Ecuador
Travel restrictions
Ecuador approved resumption of commercial flight operations beginning June 1st, 2020, with limited flight capacity.
Upon entry to Ecuador, all travelers 3 years and older must provide:
- A COVID-19 vaccination card with QR code or a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing the traveler received a complete series of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Ecuador, OR proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to boarding the flight to Ecuador AND;
- A declaration of traveler health (the declaration is available on the Ministry of Public Health website: https://www.salud.gob.ec/ ).
Travelers entering Ecuador who were diagnosed as COVID-19 positive, and after one month continue to obtain a result from an RT-PCR test, may present a medical certificate from their country of origin attesting to their recovery, absence of symptoms, and that they are no longer contagious.
As long as the traveler does not present symptoms of COVID-19, the traveler does not need to perform mandatory preventive quarantine and they may freely move within the continental territory of Ecuador.
Regardless of whether a negative COVID PCR test is provided, random rapid antigen testing may be conducted at the airport and upon arrival. The testing will be administered by the Ministry of Health. If the rapid antigen test is positive, the traveler must isolate for 10 days. The isolation will take place at a shelter designated by the Ministry of Health. As of January 11th, 2021, it is no longer permissible to perform the isolation at a private residency or hotel. If the rapid antigen test is negative, no isolation is required.
Beginning February 9th 2022, to enter the Galapagos Islands, the traveler must present a COVID-19 vaccination card with QR code or a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing the traveler received a complete series of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Galapagos, or proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to boarding the flight to Galapagos, and
A “transit control card” issued by the Government of Galapagos.
Measures taken by the government
On January 2nd, 2021, Ecuador’s Constitutional Court concluded that the nationwide state of emergency declared on December 21st, 2020 and its associated movement restrictions are unconstitutional. Certain provinces and municipalities have now adopted their own mobility restrictions.
Ecuador has also placed strict occupancy requirements on supermarkets, restaurants, banks, government offices, churches, gyms, theaters, and cinemas.
The Government of Ecuador provides coronavirus-related information at this website (Spanish only): https://www.coronavirusecuador.com.
Please see https://www.gestionderiesgos.gob.ec/coe-nacional/ (Spanish only) for general information regarding restrictions and https://www.gestionderiesgos.gob.ec/resoluciones-coe/ (Spanish only) for specific resolutions for the most up to date information regarding curfew times and other restrictions.
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): http://www.calidadsalud.gob.ec/laboratorios-autorizados/
RT-PCR tests cost between $80 and $120.
You should advise the laboratory that the test is needed for imminent air travel and results are needed within 72 hours. Laboratories generally promise results within 24 to 48 hours.
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
Individuals with symptoms may call 171 or 911.
Source:
US Embassy in Ecuador https://ec.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-ecu-2/
Published on September 13th 2022 (checked on September 28th 2022)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx