New Visitor Control Card for Tourists in Galapagos

New Visitor control card for tourists in Galapagos

In order to have better control of visitors and migration to the islands, INGALA, the Ecuadorian institution that controls migration to the islands, announced during the Dec 14 2006 session, the introduction of a new visitor control card in Galapagos. Every passenger traveling to the islands will have to buy a transit card for $10.00 US. Currently, this card is not being issued. However once this is published in the Official Registry, it will apply immediately. This should happen sometime next month.

Ecuador Airport Departure Tax

The airport departure tax has increased by $1. Passengers departing from Guayaquil will be charged $26.00. Passengers departing from Quito are charged $ 37.93.

Bolivia to require Visas for US Citizens

Coltur Peru is reporting that the Bolivian government has issued a decree by which USA citizens need a visa to enter Bolivia. Details of this measure are still not clear, and Bolivian tour operators and travel agencies are currently speaking with authorities on ways to minimize the impact this measure will have on tourism. More to come as we learn more about this issue.