SITUATION ON 30 AUGUST 2022
The worst of the suffering is over: Ecuador’s economy went through difficult times, but currently a climate of optimism prevails.
First some figures: by the end of August 2022, 84% of Ecuadorians have received a first and second dose of the vaccine. 42% received the first booster and 10% the second. In Galapagos, 99% of the population has been vaccinated with the first two doses.
In total, there were 11 964 (9 943 confirmed + 2 021 probable) corona deaths in Ecuador. This out of a (predominantly young) population of 18 mio. Between March 2022 and today, the average of corona deaths dropped to 4 per week.
Since 17/08/2022, rapid tests have been sold in pharmacies across the country. Previously, you could only get a test in public and private healthcare centers.
LOCAL MEASURES
Currently, the following measures, taken by the government, are still in force:
- Throughout the country, the use of a mask is mandatory in enclosed spaces, the social distance of at least two meters should be respected, and regular hand washing is recommended.
- Persons over the age of 12 (including foreign tourists) must be able to present their vaccination certificate if they wish to enter public areas such as stores, banks, supermarkets and restaurants.
- Municipalities can also take local measures, such as adjusting opening hours and/or prohibiting certain activities. It is therefore advisable to obtain as much information as possible locally about applicable measures and to adhere to them.
ENTRY CONDITIONS
For international flights to Ecuador, these rules apply:
- Travelers 3 years and older must have a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) issued no more than 72 hours before departure or a COVID-19 vaccination card issued at least 2 weeks before arrival. Children under 3 years of age are not subject to these requirements.
- All travelers entering Ecuador must also submit a health certificate, which will be checked by the airline. If the digital platform is not available, a printed version can also be presented to the Ministry of Health staff upon arrival.
- Travelers who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and still test positive (RT-PCR) after one month may present a medical certificate issued in the country of origin. The attestation must guarantee that the traveler is no longer contagious and the traveler must not show any symptoms.
- Travelers who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival in Ecuador (cough, fever, discomfort, loss of smell, loss of taste, etc.) will be examined by Ministry of Health personnel and may have to undergo an antigen test at the airport. If the test is positive, the traveler will be required to undergo 7 days of quarantine.
- To travel to the Galapagos Islands, passengers must possess a complete vaccination (age 3 and up) or a negative PCR or antigen test taken within the 72 hours before departure.
I am Tom from Belgium and I have been living in Ecuador and Galapagos for more than 10 years. I got my guiding diploma here. Traveling and discovering new places is my passion. Together with the travel agency Descubre-Ecuador, we offer tailor-made tours in Galapagos and on the Ecuadorian mainland.