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Before you go to Ecuador: what to know

Must know

  • Check security restrictions and route-specific entry requirements shortly before departure; conditions can change quickly.
  • Galápagos needs a Transit Control Card (TCT) in addition to entry permission for Ecuador.
  • USD is used locally; carry small notes and cash for smaller businesses.

Entry and visas

Visa requirements depend on nationality; check the Interior Ministry list and Foreign Ministry eVisa system. Since September 2025, visa-required nationalities also need the relevant transit visa. Land entry from Colombia/Peru can require a criminal-record certificate or an official SIMIEC check. Galápagos has separate TCT controls.

Online arrival forms and permits

  • Galápagos Transit Control Card (TCT) ↗ required
    Arrange before travelling to Galápagos and present at island entry and exit · Tourists/transit visitors to Galápagos; online pre-registration helps airport processing.
  • Customs registration (FRA) ↗ required
    Before customs control, when applicable · Travellers with dutiable goods or reportable funds/valuables; other declaration cases may apply.

Passport validity: Normally at least 6 months on arrival; some regional identity-document exceptions apply.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Verify registration at an official immigration crossing; carry onward travel and accommodation evidence.

Customs

  • Land customs guidance requires FRA for reportable cash/negotiable instruments/precious items of USD 10,000 or more and for dutiable goods.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: ministeriodegobierno.gob.ec ↗, cancilleria.gob.ec ↗, ecuador.travel ↗, gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec ↗, aduana.gob.ec ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Apple Pay — works in some places · Google Pay — works in some places

ATMs: ATMs are available, but access and fees vary. Use protected indoor machines and keep your card in sight.

  • Small shops and taxis may not change large notes.
  • Hotels, restaurants and tourism businesses in major centres accept cards; keep a cash reserve.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: smartraveller.gov.au ↗, travel.state.gov ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Foreigners must not take part in political activity, including protests; detention or deportation is possible.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Follow emergency restrictions and police/military instructions; verify local rules before moving between regions.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: smartraveller.gov.au ↗, gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Respect Indigenous spiritual traditions and the country’s diverse community practices.

Clothing: Choose clothing for the altitude and itinerary; ask hosts about respectful dress at community or religious events.

Etiquette

  • Use community-led visits and listen to local hosts rather than assuming customs are uniform.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: ecuador.travel ↗

Climate

Coastal rainy season is December–May; east of the Andes, El Oriente is rainier May–November. Floods and landslides can also occur outside those periods; altitude changes temperature sharply.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: coastal rainy season; check mountain routes
  • February: Feb: coastal rainy season; check mountain routes
  • March: Mar: coastal rainy season; check mountain routes
  • April: Apr: coastal rainy season; check mountain routes
  • May: May: coastal rainy season; check mountain routes
  • June: Jun: El Oriente rainy period; conditions vary by region
  • July: Jul: El Oriente rainy period; conditions vary by region
  • August: Aug: El Oriente rainy period; conditions vary by region
  • September: Sep: El Oriente rainy period; conditions vary by region
  • October: Oct: El Oriente rainy period; conditions vary by region
  • November: Nov: El Oriente rainy period; conditions vary by region
  • December: Dec: coastal rainy season; check mountain routes

Best season: Choose by region and check official forecasts and road conditions before inland or island travel.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: smartraveller.gov.au ↗

What to pack

  • Small USD notes
  • Layers and waterproof clothing for changing regions
  • Copies of entry and Galápagos documents
  • Offline maps and emergency contacts
  • Personal medication and safe drinking water

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Showing expensive jewellery or large amounts of cash
  • Unlicensed taxis
  • Travelling through an area without checking current security advice

Practical

Plugs: Guayaquil official tourism information lists 110 V; confirm local sockets.

Water: Use safe drinking water and confirm local supply conditions, especially during disruptions.

Traffic: drives on the right

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: turismo.guayaquil.gob.ec ↗, gov.uk ↗, gob.ec ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.