COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Ecuador (20 July Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter Ecuador.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes

• Foreign citizens can enter Ecuador.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No, with exceptions

• Regardless of whether a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test is provided, passengers that exhibit COVID-19 symptoms will be evaluated by health authorities.

• Travellers failing to present a valid negative COVID-19 test certificate, vaccination certificate or documentary proof of recovery, will also be subjected to a rapid antigen test on arrival.

Test certificate required?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Travellers (except for children under 2 years of age, crew members, and transit passengers) must present a certificate for a negative RT-PCR test, carried out within 72 hours before departure OR a vaccination card indicating the complete regimen for the particular type of vaccine received at least 14 days before arrival.

• All arriving passengers (irrespective of their vaccination status) who have departed from, or had a stopover or transited through India and Brazil are required to provide a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR certificate issued within 72 hours before departure to Ecuador.

• COVID-19 antigen tests are no longer accepted for entry to Ecuador.

• Travellers previously diagnosed with COVID-19 may present a medical certificate from their country of origin attesting to their recovery and current good health, as long as the onset of the COVID-19 symptoms occurred more than 30 days prior to arrival in Ecuador.

• Galapagos

• All international travellers transiting Quito or Guayaquil International Airport en route to the Galapagos Islands must produce a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR certificate test taken 72 hours (counting from the collection of the sample) prior to the date of departure or must present a card of vaccination showing the traveller received a complete series of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to travel.

• Incoming travellers to the Galapagos Islands also need a “transit control card” issued by the Galapagos government. Children under 2 years of age and fully vaccinated persons will be exempt from the test certificate requirement.

• Any person whose point of origin is Brazil and India, must comply compulsorily with the entry requirements to continental Ecuador, described above, prior to entering Galapagos.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• No, with exceptions

• Travellers exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will be evaluated by the health officials, and rapid antigen tests may also be conducted upon arrival. If the rapid antigen test is positive, the traveller must isolate themselves for ten days. The isolation may take place at a private residence or hotel of the traveller’s choosing. If the rapid antigen test is negative, no isolation will be required.

• Travellers arriving from Brazil and India, including those who have transited through the countries, will need to self-isolate for 10 days in any hotel accredited by the Ministry of Tourism, regardless of the results on any test for COVID-19.

• Based on the above restrictions, arriving travellers will be exempted from quarantine or required to spend up to a maximum of 10 days in quarantine.

Insurance required?

• No, with exceptions

• Foreign travellers going to the Galapagos Islands must have travel health insurance.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• Upon arrival, travellers will be required to complete a declaration form with their local contact details and itinerary.

• Galapagos:

• Tourists must present a return flight and a safe passage document (‘salvoconducto’) issued by their tour operator. Tourists must complete the Galapagos Transit Control Card online at least 24 hours before their flight.

Is vaccination required?

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country.

• Travellers who have had their complete COVID-19 vaccination can present the official vaccination certificate to enter Ecuador, including travel to the Galapagos Islands, instead of the certificate for a negative RT-PCR or rapid test result. However, the use of “Immunity Certificates or Vaccination Certificates/Cards” from foreign passengers will be subject to constant review.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• A nationwide tracing app called “ASI Ecuador” is available.

• There are a few apps to access information regarding COVID-19, which can be downloaded here.

Airline restrictions

• Minimal

• Domestic and international flights are operating.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Air borders are open.

• All land and maritime borders are closed until further notice. However, Ecuadorian nationals and legal residents may enter Ecuador via the border crossings at Huaquillas, El Oro province, or Tulcan, Carchi province.

• Travel to the Galapagos Islands is allowed.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• Authorities have lifted the night curfews that were imposed in several provinces.

Social restrictions

• Moderate

• Social distancing is mandatory for all people in public spaces. Violators will be fined.

• Mass gatherings remain prohibited.

• Self-quarantine is encouraged for people aged 60 or above and persons with medical conditions.

• All non-essential activities must be carried out remotely. Teleworking is mandatory whenever possible.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Public transport may operate at a reduced capacity.

• Public transport is capped at half capacity and the movement of vehicles is banned in urban areas in Quito municipality from 23:00-06:00 local time on Monday-Saturday and from 24:00 on Sundays and holidays, with license plate-based restrictions in place on weekdays.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Shops and supermarkets are allowed to open.

• Shopping centres are allowed to operate at a reduced capacity.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels are open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are open with occupancy limits.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Commercial establishments may open with occupancy limits.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• No, with exceptions

• Re-opening of beaches will be monitored by an app called “Distancia2.”

Personal care services open?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Gyms and other commercial establishments can operate at a reduced capacity.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Churches may open with limits on gatherings.

Events allowed?

• No, with exceptions

• Mass events are banned.

• In Quito, contact sports activities are banned if the minimum social distancing requirement cannot be maintained.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face masks and social distancing are mandatory for all people in public spaces. Violators will be fined.

Other

• In-person classes are currently suspended, with certain exceptions.

• Health, security, and risk management services are operating.

• Cinemas and entertainment establishments can open with occupancy limits.

• Parks and public outdoor spaces are open.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practise social distancing, maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.