Your Galápagos Flight: A Step-by-Step Travel Guide

Flying to the Galápagos is a little different from flying anywhere else. Because the archipelago is a protected National Park, there are a few extra steps involved, from how flights must be booked to the permits and screenings required before boarding.

Let’s take a closer look at the paperwork, permits, and pre-travel steps you’ll need, so you can start your adventure with confidence. Here’s everything you need to know about flying to the Galápagos, and how we make the process easier.

Traveling with Galakiwi?

We handle your permits and requirements so you can enjoy every moment stress-free.

Want some inspiration? Explore our favorite Galápagos experiences here.

Booking Your Flights

Whether you’re flying straight from home or pairing your Galápagos adventure with another trip in Latin America, there’s one key thing to keep in mind: there are no direct international flights to the Galápagos. All travelers must first arrive in mainland Ecuador, then fly onward from either:

Quito (UIO)

Guayaquil (GYE)

And into one of the two Galápagos airports:

Baltra (GPS) – Santa Cruz

San Cristóbal (SCY)

Many travelers choose to pair their island trip with a short mini-adventure in mainland Ecuador, Quito, the Andes, or the Amazon. For this reason, most Galakiwi guests prefer that we take care of their domestic flight booking, ensuring schedules align smoothly with their tour and pre- or post-trip plans.

Before You Fly: Required Permits

There are two mandatory documents to every traveler, Transit Control Card (TCT) and Galápagos Biosafety Sworn Declaration. We recommend completing them online within 48 hours before their flight to the Galápagos. We usually complete these forms for our guests, as doing them in advance makes the airport process much smoother.

1. Transit Control Card (TCT)

Required for all visitors.
Submit online within 48 hours before your flight:

👉 https://siig-registro.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec/app/tct/emitir/

• Cost: $20 per person
• Once paid, download or print the confirmation
• You’ll present it at check-in and at the boarding gate
• The option to complete this process at the airport is being phased out
  

2. Galápagos Biosafety Sworn Declaration

Designed to protect the islands from invasive species.
Submit online within 48 hours before your flight:

👉 https://declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec

• You’ll declare any biological materials, food, or equipment
• After submitting, you’ll receive a QR code by email
• Present this code digitally or printed upon arrival
• Paper forms are being eliminated, so completing it online is strongly recommended

For a detailed breakdown of all entry requirements, see our full guide: Galápagos Entry Requirements: What You Need to Know

Airport Arrival Time

Arrive at least 2.5 hours before your scheduled flight.
You will need enough time to:

• Verify your documents with INGALA
• Have your luggage inspected at Agrocalidad
• Print luggage tags or boarding passes (if needed)
• Check in your bags
• Pass through airport security

Luggage Screening

All bags, checked and carry-on, are scanned to ensure you’re not bringing prohibited organic products or species.

This screening ensures you’re not carrying:

• Fresh fruits or vegetables
• Seeds or plants
• Organic materials
• Live animals or insects
• Any potential invasive species

Your bags will be tagged once cleared.

Tip: If you’re carrying snacks, make sure they’re permitted so airport authorities won’t need to dispose of them.

After completing INGALA, luggage scanning, you can check in your bags and proceed through security.

Your Flight to the Galápagos

Typical flight times:

Quito → Guayaquil: ~50 minutes

Guayaquil → Galápagos: ~2 hours

If departing from Quito, your plane makes a brief stop in Guayaquil. Most passengers remain onboard during this short connection.

In-flight Biosecurity Spray

Before landing, the cabin will be lightly sprayed with passengers onboard.

This is an approved World Health Organization method used to prevent the introduction of insects or species that could harm the islands.

It’s safe for you and your belongings, and essential for protecting Galápagos biodiversity.

Arrival in the Galápagos

You’re almost ready to begin your adventure, just a few steps left:

Follow the airport signs to the correct immigration line (Foreigners / Ecuadorians / Residents).

Pay the Galápagos National Park entrance fee (cash or card):

• $200 per adult
• $100 per child under 12

Present your Biosafety Declaration QR code.

Have your carry-on bag re-scanned.

Pick up your checked luggage, it will be inspected by trained sniffer dogs before being released.

Once you exit the terminal, your Galakiwi guide will be waiting to greet you and begin your island adventure.

Visiting the Galápagos requires following National Park guidelines. Certain sites can only be visited with a certified naturalist guide, and independent exploration is restricted in many areas.

Traveling with Galakiwi ensures:

All your documentation is handled correctly

You’re accompanied by certified, local guides

Your experience follows best practices for safety, conservation, and enjoyment
If you’re ready to plan your Galápagos experience, or simply want to explore what’s possible, take a look at our tours or let’s talk about your adventure.