Covid-19 Situation in the Galapagos Islands

Last update: Aug 25th, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic emerged in late 2019 and spread across the world in early 2020 and as today (2021) still having goverments around the globe with very strict lockdowns in order try and contain the disease.

See the figures for the Galapagos Islands below:

Covid-19 in Galapagos

Since the begining of the pandemic on march of the last year in Galapagos there are 1,437 confirmed cases of COVID-19, (Updated May 25th, 2021) which represents 0.3% of the population, however, of this figure it is estimated that around 80 percent of the cases are already out risk and recovered.

The way to fight the virus according to world and local authorities is through isolation, biosecurity measures and vaccination, which have been adopted in Ecuador and Galapagos since the protocols and vaccinations are followed on the islands.

Vaccination in Galapagos

In the Galapagos archipelago, being the main tourist destination at the national level, it has generated concern on the part of the authorities. That is why they have launched a vaccination campaign and it is estimated that 100% of the population residing in the Islands will be vaccinated by the end of May 2021.

Currently (Aug 25th, 2021), more than 20,000 inhabitants, 99.6% of the population has received the first dose of the vaccine, and about 6000 people have received the second dose, 29.3% of the population.

From May 17th to 29th, the second doses of the vaccine will be completed.

Source: Galapagos Governing Council

Travel safely to Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are a top nature destination where you will have outdoor activities. As consequence, you will have very little human contact and enjoy unique experiences and activities that you will not find anywhere else in the world. This makes traveling to Galapagos a guarantee of safety. By the way, if you want to know more details enter here.

Tour operators

Currently, the number of tourists entering has been reduced to 2 decades ago, with only approximately 72,000 visitors, so the low influx of visitors has meant that many tour operators do not do so regularly.

However, our company is one of the few tour operators that operate normally, in fact, we were pioneers in resuming activities implementing biosafety protocols since August 2020, taking thousands of tourists to this paradisiacal destination.

From Ecuador to Galapagos

Getting to Galapagos necessarily implies going through the Ecuador mainland, since this tourist destination does not have direct international access. In the same way was the entry of the virus. Here are the figures at the country level.

At the national level (Ecuador) these are the figures:

Data updated to 05/25/2021, Source Ministry of Health of Ecuador.

It should be noted that currently the land borders of entry to Ecuador are closed to avoid uncontrolled entry. Entry into the country is only allowed through international flights to the airports of Quito and Guayaquil where rigorous biosafety measures, temperature control and PCR tests are maintained.

In addition, visitors entering Ecuador must comply with the following

Entry requirements to Ecuador Mainland and the Galapagos Islands:

Passengers entering Ecuador must submit the Traveler’s Health form physically to the airline upon boarding. The measure, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, is effective as of Monday, August 30, 2021, informed the Ministry of Tourism in a press release.

To print the form, go to www.salud.gob.ec, click on the Traveler’s Health icon or click on the direct download link: https://bit.ly/3fvCVD7.

 Entry to Ecuador Mainland:

• For travelers over 2 years old: PCR Test with negative result for COVID-19 issued maximum 72 hours before travel, or Vaccination Card with the complete schedule issued at least 14 days before travel.

Entry to the Galapagos Islands

• All travelers older than 2 years old must present a PCR Test with a negative result for COVID-19 issued a maximum of 72 hours before travel and the Transit Control Card issued by Galapagos Government Council.
  ** These requirements are mandatory, undistinguished has or not a Vaccination Card with the complete schedule.

• Travelers under 2 years old not required to present any requirement to enter Galapagos, only the Transit Control Card.

In addition, they must have the Transit Control Card, issued by the Council of Government of the Galapagos Islands. Access this card at: https://siiws.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec/siicgg_web/

This measure will take effect from September 11, 2021.

Source: Ecuador Emergency Operations Committee.

Information update date: 09/10/2021

Galapagos is a safe alternative

We invite you to be encouraged to visit this destination, since as you read in this blog, containment figures and strict biosecurity measures are maintained on the islands. In addition, the population will soon be 100% vaccinated, which means that the risk of contagion is much lower.

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