Galápagos National Park entrance fee
The fee depends on nationality or residency and on age. The values below come from the official fee table published by the Special Governing Council of Galápagos.
| Category | 12 or older (USD) | Under 12 (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| International visitor | 200 | 100 |
| CAN or Mercosur visitor | 100 | 50 |
| Ecuadorian or resident of mainland Ecuador | 30 | 15 |
| Resident in Ecuador aged 65 or older | 15 | — |
| Resident in Ecuador with a CONADIS disability card | 15 | — |
| Non-resident foreign student | 50 | — |
| Transeúnte (CGREG) | 15 | — |
| Under 2 years old (exempt) | Exempt | Exempt |
| Permanent resident of Galápagos (exempt) | Exempt | Exempt |
The CAN and Mercosur category applies only to visitors from Bolivia, Colombia, and Perú (CAN), and from Argentina, Brasil, Paraguay, and Uruguay (Mercosur). Associate states are not included in the reduced rate.
Permanent residents of Galápagos are exempt from the National Park fee and from the TCT as well: they pay nothing on entering the province.
Foreign nationals who live or work in Ecuador (for example, embassy staff) pay the Ecuador-resident rate if they present their visa to the National Park.
Some travelers may be exempt from payment, such as transient visitors sponsored by the Consejo de Gobierno and members of the Armed Forces and the National Police. Confirm your case with the Consejo de Gobierno before traveling.
Transit Control Card (TCT)
Every visitor except permanent residents of Galápagos pays the 20 USD TCT. You obtain it before boarding the domestic flight to the archipelago, so treat it as part of check-in, not as an arrival errand.
You can pay the TCT in cash at the Consejo de Gobierno counter or online with a Mastercard debit or credit card; Visa is not accepted.
Issue the TCT on the official Consejo de Gobierno form
That official form page also hosts the video explaining the process.
Documents for entering Galápagos
- Valid ID: a cédula or passport if you are Ecuadorian (the digital cédula on your phone also works), and a passport if you are a foreign visitor.
- A round-trip ticket between the continent and Galápagos that covers your entire stay.
- The TCT, obtained before boarding the domestic flight.
- A card or cash to pay the National Park fee on arrival.
Important: the National Park fee is paid on arrival at Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY) by debit or credit card, which adds a surcharge for the card terminal, or in cash. Because card payment runs online and connectivity in the islands is poor, they ask for cash when the connection is down: bring cash as a backup.
As a tourist you cannot stay more than 60 days in the islands.
If you are traveling as a foreign national, check the visa requirements for your nationality in Ecuador’s official consular information before buying your tickets.
Estimate your entry cost
This simulator is planning guidance only: official authorities decide the final values and requirements, and fees may change. Always verify the official sources before you travel.