For my partners birthday, we went on a nice trip to Quito, Ecuador. Currently, it’s one of the few places that’s allowing Americans into their country. As I gathered information, I realized the only requirement is to have a negative covid test that is taken 10 days before your arrival date. This covid test must be PCR compliant. 

In other words, you can get a covid test, but if the test is not PCR compliant, then the country doesn’t accept it.

Covid regulations change day by day so make sure you check before flying to Ecuador. However, when I was headed there just a few weeks ago, this is what was required.

Also, be aware that the Galapagos Islands require an additional covid test taken in Ecuador.

Covid and Ecuador Misinformation 

If you’re an American citizen and need information from the horse’s mouth, make sure to head to the US Embassy website for up to date information on their entry procedures due to covid.

There is a lot of misinformation out there, and you don’t want to buy a plane ticket, book a hotel room, and get stuck in immigration upon arrival.

Even during the trip, I encountered misinformation from airline employees.

Upon checking into my flight, they asked to see my negative covid test. As I handed it to her, she tells me that its good I have it, but it’s not required.

Regardless, I’m glad I have it just in case, I thought.

Landing in Quito, Ecuador

As we landed in Quito, Ecuador, we are funneled through a nice, modern airport in the middle of nowhere. As we make it through, everyone walking is stopped by a dozen men in hazmat suits.

We are all lined up but separated from each other to allow for social distancing. 

It was very intimidating. I speak Spanish, which made it easier for me. However, the non-Spanish speakers on our flight had a hard time understanding what was going on.

It felt like we were in a movie. 

One by one, they went down the line and asked to see our negative covid test in Spanish. They read it, inspected it, and eventually stamped it as “approved.”

After that, we were allowed to proceed to enter the country.

In other words, a negative covid test is absolutely required to enter Ecuador.

Let me break it down for you:

Currently, Ecuador is open to American citizens. However, a negative Covid test is required. The test must be PCR compliant and must be taken at least 10 days before arrival.

Things change so always check the US Embassy for up to date information.