Ecuador
General visa requirements for travelling to Ecuador. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Tourist visa (Tourist Visa (Embassy Required))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 30-45 days
- Fee
- $50 application fee + $150 visa fee
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Citizens of 45 countries must obtain a Temporary Visitor Visa (Tourist/Transit) prior to traveling to Ecuador. This requirement was implemented on September 1, 2025. All applications must be submitted through the e-Visa system.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Required for citizens of Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Congo (Brazzaville), Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Syria, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Chad, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, North Korea
Eligible countries: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Congo (Democratic Republic of the), Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Kenya, Korea (Democratic People's Republic of), Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Uzbekistan, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen
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Purpose of visit
For tourism and vacation purposes only
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Criminal record
Must have clean criminal record verified by police clearance certificate with apostille
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: JPG format, max 1MB, 5x5cm, white background, neutral expression, both eyes open, ears uncovered
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Bank statement
Minimum balance: Sufficient for trip duration; Months required: 3
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, proof of assets; Minimum amount: Minimum $600 per month
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Hotel confirmation, rental contract with full address and contact information; Must cover full stay: Yes
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
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Police clearance
Validity months: 6
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Ecuador Visa Application Form; Form url: https://serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec
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Proof of address
Provide current address evidence, such as a utility bill, tenancy document, residence certificate or official correspondence.
Accepted documents: Official proof of regular stay in country from where visa is requested; Max age months: 3
How to apply
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Online application
Create account on Ecuador e-Visa portal and complete application form
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Document gathering
Gather all required documents including passport, photos, police clearance, bank statements, accommodation proof, and flight reservations
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Fee payment
Pay $50 non-refundable application fee online
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Document submission
Upload all documents through the e-Visa portal
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Processing wait
Wait for visa application review and decision
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Visa collection
Receive visa notification and approval electronically
Transit visa (Transit Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1 days
- Processing time
- 15-30 days
- Fee
- $30 USD
- Validity
- 24-72 hours
- Entry
- Single entry
Since July 31, 2025, travelers from 45 visa-required countries must obtain a Transit Visa to transit through Ecuadorian airports, even if remaining in the international transit area without clearing immigration. Previously, such nationals could transit without a visa.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Required for citizens of 45 countries who are transiting through Ecuador
Eligible countries: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Congo (Democratic Republic of the), Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Kenya, Korea (Democratic People's Republic of), Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Uzbekistan, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen
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Purpose of visit
For airport transit only, connecting to onward international flight
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Transit Visa Application (Visa de Transeúnte); Form url: https://serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec
How to apply
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Online application
Apply for transit visa through e-Visa portal or at Ecuadorian consulate
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Document gathering
Provide passport, confirmed onward flight ticket, and visa for final destination if required
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Fee payment
Pay $30 transit visa fee
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Processing wait
Wait for visa processing
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Visa collection
Receive transit visa approval
Work / Immigration visa (Professional Visa (9-V))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- 60 days
- Fee
- $50 application fee + $270 visa fee
- Validity
- 2 years, renewable
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For degree holders working in their professional field in Ecuador. Requires demonstrating income equal to three basic salaries ($1,446 USD monthly as of 2026). Seniors 65+ receive reduced visa grant fee of $135 instead of $270.
Eligibility
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Financial
Must demonstrate minimum monthly income of three basic salaries
Minimum funds: $1,446 USD per month (three basic salaries as of 2026)
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Employment
Must be working in professional field matching degree qualifications
Required status: Professional employment with degree verification
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Age
Applicants 65+ receive reduced visa grant fee
Max age: 150; Min age: 0
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Police clearance
Validity months: 60
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Ecuador Professional Visa Application (9-V); Form url: https://serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec
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Professional license
Accepted licenses: University degree or professional license in field of work; Must be translated: Yes
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
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Online application
Create account and submit application through e-Visa portal
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Document gathering
Gather degree certificates, apostilled police clearance, proof of income, and employment contract
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Fee payment
Pay $50 non-refundable application fee
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Document submission
Upload all required documents through e-Visa portal
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Processing wait
Wait for visa review and approval decision
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Visa collection
Receive electronic visa approval
Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa (12-VI Non-Resident))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 60-90 days
- Fee
- $50 application fee + visa fee varies
- Validity
- Duration of employment contract
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Non-resident Work Visa (12-VI) is required for foreign nationals traveling to Ecuador for business or professional purposes with an employment contract. All applications must be submitted through the e-Visa system. Separate visas exist for professionals (9-V) and technicians (10-V).
