Galapagos Travel Guide 2026: ESTA, TCT, & Packing Essentials

A trip to the Galapagos Islands isn't one where you just book your flights and accommodation and call it a day.

Especially if you're transiting through the US, you'll need to prepare your ESTA. Before entering the Galapagos, you'll need a TCT. Plus, there are procedures at Ecuadorian airports that require online processing, so having internet access was crucial.

I was pretty flustered when I found out I needed an ESTA just before my trip, so I highly recommend checking everything off your list before you depart.

Having just returned from the Ecuadorian Galapagos myself, I've put together a guide on what I prepared: ESTA, eSIM, TCT, and a packing list.

Preparing for Your Ecuadorian Galapagos Trip: ESTA, TCT, Packing List, Essential Checks & Review

1️⃣ ESTA

2️⃣ eSIM

3️⃣ TCT

4️⃣ Packing List

1. ESTA

To reach the Galapagos, you'll typically fly via Quito or Guayaquil airports in Ecuador. As there are no direct flights to Ecuador from many parts of the world, you'll often connect through another country, such as the United States.

I transited through Atlanta, USA, and initially thought that since I was just changing planes at the airport, no special preparations would be needed.

However, just two days before my departure, I double-checked just in case, and discovered that ESTA approval is required even for a simple transit through the United States.

While ESTA can sometimes be approved quickly, it can also take up to 72 hours. So, I recommend applying at least three days before your departure.

Fortunately, my approval came through within a few hours, and I was able to depart without a hitch.

You can download the official ESTA app, fill in the required information, and the fee is $40.

#USTransit #USESTA

2. eSIM

You might think that because the Galapagos is so remote, you won't need internet. However, during my actual trip, I found myself needing internet access frequently, even before setting foot on the islands.

While transiting through Atlanta airport, we completed our Galapagos TCT pre-registration. We also used our phones to show QR vouchers when redeeming lounge benefits at restaurants.

Before boarding our flight to the Galapagos at the Ecuadorian airport, there was also an online declaration process during baggage inspection. And once on the islands, we used WhatsApp to communicate with our local tour operators.

Even with free airport Wi-Fi, connections can be slow or unreliable. So, if you have a long layover, having an eSIM definitely provides peace of mind.

3. TCT (Transit Control Card)

Something absolutely essential to know for your Galapagos trip is the TCT (Transit Control Card), which is a separate fee you need to pay in addition to the National Park entrance fee.

This procedure is in place to manage the length of stay for visitors to the Galapagos. Tourists can stay for a maximum of 60 days per year, and the current TCT fee is $20 per person.

While you can fill it out at the airport, completing the online pre-registration before your trip can save you valuable time.

You can pre-register your flight and accommodation details online on the TCT website. Then, on the day of departure, you'll pay the fee at the TCT counter at either Quito or Guayaquil airport.

I entered my TCT information in advance at Atlanta airport, then paid the $20 fee at the TCT counter at Quito airport and received a digital TCT via email.

I was worried about losing it during my trip, but receiving it as a PDF file meant I had one less thing to worry about losing, which was great!

Link to TCT Registration Site

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#TCT #GalapagosTravel

4. Packing List

The Galapagos is quite a remote destination, and prices can be steep, so I made sure to prepare thoroughly before heading out.

Beyond the basics like clothes and toiletries, I've compiled a list of essentials specifically for a trip to the Galapagos.

Essential for underwater activities: your GoPro waterproof housing

We heard the water temperature would be chilly during the dry season, so we packed our 3mm jacket

While the waterproof housing was put to good use, this year, due to El Niño, the water temperature was higher, so we didn't end up using the 3mm jacket much.

Aqua shoes

The waters around the Galapagos are full of rocks and stones, some of them sharp, making it potentially dangerous to swim barefoot.

My husband wore his aqua shoes instead of regular shoes for all water activities, and he was absolutely thrilled with the purchase!

Our snorkel masks, snorkels, and anti-fog spray were also cleverly packed.

Since there were two of us, and just in case we lost or broke one, we even brought an extra set as a backup.

A true lifesaver on this trip: our dry bag

It gave us peace of mind when we carried it onto tour boats, knowing that even if it fell into the water, its contents would stay dry. And when snorkeling at the beach, it was incredibly convenient to keep electronics and a small amount of cash safely inside.

Since we kept our phones in the dry bag, we barely used the waterproof phone case we bought from Daiso.

For ultimate UV protection: our wide-brimmed hat and sun patches

The hat was a generous size, comfortable even for someone with a larger head (my husband), and he absolutely loved how well it shaded him from the sun.

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We bought two types of sun patches: one I absolutely loved and would repurchase for future outdoor adventures, and the other... well, I probably won't be buying that one again. Haha!

And enhancing the quality of our trip, just like on our last China adventure: our adapter and power strip!

Both the U.S. and Ecuador use 110V, so an adapter is essential. However, our old multi-adapter sometimes struggled to plug in properly due to its bulky size.

Our Rurumi adapter and power strip are specifically designed for 110V, which meant a much more stable connection.

On this Galapagos trip, with a GoPro added to our gear, we had a lot to charge. But with 3 outlets, 2 USB ports, and even a Type-C port on the power strip, we could charge our power bank, phones, and GoPro all at once with just this one device!

Our soft running flask was incredibly useful in the Galapagos, where water can be expensive. We'd buy one large 2-3L water bottle, fill up our flask every morning, and carry it around.

It also gave us a proud feeling that we were doing our part to protect the environment.

We bought a shower head and filter from Daiso to bring along, but unfortunately, all the showers in the Galapagos hostels were ceiling-mounted, so we couldn't use them anywhere.