Please confirm all the information regarding visas with the Ecuadorian consulate in your home country. We do our best to provide the most up-to-date information but visa regulations and policies change frequently.

Visas

There are two general categories of visas, resident (sometimes known as immigrant) and non-resident. Within each of these broad categories are several types of specific visas. Please look below for the type of visa that suits your individual needs. This information was adapted from the Ecuadorian Embassy and Consulate General webpages. The information is subject to change and should be verified with the Ecuadorian Consulate in your home country.

Non - Imigrant Visas
Citizens of most countries do not require a visa to enter Ecuador for up to 90 days, with some notable exceptions. This "automatic" tourist visa is knows as the 12-X. If you plan on staying longer that 90 days, working or immigrating to Ecuador you will need one of the other types of visas outlined below.

Visas For Non-Working Stays Up To 90 Days (Visa 12-X)

Ecuador welcomes tourists and travelers from every country. Citizens of the United States, Canada and most European countries traveling to Ecuador for tourism, business or to study do not require a visa unless they expect to stay in Ecuador for more than 90 days in one calendar year (that is, 90 days adding every entry in one year) or if they are drawing income from an Ecuadorian source.

Specific Requirements:

Valid passport for more than 6 months.
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).

Nationals of the following countries require a visa to enter Ecuador for any reason and should approach the Consulate of Ecuador in their home country before traveling (list may change without notice): Algeria, Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Lybia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Palestine Authority, Panama, People's Republic of China, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tunisia, and Vietnam.

Foreigners traveling on a 12-X visa may not take employment in Ecuador. Visa 12-X status cannot be changed in Ecuador.

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 and must present the following documents:

Valid passport for more than 6 months.

Police certificate with criminal record of the State where s/he resides.

Medical certificate.

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

Two photographs

Application form

Nationals of other countries applying for this type of visa in the United States must also present a valid US visa/green card.

Additionally, depending on the type of visa needed, additional requirements listed under the following visa types may apply:

Student Visa

Specific Requirements:
Certificate of course registration in an educational institution in Ecuador.
Certificate of financial solvency (either a bank deposit of a reasonable amount to cover expenses with a letter stating the intention of the bank of forwarding to the student 10% of that amount per month; OR a document signed by a relative stating that the student is supported by his/her family; OR a legal and duly notarized document indicating the student receives some other type of financial support).
Validity: Up to one year; renewable.
Fee: USD 50. Citizens from the Spain, Colombia, and Paraguay are exempt from the fee.

Professional, Technical, Consultant, Or Official Government Visas

Specific Requirements:

Documents showing he/she is required to stay in Ecuador for work related purposes and that his/her stay will be supported by the company/agency/government.

Labor contract legalized by an Ecuadorian Labor Court.

Technical or specialized professionals or industrial training personnel need a working permit from the Ministry of Labor.
Managers, legal representatives, or executive officers, with also require a certificate from the Superintendency of Companies.
Validity: According to the appointment.

Fee: USD 50.

Religious And Volunteer Visas Specific Requirements:

Certificate of the religious organization where the applicant will work in Ecuador, explaining why a foreign person is required, and a brief description of the tasks s/he will be assigned in Ecuador.
A copy of the Decree in which the Government of Ecuador authorizes the organization to work in the country.
A copy of the rules of the organization.
A copy of the document stating the appointment of the legal representative of the organization in Ecuador.
Validity: Two years.
Fee: None.

Cultural Exchange Visas

Teachers or students participating in exchange programs require:
Application from the Ecuadorian authority sponsoring the student/teachers visit.
A copy of the Agreement under which the program is carried out.
Teachers must sign a document stating that s/he will not receive any Ecuadorian funds for his/her work.
Validity: One year.
Fee: None.

Tourism, Business And Other Activities Requireing A Stay Of More Than 90 Days And Up To 180 Days
Foreigners who need or want to stay in Ecuador for over 90 days, for activities such as tourism, sports, studies, science and research, art, or business, require:
Certificate of financial solvency to the satisfaction of the Consular Officer (either a bank letter stating the applicant's monthly balance OR a personal guaranty of an Ecuadorian citizen or a foreigner residing in Ecuador in a duly notarized document OR a certificate stating the applicant's income OR any other document that proves the applicant has enough funds for his stay in Ecuador).
Validity: 90 to 180 days.

Fee:

USD 50. Citizens from the Spain, Colombia, Denmark, and Paraguay are exemp from the fee.