Eligibility
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Purpose of visit
For professional work in Ecuador with formal employment contract
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Employment
Must have valid employment contract with Ecuadorian employer. Contract must include employee enrollment in IESS social security system.
Required status: Valid employment contract with IESS enrollment
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Criminal record
Clean criminal record required from country of origin and residence countries
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Police clearance
Validity months: 60
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Ecuador Work Visa Application (12-VI); Form url: https://serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec
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Company registration
Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.
Accepted documents: Certificate showing company has no debts to IESS (Ecuadorian Institute for Social Security)
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain employment contract with IESS enrollment, company IESS clearance certificate, police clearance, and passport
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Online application
Employer's legal representative submits written request and application through e-Visa portal
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Fee payment
Pay $50 non-refundable application fee
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Document submission
Upload employment contract, IESS documents, police clearance through portal
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Processing wait
Wait for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility review
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Visa collection
Receive work visa approval notification
Work / Immigration visa (Technician Visa (10-V))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- 60 days
- Fee
- $50 application fee + $270 visa fee
- Validity
- 2 years, renewable
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For technical experts who have signed a contract with an Ecuadorian employer. Similar requirements to Professional Visa but for technical rather than degree-level positions.
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
For technical experts performing specialized technical work
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Employment
Must have contract with Ecuadorian employer for technical work
Required status: Valid technical employment contract
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Police clearance
Validity months: 60
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Ecuador Technician Visa Application (10-V); Form url: https://serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec
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Professional license
Accepted licenses: Technical certifications, licenses, or proof of technical expertise; Must be translated: Yes
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
-
Online application
Submit application through e-Visa portal
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Document gathering
Collect technical certifications, employment contract, police clearance
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Fee payment
Pay $50 application fee
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Document submission
Upload documents via e-Visa portal
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Processing wait
Wait for processing
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Visa collection
Receive visa approval
Student visa (Student Visa (12-V))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 30-60 days
- Fee
- $50 application fee + $100 visa fee
- Validity
- Duration of study program (minimum 6 months)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Required for students studying in Ecuador for an academic or calendar year (6+ months). For semester programs (under 180 days), students can use a tourist visa with extension. Colombian, Spanish, and Paraguayan citizens pay reduced fees due to bilateral agreements ($30 visa fee instead of $100).
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
For full-time study at a recognized Ecuadorian educational institution for programs lasting 6+ consecutive months
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Financial
Must demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition and living expenses through bank deposits, family support letters, or scholarship documentation
Minimum funds: 10% of bank deposit forwarded monthly to student, or documented family/scholarship support
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Criminal record
Must have clean criminal record with apostilled police clearance
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-size color photos with white background
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Bank statement
Minimum balance: Proof of financial solvency to cover living expenses; Months required: 6
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
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Police clearance
Validity months: 6
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Ecuador Student Visa Application Form (12-V); Form url: https://serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec
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Proof of enrollment
Provide proof of enrolment or admission from the school, university or training provider.
Must be current: Yes; Must be original: Yes
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain admission letter from Ecuadorian institution, police clearance with apostille, proof of financial support, and passport photos
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Online application
Submit application through Ecuador e-Visa portal
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Fee payment
Pay $50 application fee online
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Document submission
Upload all supporting documents through the portal
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Processing wait
Wait for application review and approval
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Visa collection
Receive student visa approval notification
Business visa (Business Visa-Free Entry)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- Immediate upon arrival
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days within any 12-month period
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Citizens from most countries can enter Ecuador visa-free for short-term business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations) for up to 90 days. For extended business stays or employment, a work visa is required.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Available to citizens of most countries excluding 45 visa-required nationalities
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Purpose of visit
For short-term business activities only - meetings, conferences, negotiations. Not for employment or extended business operations.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Prepare passport, proof of business purpose (invitation letter, conference registration), and return ticket
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Visa collection
Receive entry stamp upon arrival
Tourist visa (Tourist Visa-Free Entry)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- Immediate upon arrival
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days within any 12-month period
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Most nationalities can enter Ecuador visa-free for tourism purposes. Visitors receive a T-3 tourist stamp valid for 90 days within any 12-month period. May be asked to show proof of sufficient funds, accommodation, and return/onward ticket upon arrival.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Available to citizens of most countries worldwide, excluding 45 specific countries that require a visa
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Purpose of visit
For tourism, vacation, and leisure travel only
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, cash, credit cards; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds for stay
-
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Hotel booking, rental agreement, invitation letter; Must cover full stay: No
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Prepare passport (valid 6+ months), proof of funds, accommodation booking, and return ticket
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Visa collection
Receive T-3 tourist stamp upon arrival at Ecuadorian port of entry