Galápagos Islands: protected areas entry fee

US$200 per foreign adult per visit, US$100 for children under 12.

Status
In force
Current rates since
1 August 2024
Nights charged
Every night (no cap)
Children
under-2s pay nothing; 2 to 11-year-olds pay 50%
Currency
USD

How the Galápagos Islands tax works

Every visitor to the Galápagos pays an entry fee for the islands' protected areas. In February 2024 the islands' governing council doubled it for foreign adults, from US$100 to US$200, the first change in 26 years; the new rate took effect about six months later.

It is paid once per visit, not per night. It is separate from the US$20 Transit Control Card bought before you fly to the islands.

Rates

Where you stayTax
Foreign visitor US$200 per person per trip

Worked example

Example: Two adults and an 8-year-old from the UK fly to Baltra.

Foreign visitor: US$200 per person per trip. US$500 in tax.

Some children pay less or nothing because of their age.

Who is exempt

  • Children under 2 pay nothing; foreign children under 12 pay US$100.
  • Lower rates for citizens of Andean Community and Mercosur countries (US$100, children US$50), Ecuadorians and residents (US$30), people with disabilities and foreign students in Ecuador.

Who collects it

Galápagos National Park rangers collect it on arrival at Baltra or San Cristóbal airport.

Not yet confirmed

We couldn't confirm these from an official source, so treat them with care:

  • The exact start date (reported as 1 August 2024): the official page confirms the rates but not the date.

Work out your Galápagos Islands tax

Sources

Checked on 28 September 2026. Rates change, often at the start of a year or a season: check the official source before you pay or file a return.

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