Ecuador visa Application

Ecuadorian visa policies and regulations change frequently. The information on this page was obtained from the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Relations in Quito, and it represents the Ministry’s requirements for each visa as of September 2012. However, each embassy and consulate around the world has its own set of requirements and procedures for procuring a visa. Check with the embassy or consulate closest to you for accurate information applicable to your situation.

Note: If you enter Ecuador with a tourist visa (12-X), you cannot subsequently apply for any other kind of visa in the country. You must return to your country of origin to apply for a non-tourist visa. Applications for non-tourist visas are no longer accepted within the country if you entered the country with a tourist visa.

Tips: If possible, try to sort out your visa situation before you arrive in Ecuador. If you need visa- or immigration-related assistance while in Ecuador, the Ministry recommends that you physically go to their office in Quito rather than calling (Carrión E-176 and Av. 10 de Agosto. Tel: 593-2-299-3200, URL: www.mmrree.gob.ec).

Reminder: Keep your passport with you at all times in case authorities want to see it. If you can’t produce adequate identification on demand, you may be fined or detained.

VISAS

There are two general categories of visas: Non-Resident and Resident (immigrant).

Most nationalities will receive a tourist card upon entering Ecuador, which will be good for up to 90 days. The exceptions are citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, the People’s Republic of China and Somalia, who will need to obtain a Tourist Visa (12-X). Whether entering on a tourist card or with a 12-X visa, most foreigners are only allowed in Ecuador only for a total of 90 days in one year.

If you want to work in Ecuador, or simply guarantee a stay of over 90 days, there are a range of visas available, including study (12-V), work (12-VI), volunteer and religious (12-VII), cultural exchange (12-VIII) and long-stay business or tourism (12-IX).

Each has its own application process. All should be registered at the Dirección General de Extranjería in Quito, or at the Sub-Dirección de Extranjería in Guayaquil upon arrival in Ecuador.

If you’re looking for information on how to get a censo (identity card), or if you just want to find out about extending your tourist visa, see our useful tips tourist visa section.

NON-RESIDENT VISAS

SHORT-TERM VISIT OF LESS THAN 90 DAYS OR TRANSIENT VISA, CATEGORY 12-X

Citizens of any country in the world can enter Ecuador for a stay of up to 90 days with this visa.

Generally, you can just arrive in Ecuador with your passport (valid for at least 6 months) and a return ticket and you will have no problems entering Ecuador as a tourist.

If you have any doubts you can check with your Ecuadorian Consulate regarding applying for a 12-X visa.

Requirements for the “automatic” 12-X tourist visa include:

• Completed application form.

• Valid passport for more than 6 months, plus a color photocopy.

• A written request signed by the applicant, addressed to the Ecuadorian Foreign Service Officer.

• Two passport-sized photographs (in color, with white background).

• Return ticket (for air, land or sea travel).

• Proof of economic means to support yourself during your stay in Ecuador (may be requested by Immigration authorities upon arrival).

VALIDITY: Maximum 90 days in each period of 12 months (non-calendar year), starting once the foreigner enters Ecuador.

CONSULAR FEES:

Visa: $30
Application: $30

Foreigners traveling on a 12-X visa are legally prohibited from taking employment in Ecuador. To procure any other kind of visa, you must return to your country of origin or go to the consulate closest to you and apply for a non-tourist visa there.

Citizens of the European Union, the United States, Canada and the Andean community can apply for a 12-IX tourist visa without leaving Ecuador, for an additional 90 days in the country. See below for details.

VISAS FOR STAYS OF MORE THAN 90 DAYS

Foreign nationals planning to stay in Ecuador for more than 90 days need to apply for a visa at the Ecuadorian consulate or embassy in their home country. You can renew any visa other than the 12-X from within Ecuador.

Nationals of countries other than the U.S. applying for the following types of visa in the United States must also present a valid U.S. visa / green card.

Each embassy and consulate has their own list of requirements for each visa, so be sure to consult the one nearest you for the precise information you need.