Ecuador Visa Policy

Most of the nationals can travel to Ecuador without a visa for up to 90 days, but even if you are not one of them, you can realize a planned trip to Ecuador by getting an Ecuador visa.

Ecuador visa has the following types:

Ecuador Tourist visa
Ecuador Temporary Resident visa
- Ecuador Work visa
- Ecuador Student visa
- Ecuador Retirement visa
Ecuador Permanent Resident visa

Ecuador Tourist Visa

You can apply for Ecuador Tourist Visa for realizing your touristic travel to Ecuador. Reasons to apply for this type of visa can be tourism, visiting family or friends, and many other non-permanent nuances. Ecuador Tourist Visa’s validity period can be a maximum of 90 days.

Additionally, there is one category of Tourist visa to Ecuador:

“Special Tourist Visa”

Special Tourist visa’s validity will be 180 days instead of 90 days. Visa-exempted nationals can also apply for an Ecuador Special Tourist visa in order to stay more than 90 days (up to 180 days) in Ecuador. Foreigners can obtain Special Tourist Visa only once every five years.

Required Documents for Ecuador Tourist Visa

1. Application Form

Fully completed, signed, and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Ecuador.
Signed by bearer
Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
At least one or two free “visa pages”
Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Photo

NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
A uniform and white background.
Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
5x5 size

4. ID Card Copy

Valid during your travel dates

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

Valid during your travel dates

6. Photocopies

Copy of the main page of your passport
Copies of previous visas

7. Travel Itinerary

Flight reservation (return ticket)
Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

8. Proof of Financial Means

Personal bank statements, personal property, assets, etc.

9. Travel Insurance

It should cover all the duration you intend to stay in Ecuador

10. Criminal Record

Obtained from relevant authorities in your country of origin and/or country of residence

11. Supporting Documents that Show Your Reason for a Trip

For tourism:

Confirmation of the accommodation (hotel confirmation, apartment rental contract, etc.)

For business/congress/sports travel:

Original invitation letter by the company/organization
Confirmation of the accommodation (hotel confirmation, apartment rental contract, etc.)

For private visit:

Original invitation letter by inviting person
The original document that confirms the ownership of estate (home) of your inviting person, if you are going to stay there
Copies of passport, ID card/residence permit of your inviting person

12. For Minors:

Copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Ecuador Tourist Visa

The average processing time for an Ecuador Tourist Visa is 2-15 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.

Ecuador Tourist Visa Fee

Ecuador Tourist Visa fee is 60-100 USD for foreigners (it can vary depending on your country and nationality).

Where to Apply for Ecuador Tourist Visa?

You will apply for an Ecuador Tourist Visa at Ecuador embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Ecuador Temporary Resident Visa

Ecuador Temporary Resident Visa is issued to foreigners who intend to live in Ecuador for a long period for different reasons (such as employment, study, retirement, etc.). Temporary Resident Visa is issued for up to 2 years and it is extendable within Ecuador.

Ecuador Temporary Resident Visa has the main following types:

Ecuador Work visa
Ecuador Student visa
Ecuador Retirement visa

Required Documents for Ecuador Temporary Resident Visa

1. Application Form

Fully completed, signed, and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Ecuador.
Signed by bearer
Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
At least one or two free “visa pages”
Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Photo

NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
A uniform and white background.
Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
5x5 size

4. ID Card Copy

Valid during your travel dates

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

Valid during your travel dates

6. Photocopies

Copy of the main page of your passport
Copies of previous visas

7. Travel Itinerary

Flight reservation

8. Proof of Financial Means

Personal bank statements, personal property, assets, etc.

9. Travel Insurance

It should cover all the duration you intend to stay in Ecuador

10. Supporting Documents that Show Your Reason for a Trip

For private visit:

Original invitation letter by inviting person
Original document that confirms the ownership of estate (home) of your inviting person, if you are going to stay there
Copies of passport, ID card/residence permit of your inviting person

For studying:

Original invitation letter by the educational establishment in Ecuador
Acceptance letter (proof of enrolment) to education establishment in Ecuador

For employment:

Original invitation letter by a company in Ecuador
Work contract with the company
Documents proving that the company has no obligations with SRI and IESS (and Superintendence of Companies, if it is a private company)
Registration Certificate of the company (if it is a private company)

For retirement:

Proof of retirement from the relevant government body
Proof of your sustainable income

11. Proof of Accommodation

Confirmation of the accommodation (apartment rental contract, dormitory contract, house contract, etc.)

12. For Minors:

Copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Ecuador Temporary Resident Visa

The average processing time for an Ecuador Temporary Resident Visa is 5-25 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.

Ecuador Temporary Resident Visa Fee

Ecuador Temporary Resident Visa fee is 130 USD for study purposes, 250-450 USD for other purposes. The fee may vary depending on your nationality and purpose of visit.

Where to Apply for Ecuador Temporary Resident Visa?

You will apply for an Ecuador Temporary Resident Visa in Ecuador visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Ecuador Permanent Resident Visa

Ecuador Permanent Resident visa is obtainable for foreigners who have already lived in Ecuador for at least 21 months with an Ecuador Temporary Resident visa. You can obtain an Ecuador Permanent Resident visa within Ecuador. The fee for an Ecuador Permanent Resident visa is 450 USD, but it can vary depending on your nationality and your reason of stay.

EMBASSY INFORMATION AND LOCATION

Embassy of

Located in

FAQ

I am from a country whose citizens do not need a visa to enter Ecuador. Can I experience any problems at the border, while entering Ecuador?

You must meet certain requirements to enter Ecuador, even if you are not required a visa:

The purpose of your trip to Ecuador must be plausible and comprehensible.
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in Ecuador.
You must be able to finance your own living and travel costs.
You must hold a confirmed return flight to prove that you are prepared to leave Ecuador before the duration of the permitted stay ends.
You must have travel health insurance for the whole duration of your stay in Ecuador.
You must not pose a threat to security or public order.

How long can I stay in Ecuador without a visa?

If you are one of the visa-exempted nationals, you can stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days. Peru citizens can stay in Ecuador for up to 180 days.

What is the local currency in Ecuador?

Ecuador's official currency is the USD.

What happens if my Ecuador visa application is rejected?

If your Ecuador visa application is rejected, you will be notified by your mission that your application has been unsuccessful. You will be informed of the grounds on which it was rejected and have one month to appeal the decision by writing to the Ecuador mission. Your application will then be reconsidered. You can also apply for a visa again if your circumstances have changed.

Will my fees be refunded if my visa is refused?

All fees are non-refundable and will not be refunded if your visa application is not successful.

Do I have to participate in the Embassy or Visa Administrative Center in person?

It depends on your country of residence or the embassy/consulate/Visa Administrative Center’s rules and obligations. In some countries, sending your documents via courier is enough to the embassy/consulate/Visa Administrative Center.

Can the Embassy/Consulate request me to provide additional documents or information?

The embassy may request you to provide additional documents or information, according to your personal situation, even after you have submitted all the required documents mentioned on the official website of the Embassy/Consulate/Visa Application Center.

Blogs About Ecuador That Might Inspire You to Visit

Tural Musayev 12 December 2021

The best hiking trails in Ecuador

Before getting information about where is the best hiking in Ecuador, let’s look at this beautiful country more broadly. Ecuador is best known for the Galapagos Islands, but the fourth smallest country in South America has a lot more to offer. Ecuador is a South American country in the northern part of the continent. Ecuador […]

Tural Musayev 28 July 2021

How to apply for visa extension in Ecuador?

Before getting ready for our main topic visa extension in Ecuador, let’s start with the overall information about the country. You will also find out whether it is possible for an Ecuador permanent visa extension or not. Ecuador is a small country on a large continent, and one of the smallest in South America. Ecuador […]

Ieva Miltina 22 July 2021

How to obtain a tourist visa for Ecuador?

It is the home of the unique ecosystems in the Galapagos Islands, the furthest point from the center of the Earth, and the most magnificent tourism destination in general. Ecuador is a country many travelers are eager to visit for many reasons, and it is no surprise. The rich nature, the beautiful landscapes, and the […]