Galápagos Entry Fee and Transit Card
Two government charges every visitor pays, and how to handle them.
Get Galápagos QuotesThe Two Charges Every Visitor Pays
Getting to the Galápagos involves two government charges on top of your cruise and flights: the national park entry fee, collected when you land in the islands, and the Transit Control Card, issued before you board your flight from the mainland.
Neither is a cruise-line fee, and neither is optional. Some expedition lines fold one or both into the fare; many do not. Knowing them in advance avoids a surprise at the airport.
The Park Entry Fee
| Visitor category | Fee (US$) |
|---|---|
| Foreign visitors over 12 | $200 |
| Foreign visitors under 12 | $100 |
| Citizens of Andean Community or Mercosur countries, over 12 | $100 |
| Citizens of Andean Community or Mercosur countries, under 12 | $50 |
| Children under 2 | Exempt |
Source: the park’s official fee sheet, published by the Galápagos National Park and Ecuador’s environment ministry. The fee rose to these levels in August 2024 and is described as a contribution to the conservation of the islands’ protected areas. Rates for Ecuadorian nationals and residents are lower. Fees can change, so check the sheet again shortly before you travel.
The Transit Control Card
The Transit Control Card, often called the TCT, is issued under the Consejo de Gobierno de Galápagos to register who enters the islands and for how long. Every visitor needs one before flying to Baltra or San Cristóbal. You can usually complete a pre-registration online or buy it at a counter at the Quito or Guayaquil airport before check-in, and many cruise operators handle the paperwork for you.
Keep the card with your passport for the whole trip; you show it on arrival and again when you leave. Because the fee and process have changed over the years, ask your operator what the current amount is and whether it is already covered in your package.
Arrival Day Checklist
- Passport valid for your whole stay, plus any documents your airline asks for.
- Transit Control Card, or proof of pre-registration.
- Cash for the park entry fee if it is not prepaid, in the form your operator advises.
- Bags packed without fresh fruit, seeds, plants or soil; luggage is inspected for biosecurity.
- Your ship’s meeting instructions at Baltra or San Cristóbal.
For a complete pre-trip list you can print, see our sister site Cruising Checklist.
Fee Questions
How much is the Galápagos National Park entry fee?
According to the park’s official fee sheet, foreign visitors over 12 pay US$200 and foreign children under 12 pay US$100. Children under two are exempt. Lower rates apply to citizens of Andean Community and Mercosur countries and to residents of Ecuador.
Is the entry fee included in my cruise price?
Sometimes. Some expedition lines include it; many yacht fares do not. Check your booking documents, and if it is not included, bring the money as instructed by your operator.
What is the Transit Control Card?
A card issued by the Galápagos government that registers every visitor flying to the islands. You get it before your flight, at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil or through online pre-registration. Fees change, so check the current amount with your operator or the Consejo de Gobierno de Galápagos.
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