The Galapagos are a VERY popular destination, often requiring one to actually book 12 months in advance. There are many controls and the following story highlights one.
Recently an Australian couple were unexpectedly denied boarding for Ecuador because they did not have a physical copy of their yellow fever vaccination certificate. While Australians typically do not need the yellow card to enter Ecuador, the requirement applies if travellers have spent more than 10 days in certain South American countries, including Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia.
Frustratingly, the couple had been vaccinated against yellow fever but only carried electronic copies of their certificate – these were not accepted. Obtaining a physical yellow card can take over 10 days, which made it impossible for them to continue their journey as planned.
The regulation was introduced in response to a recent yellow fever outbreak in the region. However, many travellers and travel agents remain unaware of the change.
As all flights to the Galapagos Islands depart from mainland Ecuador – specifically Quito or Guayaquil – travellers must first meet the same entry conditions as those entering Ecuador itself. There are no direct international flights to the Galapagos.
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