Ecuador removed its COVID-19 entry restrictions on October 20, 2022. International tourists no longer needed to provide COVID-19 immunization cards or proof of a negative COVID-19 test before arrival in the country.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted our lives. Countries relying on the tourism sector have been significantly impacted, including Ecuador. Now that most countries are opening their borders to tourists, Ecuador also has eased its travel restrictions to welcome international travelers.
This article will guide you on what you need before your trip to Ecuador in this new normal situation.
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Ecuador Entry and Exit Requirements
International visitors to Ecuador are no longer needed to show confirmation of COVID-19 immunization or a negative COVID-19 test. However, they must still produce a declaration of traveler health. The declaration is available on the website of the Ministry of Public Health.
Why is a Traveler Health Declaration Required?
Ecuador must maintain control of the situation in the country and guarantee that individuals arriving do not pose a health risk to themselves or Ecuadorians.
The Traveler Health Declaration is a document that provides critical data that the traveler has truthfully submitted. The form must show the following information:
- your condition of health,
- flight details,
- place of stay for the next twenty-one days, and
- emergency contact information.
The Health Declaration makes airport and border control more efficient, which helps to prevent the spread of the virus.
How to Get a Traveler Health Declaration
It is crucial to note that the Ecuador Traveler Health Declaration is only valid for one entrance, so you must apply for a new one each time you visit Ecuador. Here are the steps on how to get one:
- Fill out the application form with all the necessary information about yourself and your vacation.
- Review all the information provided in the form to ensure that it is correct and free of typos.
- Click on Save Form.
Ecuador Heath Screening Procedures
Ecuador’s Ministry of Public Health has stopped administering random COVID-19 testing on international visitors upon arrival. If an airline or airport employee notices a passenger exhibiting symptoms, the passenger may be reported to the Ministry of Public Health for testing.
If the tourist tests positive for COVID-19, the Ministry of Public Health may advise the traveler to stay in isolation for five days and wear a mask in public places while the symptoms persist.
According to the Ministry of Public Health, international travelers who test positive for COVID-19 are no longer required to quarantine at hotels or private accommodations.
Ecuador COVID-19 Testing
Ecuador’s Medical Services and Prepaid Medicine Quality Assurance Agency (ACESS) has a list of laboratories accredited to perform RT-PCR, and quick antigen tests are provided. More information is available on the Ministry of Health’s official website.
Ecuador Face Mask Regulations
On December 8, Ecuador’s Emergency Operations Committee reintroduced a statewide mask mandate for indoor locations.
Masks are now compulsory in workplaces, public transportation, classrooms, health institutions, and for people who have respiratory disease symptoms.
Masks are also recommended in public places when social distancing is impossible. These conditions will be in effect for at least fifteen days.
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Always check the latest Ecuadorian government resolutions online.
Travel Safely to Ecuador
Traveling during this time of pandemic is now possible since most countries are opening their boundaries and accepting travelers worldwide.
While travel restrictions are eased, we should still be careful and follow the health and safety protocols of the country we visit. Let us not take travel for granted and enjoy every moment of our trip while staying safe.
Planning trip to Ecuador?
My wife and I rented a car for 15 days and traveled from the northern part of Ecuador to the south, visiting amazing cities like Quito, Otavalo, Baños, Cuenca, and Guayaquil. Along the way, we explored iconic places such as Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Lake, and many more breathtaking destinations.
Not many blogs cover traveling in Ecuador in detail, so I spent nearly three weeks creating this comprehensive Ecuador travel guide based on our trip. It’s packed with everything you need to know, and honestly, I consider it the best free travel guide about Ecuador out there.
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Hi Oleg
Thank you for your blog/ posts.
I’ll be travelling from Australia to Quito (via Santiago) in a few weeks. Below are some issues I need clarification
1) Australian government has placed Ecuador on Travel Advice Level 3 – Reconsider your need to travel, with parts of Ecuador placed on Level 4 – do not travel.
US government places Ecuador on Level 2 – exercise a high degree of caution
How would you rate the current security situation in Quito? I do not intend to travel outside Quito.
2) I emailed the local Ecuadorian Embassy here, a week ago, about bringing in medication to Ecuador. I have not received any reply.
I understand some South American countries are, understandably, strict with drugs / medicines entering their countries.
I intend to obtain a Doctor’s prescriptions letter for all the medicine I’m bringing in, with my name, dosage and that it is for personal use only. I’ll have the letter translated into Spanish.
This is the requirement / advice from Chilean Consulate in Australia. So hopefully it will suffice for Ecuador.
Your thoughts? Any experience you wish to share?