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Ecuador has now reopened airports and is one again allowing tourists to enter, but with a few restrictions and rules.
Technically, Ecuador has been open for a little while, but was requiring BOTH a 14-day quarantine, as well as a PCR test, upon arrival. That paired with very limited air traffic and strict curfews, we couldn’t really consider Ecuador to be ‘open for tourism’, until now.
As of August 15th, Ecuador is no longer requesting a 14-day quarantine for all travelers that bring a negative PCR test with them, issued with results provided no longer than 10 days before arrival.
Andrew O'Brian, president and CEO of the Quito Airport, stated:
“This decision will allow to start the reactivation of tourism in the country and increase passenger traffic and air transport service. The sanitary measures implemented at the airports have proven their effectiveness and, with a negative result of a PCR test, people entering the country will be able to carry out their activities without inconvenience. Without a doubt it is a great step forward to continue working to overcome the economic crisis ”
Now that entry requirements are much easier to comply with, and many flights have already resumed into the country, Ecuador can now be considered open for tourism.
Countries Allowed to Travel to Ecuador
All.
In our research we did not see any countries listed as banned under Covid-related entry requirements. Ecuador has reopened to all nations using their normal pre-covid immigration rules.
Visas: Most countries can enter Ecuador without a visa, as only 30 nations currently need to apply for a visa beforehand.
Are There Testing/Quarantine Requirements In Ecuador?
Testing = Yes. All passengers are required to have a negative PCR test, taken with results no older than 10 days before arrival into the country.
Only PCR test, rapid tests are not accepted.
Quarantine = No
The mandatory 14-day quarantine has been replaced with PCR testing.
Update: From December 21 until at least January 20: All travelers arriving from the European Union, the United Kingdom, South Africa, or Australia, must also take a rapid antigen test at the airport upon arrival in Ecuador and quarantine for five days at a hotel approved by the Ministry of Tourism.
#InfoCOE | Atención ⚠️
— Salud_Ec (@Salud_Ec) August 17, 2020
Recuerda que los pasajeros que ingresen al país vía aérea y cuenten con prueba PCR negativa en los últimos 10 días no deben hacer el aislamiento preventivo obligatorio. #MeCuidoYTeCuido pic.twitter.com/nsnmq1vivi
Translated Tweet: Remember that passegers who enter the country by air and have a negative PCR test in the last 10 days should not do mandatory preventive isolation.
Entry Requirements for Ecuador
While Ecuador has reopened for all nations to visit, there are still some entry requirements you need to abide by. They are as follows:
Health Form
All travelers are required to fill out a Health Declaration Form before arrival
Health Screening
All passengers should expect health screening at the airport, including questions from border control and temperature/symptom checks.
Have Flights Resumed to Ecuador?
Yes! Many normal flight routes have already resumed into Ecuador. Here is a list of flights that are currently operating, or will be very soon.
Quito
- Madrid on Air Europa and Ibera, already resumed
- Panama City on Copa, already resumed
- Mexico City on Aeromexico, already resumed
- Houston on United, already resumed
- Miami on JetBlue and American, already resumed
- Atlanta on Delta, scheduled to restart in October
- San Salvador on Avianca, scheduled to restart in December
- Bogota on Avianca, scheduled to restart September 1
- Lima on Latam, scheduled to restart September 6
Guayaquil
- New York on JetBlue, already resumed
- Miami on Spirit, already resumed
- Panama City on Copa, already resumed
- Bogota on Avianca, scheduled to restart September 1
- Lima on Latam, scheduled to restart November 1
The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands have completely different rules and entry requirements. They are very complex and most travelers will need to speak directly with an authorized tour company.
Any tourist wishing to travel to the Galapagos will need a litany of requirements including: a negative PCR test within 96 hours, a roundtrip ticket, proof of booking with authorized tour operator, a bio-security traffic control card, a health declaration form, mandatory travel health insurance, etc.
The entire list of requirements and rules can be found here
Important Note:
Ecuador may still see curfews and limited mobility in certain areas. This could change at any time, and visitors should be aware that things are not ‘business as usual’ throughout the entire country. Groups and gatherings are not permitted anywhere at this time.
December Update: Beginning December 21, a 15-day curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Alcohol sales and consumption are also prohibited during these times.
Read More: See all other Latin American countries now reopen for tourism, where Americans can currently travel and which countries have zero entry restrictions
Sources: government of Ecuador / Quito Airport / Ministry of Health
Disclaimer: Ecuador’s reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.
Join the discussion: Our Travel Off Path Community Facebook page is the best place for travel chats, questions, and help.
Originally published August 18, 2020 with updates
Thomas
Thursday 24th of December 2020
Hello from Ecuador: 1. Vehicles are limited in circulation based on the last number of the license plate but there are a lot of exemptions - for details (link) 2. Most beaches (at least in Manabi) have limited hours. Here in Manta it is daily 0500-1500 although beach restaurants at Playa Murcielago and Playa Tarqui can stay open past 1500. In some other towns (Santa Marianita) beaches are open till 1700 workdays and 1500 holidays/weekends. 3. There is a "Dry Law" - Ley Seco - that prohibits alcohol sales on Fri-Sun BUT some restaurants are exempt and this had been around for years. 4. I was able to buy beer today in a major supermarket w/out any issues so not sure about the blanket statement in the December update above. Also be advised many small stores (mini mercados) simply ignore this.
Hope this helps.
Thomas
Kashlee Kucheran
Saturday 26th of December 2020
Hi Thomas - Thank you so much for the updates! Very helpful! :)
AA
Friday 25th of September 2020
I am seeing information saying that national curfews and movement restrictions (based on license plate number) and inter-province travel restrictions in certain "yellow" provinces have been lifted. Is this verified?