COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Ecuador (17 April 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 show COVID-19 symptoms will be evaluated by the Ministry of Health personnel. Travellers may be subjected to a rapid antigen test, if required, upon 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, or a negative antigen test carried out within 72 hours before arrival or a vaccination card indicating the complete regimen for the particular type of vaccine.

  • Any traveller with no symptoms, who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 by a positive test result, but with more than a month from the date of onset of symptoms, must present a medical certificate issued in the country of origin that guarantees the traveller's recovery and current health status for entry to Ecuador.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

  • No, with exceptions

  • Travellers having 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 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 from Brazil will be required to quarantine for 10 days, including those who had been in transit only, will have to self-quarantine in any hotel authorized by the Ministry of Tourism. The travellers will be required to isolate themselves regardless of the results of any COVID-19 tests.

  • People found violating the quarantine will be fined.

  • Based on the above restrictions, the traveller will be required to spend between 0 and 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, with exceptions

  • A COVID-19 vaccination is not required to enter Ecuador.

  • Travellers who have had two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be able to enter Ecuador, including travel to the Galapagos Islands, and will not be required to have a certificate for a negative COVID-19 test.

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

  • Significant

  • The national curfew restrictions have been lifted. However, local municipalities have the authority to impose regulations.

Social distancing 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

  • Vehicles restrictions have been lifted; however, in Quito, license plate-based movement restrictions will be in place from 05:00 to 22:00 (local time) every day. Additionally, the movement of all private vehicles will be banned in the capital from 22:00-05:00 (local time).

Non-essential shops open?

  • Yes

  • Shops and supermarkets are allowed to open.

Accommodations open?

  • Yes

  • Hotels are open.

Restaurants open?

  • Yes

  • Restaurants are open.

Bars and cafes open?

  • Yes, with exceptions

  • Bars and nightclubs in Quito are closed.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

  • No, with exceptions

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

  • Access to beaches is banned for tourism purposes.

Events allowed?

  • No, with exceptions

  • Mass events are banned.

  • In Quito, contact sports activities that cannot maintain the minimum social distancing requirement are banned.

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.

Advice For Travellers

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 practice social distancing and 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.