your trip over a $20 form.

Is a digital copy of my TCT and DJM accepted?

Yes, a digital version on your phone is officially accepted for both documents. That said, a printed backup is always a good idea — phones die, screens crack.

Can I do the DJM at the airport if I forget?

QR codes for the DJM are available at Quito and Guayaquil airports — but lines can be long. Save yourself the stress and do it the night before your flight.

Is the $200 park entry fee really cash only?

Yes, it must be paid in cash (USD) to park rangers upon arrival. Come prepared — there are no ATMs at the Galápagos airport arrivals area.

Is travel insurance required for the Galápagos?

It is not officially mandatory for all travelers, but it is strongly recommended and required by many cruise operators and tour companies. Given the remote location and the cost of medical evacuation from the islands, traveling without it is a serious risk.

Is the TCT the same as the National Park entrance fee?

No — they are completely separate. The TCT ($20) is a migration and transit control document. The National Park fee ($200) is paid on arrival and funds conservation of the islands.

How far in advance should I do all of this?

We recommend completing both the TCT and DJM at least 48 hours before your flight. The sooner, the better.

✅ Your Pre-Departure Checklist

• [ ] ✈️ Round-trip flights to Galápagos booked

• [ ] 🪪 Transit Control Card TCT completed and saved

• [ ] 🌿 Sworn Declaration of Goods DJM completed and QR code saved

• [ ] 💵 Cash/card ready for Park entry fee on arrival

• [ ] 🤿 Snorkel packed. Iguanas, here you come.

• [ ] 🥾 Camping/hiking gear cleaned of any soil or organic residue

• [ ] 🩺 Travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage (strongly recommended)

  
  

The Galápagos Islands are one of those rare places that genuinely lives up to the hype — swimming with sea lions, spotting giant tortoises, and walking among wildlife that has never learned to fear humans. A little paperwork is a very small price to pay for an experience like that. Ready to make it happen? Browse our Ecuador Vacation Packages and find the adventure that's right for you. Happy adventuring! 🌊