Galápagos entrance fee and transit card in 2026
Two fees apply to every visitor. The national park fee is $200 for foreign adults. The transit control card (TCT) is $20 and is paid on top of the park fee. A foreign adult therefore pays $220 for both. The current park rates apply since 1 August 2024.
The park fee is separate from your tour or cruise price. Day trips and many cruises do not include it, so add it to your budget. See the Galápagos cruises for price examples and what they leave out.
Galápagos tours and cruises
Day trips and boat tours to book alongside your park fee, with live prices and availability.
National park fee by category
Amounts in US dollars per person.
| Category | Over 12 | Under 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign tourists | $200 | $100 |
| Non-resident citizens of CAN or Mercosur countries | $100 | $50 |
| Ecuadorians and foreign residents of Ecuador | $30 | $15 |
| Ecuadorians and residents over 65 | $15 | – |
| Ecuadorians and residents with a CONADIS card | $15 | – |
| Non-resident foreign students at Ecuadorian educational institutions | $50 | – |
| Children under 2, all nationalities | – | $0 |
For most foreign visitors, the answer is $200 per adult and $100 per child under 12. The reduced rates depend on citizenship or residence status, and you need proof. The CAN countries are Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. The Mercosur countries are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. A student card from any other country does not qualify.
Special cases
Where the table needs a note.
A child who is exactly 12
The fee tiers are “over 12” and “under 12”. If your child is exactly 12 on the arrival date, ask your operator or the desk at arrival before you travel.
Transeúntes
People classified as transeúntes pay $15 or are exempt, depending on the current rules. Carry proof of your status and check what applies to you before you go.
Seniors from abroad
The $15 rate for people over 65 applies to Ecuadorians and residents. Foreign tourists do not get a general senior rate.
A budget example
A foreign adult pays $200 for the park and $20 for the transit card, so $220 in total. A foreign child aged 2 to 11 pays $100 for the park, plus the transit card where it applies. A child under 2 pays $0 for the park. Add the Isabela fee of $10 if you visit the island.
Local fee on Isabela
Isabela adds a separate municipal fee of $10 for foreign visitors. Ecuadorian visitors pay $5 to $6. See the Isabela guide.
How to pay and what else to budget
Cash, cards and the TCT.
Paying the park fee
Cash on arrival is the usual way. Digital payment and registered card or bank transfers are also possible. Whether a card works at your arrival desk can vary, so bring enough cash.
The transit card (TCT)
The TCT costs $20 and can be bought online through an official portal. Buying online does not replace every check at the airport. Keep the confirmation with you.
Biosecurity declaration
The goods declaration is a separate document from the transit card and the park fee. The paper form was discontinued on 31 January 2026.
Entry documents
Have your return flight and your accommodation booking ready. Airlines ask for both for the length of your stay in Galápagos. Tourists may stay up to 60 days per year. See how to get to Galápagos.
Ferries and water taxis
Ferry tickets between islands and water taxis cost extra. Ferry tickets cost about $50 to $65 as of 2026. See the island hopping guide.
Plan the rest of your trip
What the fee pays for, and what to read next.
Galápagos entrance fee: frequently asked questions
How much is the Galápagos entrance fee?
For foreign adults, the national park fee is $200 in 2026, plus $20 for the transit card. Foreign children under 12 pay $100. Children under 2 pay nothing.
Is the fee included in my tour or cruise?
Usually not. Cruise fares typically leave out the park fee and the TCT. Check each offer.
Can I pay by card?
Many operators ask for cash on arrival. Digital and card payments are also possible, but not every desk offers them. Bring cash to be safe.
Do children pay the transit card too?
Plan for a $20 card per traveler. Check when you buy whether the card applies to your child.
Is this the official fee website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by or connected with the national park authority, the government or any tour operator. Always confirm the amounts when you pay.