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 October, 2008. 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 at Carrión 10-40 and Av. 10 de Agosto rather than calling (593 2) 299-3284 / 299-3285.

VISAS

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

As of June 20, 2008, any person from any country can enter Ecuador with a 12-X visa (default tourist visa) for a period of 90 days.

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 in Ecuador upon arrival in the country.

You should confirm all information before travels with the Ecuadorian Embassy or Consulate in your own country. Requisites vary significantly by consulate.

To help you find additional information when you’re in Ecuador, we have included an updated list of embassies and consulates in Quito and Guayaquil.

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.

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, or if you are drawing income from an Ecuadorian source, you will need one of the other types of visas for a stay of over 90 days.

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.

•  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 of 90 days.

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.

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 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 or 12-IV (tourist or transient visas) from within Ecuador.

Nationals of countries other than the US applying for the following types of visa in the United States must also present a valid US 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.

Below is a list of requirements to renew each non-tourist visa within Ecuador, as stipulated by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Relations. Renewals can be done at the Ministry’s office in Quito, located at Carrión 10-40 and Av. 10 de Agosto.

STUDENT VISA, CATEGORY 12-V

Specific Requirements:

•  Two forms correctly filled out with small passport photos.

•  Visa application, addressed to Dr. Juan Veintimilla, Director General de Asuntos de Migración y Extranjería.

•  Original document certifying enrollment in an Ecuadorian institution and transcript if applying for renewal.

•  Original passport valid for at least six months, and one copy of same.

•  Language institutes and other centers must present a Resolución del Ministerio de Educación.

•  Colombian citizens must present an annotated police report. Minors must present parental authorization.


•  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 and duly notarized; OR a legal and duly notarized document indicating the student receives some other type of financial support).

VALIDITY: Up to one year; renewable.

CONSULAR FEES:
Visa: US$100.00
Application: US$30.00
Colombians and Paraguayans pay only $30.

WORK VISA, CATEGORY 12-VI

Specific Requirements:

•  Two copies of appropriate form with current photo in front of a white background.

•  Application addressed to Dr. Juan Veintimilla Aulestía, Director General de Migracón y Extranjería.  

•  Passport valid for at least six months, and proof of current legal status in Ecuador.

Modalities:

• WORK DEPENDENCE: Authorization to work legally in Ecuador, provided by the Ministry of Work, a copy of employment contract and an updated Certificado de Cumplimiento de Obligaciones or RUC if applicable.

•  PRESENTATION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: A contract certified by the firm, a copy of academic degree(s) or evidence of advanced technical skills, updated Certificado de Cumplimiento de Obligaciones, or RUC if applicable.

•  MANAGER, PRESIDENT OR LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE: Designations registered in the Registro Mercantil and updated Certificado de Cumplimiento de Obligaciones.

•  DEPENDENTS: Must present birth and/or marriage certificates.  

•  A copy of the company's by-laws.

•  Certificate of payment to the "Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguro Social" (Ecuadorian Social Security Office).

•  Colombian citizens must present an annotated police report.

VALIDITY: According to the appointment.

CONSULAR FEES:

Visa: US$200.00
Application: US$30.00
Dependents: US$50.00 each

RELIGIOUS AND VOLUNTEER VISAS, CATEGORY VII

Specific Requirements:

•  Two visa forms, typed and addressed to Embajadora Deborah Salgado Campaña.

•  Two recent color photographs, attached to forms (total of three photos).

•  Visa application written by legal representative of the institution.  

•  Properly notarized economic guarantee from the institution.

•  Original passport valid for a minimum of six months.  

•  Copy of first page of passport, and previous visa.  

•  Copy of Certificado de la Designaction from legal representatives of the institution.  

•  Copy of the official register of the constitution in which juridical personnel of the institution appear.  

•  Certified copy of institution’s statutes.  

•  Report of the activities carried out or the activities to be carried out.  

•  A legalized document stating that the sponsor assumes responsibility for expenses incurred should the foreigner be deported.

•  A document from foreigner showing services are offered at no charge.

•  Colombian citizens must present an annotated police report.

VALIDITY:
Religious and missionary visas: two years.
Volunteer visas: one year.

CONSULAR FEES:
Visa: US$150.00
Application: US$30.00

CULTURAL EXCHANGE VISAS, CATEGORY VIII

Specific Requirements:

•  Two forms correctly filled out with small passport photos.  

•  Visa application addressed to Dr. Juan Veintimilla, Director General de Asuntos de Migración y Extranjería, signed by a legal representative of the institution.  

•  Economic guarantee from the institution, signed before a notary public.  

•  Letter from applicant with promise to provide services free of charge.

•  Original passport valid for a minimum of six months, and copy of same.  

•  Information about the institution:

TOURISM VISA, CATEGORY 12-IX

Applies to: tourists, professional players, students, scientists, artists and businessmen.

Specific Requirements:

•  Visa application addressed to Dr. Juan Veintimilla Aulestia, Director General de Asuntos de Migración y Extranjería signalling the motives and activities to be carried out, the date of departure from the country, declaration of economic solvency during time in Ecuador.  

•  Two copies of form with updated, color photo with white background.  
•  Original passport valid for minimum six months, and copy of same.

•  Copy of previous visa if applicable, or passport registry of the last entrance into Ecuador.  

•  Colombian citizens must present annotated police report.  

•  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 days.  

CONSULAR FEES:
Visa: US$200.00
Application: US$30.00

RESIDENT/IMMIGRANT VISAS

Foreign nationals may apply to settle in Ecuador and obtain resident status. Resident visas are approved by Nelson Ayala, Director de Extranjería, at Calle San Ignacio 207, Quito, Ecuador. The documentation process takes at least 4 to 8 weeks. There are a number of different resident visa categories, including:

10­I Retired persons who receive pensions from their native countries (required minimum monthly income from a foreign account USD 800 for the main visa holder, plus USD 100 monthly for each family dependent).

10­II Real estate and securities investors who are willing to invest in Ecuador a minimum of USD 25,000, plus USD 500 for each family dependent.

10­III Investors in industry who wish to export agricultural products, livestock, or minerals, (minimum investment of USD 30,000).

10­IV Companies with foreign local agents who possess unlimited power of attorney to represent the company in Ecuador, provided that 80% of the company's local personnel are Ecuadorian.

10­IV Technicians or technical experts under contract with a company established in Ecuador.

10­V Professionals with university degrees recognized by a national university, who wish to practice their profession in Ecuador . Should the applicant's profession not exist in Ecuador , the degree must be locally certified. The applicant must also fulfill the requirements for such practice (e.g. bar).

10­VI Individuals economically dependent on spouses or on a blood­related family member (family).

DIPLOMATIC VISAS
Visas 12-I, 12-II, and 12-III are for diplomatic visits to Ecuador. For more information, contact your nearest Ecuadorian consulate or embassy.

REFUGEE VISAS
Visa 12-IV is for refugees. The office that handles these visas is located at Jeronimo Carrión 10-40 and Av. 10 de Agosto in Quito.