Ecuador reopened its border for tourism and now almost all countries are allowed to visit. All travelers need to bring proof of a negative PCR COVID test taken no longer than 72 hours prior to arrival, or a COVID-19 vaccination certificate instead.
Visitors from the UK and South Africa won’t be allowed until further notice.
In an attempt to help the economy bounce back, Ecuador has created “Te lo Prometo Ecuador “, an ambitious national campaign centered on the new sort of “biosafe tourism” reactivation that promises to motivate people to travel and rediscover the country.
Disclaimer: Travel restrictions and governmental regulations can change rapidly and the information below might be outdated within a few hours. Therefore, double-check all information with your embassy or on official websites. Traveling Lifestyle does not take any responsibility for your decision to travel.
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Ecuador Reopening Tourism – Latest Updates
March 28
The Ecuadorian government has announced that visitors to the mainland and the Galapagos Islands will be able to enter without a negative PCR test, if they have been vaccinated with two full doses of a COVID-19 vaccine at least two weeks prior to arrival in the country.
Additionally, visitors who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 more than a month earlier and continue to have a positive result in their PCR tests will be allowed entry if they can produce a medical certificate issued in their country of origin guaranteeing they are in good health.
October 23
Due to the second wave of COVID-19 cases, none of a European country is taking any Ecuadorian tourists.
Is Ecuador open to American tourists?
Yes. However, American visitors must keep in mind that starting March 22, all travelers including children must bring proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test result taken within 3 days prior to arrival in Ecuador.
What documents do travelers need to submit to be granted access to Ecuador? – Updated
- COVID-19 test – Ecuador demands visitors (older than 18) to bring proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours before arrival.
- COVID-19 vaccination certificate (if they have it).
Visitors will also be checked upon entering but as long as they do not show any symptoms that may alert the medical staff, entrance will be granted and no quarantine will be needed.
Different rules apply to Galapagos Islands. (See below)
- Health form – (Formulario de declaración de salud del Viajero) Fill it out here.
Do visitors need to quarantine upon arrival in Ecuador?
Visitors showing any symptoms related to COVID-19 will be requested to take a test and quarantine for 14 days at a government-approved facility at their own expense.
Is it safe to visit Ecuador during COVID-19?
According to the CDC it’s not safe to visit Ecuador now. The country is under Level 4 warning by CDC and all non-essential travel should be avoided. (CDC.gov)
Which airlines are operating flights to Ecuador during pandemic?
Flights to Quito:
- Madrid operated by Air Europa and Iberia*
- Panama City operated by Copa
- Bogota operated by Avianca
- Lima operated by Latam
- Mexico City operated by Aeromexico
- Miami operated by JetBlue and American
- Houston operated by United
Important! – *Due to the second wave of COVID-19 cases, not all European countries are taking Ecuadorian tourists.
Arriving in Ecuador – Restrictions and security measures for international visitors
As in most countries that are reopening their borders to tourism, Ecuador demands visitors to bring proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival and wear a face mask.
Visitors will also be checked upon entering but as long as they do not show any symptoms that may alert the medical staff, entrance will be granted and no quarantine will be needed.
If the traveler, however, does not bring the test results or if they have symptoms related to COVID-19 such as fever, dry cough, severe sore throat, or rapid breathing, they must immediately take a test, and quarantine for 14 days in an accommodation authorized by the government, all at their own expense.
As soon as they get a negative result, they can resume their trip.
Are Galapagos Islands open for tourists?
Considered one of the must-visit world’s destinations for being the place where Charles Darwin found the inspiration to write “On the origin of species”, Galapagos Islands gather a diversity of animals and plants found nowhere else on the planet as well as, up until recently, a constant flow of visitors.
Due to its amazingly particular and fragile ecosystem conditions, we have good news and bad news to people expecting to cross this destination off their bucket list.
The good news is that this national park has actually been open to tourism since July, the bad news is, however, that the Ecuadorian National Government requires visitors to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours before arrival.
COVID-19 in Ecuador – Current situation
As of March 28, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health has reported 322,699 total confirmed cases, 271.847 cases of recovered patients, 1.016 hospitalized but in stable condition, and 16,679 deaths.
Although the coronavirus continues to be a matter of local concern, the current situation is far from the terrible death toll figures and painful images that made the international news a few months ago. With some provinces (States) more affected than others, tourism and other economic activities have begun to gradually reactivate.
Protected parks and beaches already opened to tourists
Beaches
Meetings on the Salinas beach (one of the hot spots for tourists in southern Ecuador) are now allowed but drinking alcohol is still forbidden.
Similar restrictions are being applied to 40 other beaches that have recently opened in the provinces of Esmeraldas, Manabí, El Oro, Guayas, and Santa Elena. And yes, the internationally famous Montañita, Salinas, and Atacames are among them.
Protected parks
As reported by local news, the National Emergency Operations Committee (COE) authorized the reopening of protected areas and national parks. In order to achieve this safely, a biosafety protocol was approved and will be adapted to each region regarding their particular needs.
What are general recommendations and national restrictions in Ecuador?
In addition to the ones above, the Ministry of Tourism website also displays a list of recommendations and restrictions to take into account while visiting the country.
Recommendations:
- Verify with your embassy all the legal and health documents required to enter the country.
- Always keep an ID handy.
- Keep in touch regularly with family and friends back home.
- Purchase travel insurance (not mandatory).
- In case of showing any COVID-19 symptoms, call 117 for medical attention.
- In case of emergencies, call 911.
National restrictions:
- Mass events such as music concerts or sporting events are not permitted.
- It is very important to keep in mind that some areas of Ecuador are still in curfew or have interstate or even intercity travel restrictions. Lawbreakers can face fines. For further information check https://www.gestionderiesgos.gob.ec/resoluciones-coe/
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