Ecuador Galapagos Travels
The Ecuador & Galapagos specialist for fascinating cultural and adventure tours in the Andes; relaxing beach holidays on the sands of the pacific coast; trips into the mysterious verdant world of the Amazon rainforest; comfortable hotel accommodation in major cities; and cruises which travel through the enchanted Galapagos Islands.
ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS NEWS
• April 2018: Temporary suspension of the snorkeling activity at Santa Fe island
The authorities of the Galapagos National Park have declared a temporary suspension of the snorkeling activity on Santa Fe Island due to an ongoing investigation of the different shark species that frequent this bay. The research will focus on determining diversity, behavior, ecology and assessing the safety of interaction between visitors and sharks.
The Galapagos National Park will be reporting on this matter once all the data collected is analyzed and the site can be reopened for snorkeling again.
• February 2017: Vaccination Regulation
Since February 10, 2017, it is mandatory for travelers coming to Ecuador from Brazil, Angola, Congo, or Uganda to be vaccinated for Yellow Fever, and to bring the respective International Vaccination Certificate.
• June 2016: tax on cash upon departure
The Ecuadorian government has introduced a new tax - Impuesto a la Salida de Divisas or shortly ISD – of 5% on cash sums over US $ 1,098 per person, when leaving the country.
When a person (Ecuadorean or foreigner) leaves Ecuador carrying cash of up to US$ 1,098 no tax (ISD) applies. If this tax allowance of US$ 1098 per person is exceeded, the amount passing the allowance must be declared and a tax of 5% paid upon this amount. Families can travel with an allowance of US$ 1,098 for each adult plus an additional allowance of USD 366 for each child under 18 years.
Persons leaving the country carrying more cash as the permitted allowance without declaring that amount and accordingly paying the respective taxes (ISD) will be fined with 50% of the untaxed amount. Ecuadorian tax authorities (SRI) will therefore conduct controls in ports, airports and border areas.
• July 2016: New Port Charges for Isabela Island, Galapagos
As of July 01, a new port charge of US$ 10 per person for foreign visitors applies on Isabela Island. This is the same value as the airport tax on Isabela, which has already been US$ 10 per person before. For all travelers presenting a Cedula (Ecuadorian ID card), the port fee will be US$ 5 per person.
