The Galápagos Islands are part of Ecuador, so Ecuador’s entry rules apply — and travel is visa-free for most visitors, including citizens of the US, UK, Canada and Australia, for stays of up to 90 days. For full details, see our Ecuador visa requirements guide. Ecuador also uses the US dollar, which keeps things simple for many travelers.
Most international flights connect through mainland Ecuador (usually an overnight in Quito or Guayaquil) before continuing to the Galápagos. From there you can choose between cruise vessels — from small 6-guest yachts to 100-guest ships, at every level of comfort — or island-based lodges with daily excursions to the surrounding islands.
While no visa is required for most travelers, two charges are paid in cash for a Galápagos trip:
