The Galapagos Transit Control Card (TCT) is a mandatory migration-control document administered by the Galapagos Government Council (CGREG). It helps authorities monitor who enters and leaves the archipelago and how long visitors remain in the islands. This card is designed to help control migration to the Galapagos Archipelago, which boomed in the 1970's due to the lifestyle offered by the islands and the higher salary wages as a result of tourism.
INGALA instituted this card to help keep track of who is entering and leaving the Islands, and to monitor the duration of everyone's stay. It is like your own personal Galapagos Mandatory travel-control document and everyone who visits the islands must purchase the card before arrival to Galapagos.
You will not be allowed aboard a flight to Galapagos if you do not have a valid Transit Control Card and you will be required to show this card upon arrival to the islands.
Key Takeaways – Galapagos Transit Control Card
- Every Galapagos visitor must obtain a Transit Control Card before traveling to the islands.
- The Galapagos Transit Control Card currently costs $20 per traveler.
- Travelers can obtain the TCT digitally and validate it before departing mainland Ecuador.
- Keep the card or digital record available until leaving the Galapagos Islands.
How much does the Transit Control Card cost?
The Galapagos Transit Control Card currently costs US$20 per traveler. Travelers using the digital system can pay electronically during registration; payment options for airport processing should be confirmed before departure.
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How Do I Get a Galapagos Transit Control Card?
Travelers can register for the Galapagos Transit Control Card electronically before departure. After entering personal and travel information and paying the fee, travelers receive a QR code that is validated at the CGREG counter in Quito or Guayaquil before airline check-in. Any current airport-counter alternative will need:
- Your full name
- Passport or ID number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
The $20 one-time fee for the card is used by INGALA for many different purposes, including population monitoring on the islands, conservation and sustainable development projects and long-term planning for all aspects of life on the islands.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Transit Control Cards
If you are traveling with Quasar Expeditions and flying to the Galapagos on the same day your Galapagos luxury cruise begins, Quasar will purchase your Transit Control Cards in advance and our representative will have them waiting for you at either Quito or Guayaquil airport when you arrive there to check on to your Galapagos flights.
However, if you plan to fly to the Galapagos a day or more ahead of your cruise or a day or more after it has begun, then you will have to purchase your own card using cash ($20) at the airport kiosk. In this case, we suggest you plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight"s departure in case of lines.
