What is the Galapagos Transit Control Card (TCT), and how do I get it?

The Transit Control Card (Tarjeta de Control de Tránsito, TCT) is a US$20 registration card every tourist needs to enter Galapagos province; children under 2 are free. It is issued by the Galapagos Governing Council (CGREG), not by the national park.

You can pre-register online, then finish the process at the Galapagos counter in the Quito or Guayaquil airport before you check in for your island flight. Bring your passport and your round-trip ticket between the mainland and the islands. Your checked bags then go through biosecurity inspection.

Keep the card until you leave the islands; it is checked again on departure, and a tourist stay is limited to two months. If you booked a cruise, the company may pre-register you, but you still confirm at the airport.