Imagine standing at the equator with one foot in each hemisphere - this dream can be a reality in Ecuador. This South American country offers four unique environments: the Galapagos, Amazon, Andes, and Coast. To explore its rich culture and landscapes as a backpacker on a tourist visa, a digital nomad with temporary residence, or someone seeking permanent relocation, you must first navigate the visa process.
In this thorough guide, we dissect the visa policy essentials so you can find your best visa option, which is the first step to considering visiting or relocating to Ecuador.
Ecuador offers a diverse range of over 30 visa options to accommodate various purposes of stay. The visa categories include:
| Tourist | Temporary Residency Visas | Permanent Resident Visas |
| Designed for short-term visitors not requiring a visa to stay up to 90 days. Visitors from many countries can extend for another 90 days easily. | For those intending to remain more than 6 months to work, study, invest, retire, or simply live. | Offered to individuals who have maintained a temporary residency or have family ties to Ecuadorian citizens. |
Visitors from most countries can arrive using only their passports and can enjoy stays of up to 90 days within any 12-month frame. Those who wish to extend their time in the country beyond the initial 90 days have the option to apply for a 90-day visa extension, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
For citizens from countries that are visa-required, securing a Special Tourist status is necessary for a longer stay of up to 180 days. This visa is obtainable outside the country prior to travel and permits a single entry for tourism and recreation.
This visa category is particularly versatile and suitable for longer-term stays. It allows a stay of up to two years, which is renewable so long as it hasn't expired. The more popular temporary residency visas are:
To transition from a temporary stay to permanent residency, individuals must have spent at least 21 months under a temporary resident status or meet familial criteria such as marrying an Ecuadorian citizen.
It is a stringent process, with various documents needing to be submitted. Each specific visa, such as tourism, temporary resident visas, and permanent resident visas, has unique document and eligibility requirements. These can differ significantly based on the applicant's country of residence.
Individuals residing in Ecuador can approach the Coordinaciones Zonales part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility to complete the visa application process.
The documents listed below are the general documents that need to accompany all visa applications. In addition, each visa also has its own specific requirements. All documents need the Hague Apostille or Legalization and translated into Spanish if initially recorded in a different language.
A cornerstone of international travel, the passport is an indispensable tool for cross-border movement. U.S. citizens seeking entry into Ecuador, for instance, must hold a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months post their arrival date. If you enter Ecuador from Peru or Colombia via land, you must receive an official entry stamp in your passport.
We suggest having 2 years left on your current passport when you apply to avoid unnecessary complications, costs, or delays when conducting future visa renewals or transfers.
Police certificates are an important requisite for visa applicants, reflecting their criminal history - or lack thereof - in their home country, country of current residence, and any previous countries of domicile.
Exceptions to this rule include current Ecuadorian visa holders, diplomatic passport carriers, minors under 18 years of age, and individuals classified as human trafficking victims or seekers of international protection under Ecuadorian jurisdiction.
If you do have a criminal history, this doesn't automatically disqualify your application. It's ultimately up to the Migration Officer's discretion and you may be required to sit with them for an interview. The more serious the crime, especially if it's of a violent or sexual nature, the less likely your application will be accepted.
The majority of Ecuadorian visas, such as the Rentista Visa, require applicants to demonstrate proof of income 3x the basic monthly wage in Ecuador (currently $460/month in 2024). Retirement or Pensioner Visa seekers are required to submit official proof of retirement and substantiate the pension they will receive from abroad.
Once you get the necessary information, applicants are required to submit their documents at the migration offices or via a new online platform. If applying via the migration office, the process requires someone to attend in person - it can be you or one of our specialists in charge of your case. If the application is virtual then it is necessary that you comply with all the applicable requirements translated and apostilled, scanned in PDF - one of our specialists can apply for you and maintain communication throughout the process.
Payment with the application forms is part of the submission process. The cost structure of the Ecuador is segmented into two parts:
1. Application fee: $50 (not refundable )
2. Visa: $175-270 They have different prices. This fee is payable once the visa is approved.
3. Professional fees: This fee differs by service provider. Some charge upwards of $2,000 per visa. Our fees are considerably less - feel free to contact us for a quote.
The fees paid to the Ecuadorian government are made in BANECUADOR.
You can find the blank Ecuador application form online. It needs to be completed, and duly signed. The passport-size photos included in the application must adhere to specific standards, featuring a white backdrop and neutral facial expressions without headgear unless it's worn for religious purposes.
Be prepared for a turnover time of 30-45 days from the submission of the approval application. Residency visa applicants, particularly those with dependents, should note that the primary visa must be accepted before initiating dependent visa(s) applications, potentially prolonging the cumulative process to about 3 months.
Visa service providers can be a great option to be sure your application will be successful and avoid timely and costly repeated procedures in your home country:
Can I apply for a visa on arrival?
You will need all your documents and you can apply during your initial 90 tourist days or with the additional 90-day extension.
What are the different types of visas available for Ecuador?
Ecuador offers various types of visas, it depends on your purpose and what you are looking for. Temporary residency visas offer plenty of options, the principal ones are Investment, Retirement, Rentier, Professional, and Work. Permanent residency is another option if you marry an Ecuadorian citizen or you meet the requirements.
Are there any specific requirements for each visa?
Yes, each visa has its own set of requirements. Generally, you will need a valid passport, a completed application form, passport-sized photos, proof of financial means, a travel itinerary, and supporting documents depending on the purpose of your visit.
Specific requirements may vary depending on the visa you are applying for. We suggest reviewing the requirements for the more popular visa types:
Can I apply for my visa if I exceed my tourist days?
You can if you are in days 90-120 of your current stay. You have to pay a penalty fee and pay for the extension tourist visa at the immigration office closest to you.
Will I need Medical Insurance for entry to Ecuador?
No, you will need one in your application, your professional facilitator will help you find the best options in the Ecuadorian Market.
Need help with your visa application? Feel free to contact us for a commitment-free consultation.
