On March 11th, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized the outbreak of COVID-19 as a pandemic. Since the first news of this threat broke in January 2020, IOI has been working diligently to ensure the health and safety of our staff, participants, and community partners during this health crisis.
All decisions regarding COVID-19 restrictions for our programs are made with the health and safety of the IOI family in mind, which we prioritize above all other concerns. In the absence of participants, IOI has been committed to the ongoing support of our projects and local communities.
Our Cuba operations will stay closed until further notice. We hope to open Cuba operations in the mid to near future, politics and pandemic permitting.
As of February 2021, all Galapagos projects are OPEN AGAIN.
The Galapagos archipelago has had few COVID cases since April 2021 and has a >95% vaccination rate for ages 12+. Local communities rely heavily on tourism so they have made a huge effort to make Galapagos a COVID-safe and accessible destination during these challenging COVID times. Isabela Island, where IOI is based, has been particularly good at maintaining 0 to very few COVID cases throughout the entire pandemic. The local community and IOI staff work hard to keep Isabela and IOI participants safe with the continual enforcement of mask wearing, social distancing, and an IOI H&S Bubble.
To find additional information on the current situation regarding current COVID-19 cases in the Galapagos archipelago, you can find infographics, as in the image below, by clicking on the Consejo de Gobierno de Galápagos Facebook link:
CURRENT ENTRY RequirementS
We continue to monitor the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and are following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and local government health regulations in Galapagos and Cuba. We have also adapted our protocols and operations in line with the Forum on Education Abroad Guidelines for Conducting Education Abroad during COVID-19 in order to be able to operate highly-impactful programs in a safe ecosystem.
At present, Mainland Ecuador and Galapagos no longer require a COVID vaccination to enter. All visitors are required to present a completed Traveler’s Health Declaration form upon entry to Ecuador (a physical copy will be given to you at check-in, on your flight, or upon arrival to Ecuador).
While being vaccinated dramatically reduces the likelihood of infection, it is still possible to transmit the infection to others therefore, our protocols outlined in our Health & Hygiene policy such as mask wearing and social distancing remain in effect where required by our partners and the community.
We would like to thank everyone for being so understanding and patient during these challenging times. See below for more detailed information on our locations and our Health and Safety Protocols.
ENHANCED HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS
In accordance with local and national governments, the CDC and the ECDC, the WHO and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), our team has developed new operational cleaning routines and behavioral standards to ensure the safety of IOI’s participants, local communities, and staff in Galapagos and Cuba.
Face masks are mandatory in Isabela’s public indoor spaces, when attending inter-institutional events, and when entering local stores and restaurants. Masks are not required when in the “IOI bubble” or in outdoor spaces if social distancing is practiced.
6ft social distance! NO HANDSHAKING or HUGGING, fist bump, elbow bump, etc. Instead slight bow, waive, do a Vulcan salute – be creative, it’s fun!
Wash your hands frequently with soap for 20-30 seconds and/or use a greater than 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Alcohol-based sanitizer will be available at all IOI facilities and at home stays. All participants will have hand sanitizer available during their activities.
We are working to keep this page up to date with the most recent information.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram for instant updates!
As always, please reach out with any questions you may have. You can contact us through our website, you can email us: volunteer@ioi.ngo or call/text us: +1 786-709-9885
Should I purchase travel insurance?
Yes, always! All participants are required to provide a copy of their health insurance, and we strongly recommend you also have coverage for travel-related issues. Please purchase travel insurance to cover you for any issues that may arise before or during your volunteer program. For information on suitable providers, please refer to our insurance page for more information. Please make sure you read the insurance details and small print to ensure you are covered for your individual needs.
How will I know if travel restrictions are in place?
Prior to travel, please be sure to contact the embassy for the country you will be visiting in order to receive official travel information. IOI will make general announcements via social media and other channels to keep you up to date on situational changes.
Can I change the start date of my program?
Yes! We are offering full flexibility for all future bookings (2021 and 2022). This means that there are no change fees to postpone your participation.
What happens if IOI cancels my program?
In the event that IOI must cancel a program, we will notify you as soon as possible by phone and email. We will work with you on a case by case basis to find a suitable solution for your situation.
