COVID-19 Information

Last updated: 02/17/2023

The CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.

Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

- Ecuador eliminated its COVID-19 entry requirements effective October 20, 2022. International travelers are no longer required to present COVID-19 vaccination cards or proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering Ecuador. For more information, please see the October 19, 2022, resolution issued by Ecuador’s Emergency Operations Committee: https://www.gestionderiesgos.gob.ec/resoluciones-coe/. International travelers are also not required to present a declaration of traveler health. Ecuador’s Ministry of Public Health ended the practice of requiring travelers to present a health declaration on February 16. The Ministry of Public Health still requires travelers to provide a health declaration and/or submit to testing if they exhibit symptoms of respiratory illness upon arrival in Ecuador. The health declaration form is available on the ministry of Public Health website: https://declaracionsalud-viajero.msp.gob.ec/. Note that special rules apply to the Galapagos Islands, see below.

SPECIAL, ADDITIONAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS:
- Ecuador also eliminated its COVID-19 entry requirements for the Galapagos Islands effective October 20, 2022. International travelers are no longer required to present COVID-19 vaccination cards or proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the Galapagos Islands.
- However, travelers are still required to present a “transit control card” issued by the Government of Galapagos.  Guidance on registering for a “transit control card” is available here: https://www.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec/step-by-step-tct-online/. Contact your tour operator for more information on this requirement.

Quarantine Information:

Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? No
- Ecuador’s Ministry of Public Health no longer requires international travelers that test positive for COVID-19 to quarantine in hotels or private accommodations. If you test positive for COVID-19 while in Ecuador, the Ministry of Public Health recommends you isolate for five days and then wear a mask in public spaces while you continue to exhibit symptoms.

COVID-19 Testing:

A list of laboratories licensed to perform RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests is available on the website maintained by Ecuador’s Medical Services and Prepaid Medicine Quality Assurance Agency (ACESS). The Ministry of Public Health signed a ministerial agreement on April 20, 2021, which fixed the price of RT-PCR tests at $45. More information is available at this link: https://www.salud.gob.ec/comunicado-oficial-el-costo-de-las-pruebas-rt-pcr-sera-de-usd-45-08/. Rapid antigen tests can also be purchased at local pharmacies.
Laboratories generally promise results within 24 hours. Many laboratories will email results the same day.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

Are vaccines available in Ecuador for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes
- U.S. citizen residents in Ecuador can contact their local public health center to obtain vaccine information and schedule an appointment. The Ministry of Public Health has lists of the public health centers that offer the COVID-19 vaccine on its website: https://www.salud.gob.ec/centros-de-salud-habilitados-para-la-vacuna-covid-19/. Alternatively, U.S. citizen residents and non-residents interested in the COVID-19 vaccine can contact the Ministry of Public Health directly by dialing 171.
Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
The U.S. government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas.  Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Local Resources:.

Ecuador’s Emergency Operations Committee eliminated the nationwide mask requirement for indoor spaces on February 7. Masks are now voluntary in indoor and outdoor spaces. Pursuant to the February 7 resolution, masks remain required in health facilities and for individuals with symptoms of respiratory disease. Ecuador’s Emergency Operations Committee also continues to recommend the use of masks on all public transport. The latest Ecuadorian government resolutions are available here: https://www.gestionderiesgos.gob.ec/resoluciones-coe/.
If you believe you may have COVID-19 or were exposed to someone who may have COVID-19 call 171. Ecuador’s Ministry of Health maintains an information page: https://www.salud.gob.ec/coronavirus-covid-19/.
Other links:
- CDC page on COVID-19
- Travel.state.gov Ecuador Country Information and Travel Advisory page

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