Traveling to the Galapagos Islands now comes with one important step you should not take until the last minute. The Sworn Declaration of Goods, known in Spanish as the Declaración Juramentada de Mercancías, is now part of a fully digital process for travelers entering the islands. What used to be a paper form handed out on the plane has officially been replaced, making the arrival process more modern, faster, and more aligned with the islands’ conservation goals. 

This change is not just about convenience. It is part of Galapagos ongoing biosecurity efforts to protect one of the most delicate ecosystems in the world. The declaration allows authorities to monitor what travelers are bringing into the islands and helps prevent the introduction of invasive species, unauthorized organic products, and other risks that could affect local wildlife and habitats. 

As of January 31, 2026, the physical paper form was permanently removed, which means eligible travelers must now complete the declaration online before flying to Galapagos. According to the Agency for Biosecurity and Quarantine Regulation and Control for Galapagos, this requirement applies to every traveler age 18 and older entering the islands. 

The online declaration must be filled here: https://siabg.abgalapagos.gob.ec/declaraciones/nueva and can be up to 72 hours before departure. Travelers who do not complete it in advance may still find QR codes available at the airports in Quito or Guayaquil before boarding but doing it ahead of time is clearly the safer option. Leaving it for the airport can create unnecessary stress right before your flight. 

The form asks for standard travel information such as your full name, identification or passport details, and flight information. You will also need to declare certain items you may be carrying, especially products of animal or plant origin, along with other goods that could fall under Galapagos biosecurity controls. The system also reminds travelers that the information must be truthful, since omissions or false declarations may lead to legal consequences. 

Once the form is submitted, the system generates digital confirmation with a QR code, we recommend taking a screenshot to this confirmation page. You must present this confirmation to biosecurity inspectors when you arrive at Baltra or San Cristobal Islands. Without it, your entry process may be delayed. 

Another important point is data protection. The ABG states that personal information entered the system is protected under Ecuador’s data protection framework, which should give travelers more confidence when completing the declaration online. 

For travelers, the takeaway is simple: do not assume this is something that will be handed to you during the flight anymore. It will not. The digital declaration is now a required part of preparing for your trip, just like checking your flight or bringing your transit control card documents. Completing it early is one small task that helps your arrival go more smoothly and supports the broader effort to keep Galapagos protected. 

We strongly suggest filling out the declaration before heading to the airport, ideally as soon as your travel details are confirmed and within the 72-hour window allowed by the system. That way, you can travel with one less thing to worry about and arrive ready to enjoy the islands from the moment you land. 

Galapagos is unlike anywhere else on earth, and protecting it starts before you even arrive. This new digital declaration may seem like a small extra step, but it plays a real role in preserving the islands for future generations. Travel prepared, follow the process carefully, and you will be helping protect the very reason people come here in the first place. 

Fill it here: https://siabg.abgalapagos.gob.ec/declaraciones/nueva