As of Feb 1, 2008, the international departures tax from Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil will increase to $27.15 US and the domestic departure tax will increase to $4.43 US.

The local government of the Province of Galapagos has been working to establish a new municipality tax to be paid by visitors to the Islands. This new tax is meant to cover expenses of many basic services, such as handling, processing and recycling of waste materials, potable water treatment and implementation of a functional sewage system, to name a few, on the populated Islands and it will be collected upon arrival of visitors in Galapagos.

The funds obtained will be shared by the 3 municipalities of the province: San Cristobal, Santa Cruz and Isabela islands. We have just been notified also of the intention to implement this tax in the amount of US$ 100.= per person starting January 2008 although the exact date remains uncertain. In this respect please note that there is still controversy between the different sectors involved about the amount and the legality of this measure although the Galapagos mayor claims to have full authority for the enforcement of this tax.

This municipality tax will be in addition to the Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100) and the transit control card ($10); even though the latter has not yet been charged.

We have received reports that Bolivian authorities are requiring an international certificate of yellow fever vaccination for US citizens entering the country. You must have had the vaccination at least 11 days before entering the country.

In order to increase the maintenance budget for the Nazca Lines, the National Institute of Culture (INC) has established a tourist tax for every guest overflying the lines:
- From October 1° to December 31, 2007 : Soles 11  or US$ 3.70
- January 1°, 2008 onwards : US$ 10.

As of December 1, 2007, American citizens entering Bolivia will require a $100 US Visa. The visa’s will be available at all Ports of Entry for Bolivia. US citizens will be obliged to:

1. Fill out a Visa request form
2. Provide a valid passport
3. Provide one passport-sized photograph
4. Have proof of hotel reservations
5. Have proof of means out of Bolivia (flight, bus, etc)
6. Provide a photocopy of the front side of a valid credit card (without PIN)