Is a visa necessary for visiting Ecuador?

For most travelers, accessing the rich diversity of Ecuador’s Cuatro Mundos ('Four Worlds': the Pacific Coast, Andes, Amazon, and Galápagos) simply requires bringing your passport along.

However, citizens from certain countries will need a visa to enter Ecuador, and the application process can be quite complex. Additionally, some travelers have the option to extend their stay and work in this stunning country. Here’s everything you need to know about entering Ecuador.

Do I need to obtain a visa prior to visiting Ecuador?

Ecuador welcomes travelers from most nations for stays of up to 90 days, providing a T3 visa stamp upon arrival. Generally, there’s no visa requirement for foreign visitors who have passports valid for at least six months from their entry date.

Except for Venezuelans, nationals from South America can enter Ecuador using a cédula (national ID card); a passport is not required.

Some travelers must secure a visa beforehand

For citizens from approximately thirty-six countries, primarily in Africa and Asia, visa requirements are in effect. These countries include Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, India, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Nepal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Senegal, Syria, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Haiti, the Republic of Congo, Mali, Ivory Coast, and Myanmar.

Travelers from these countries need to submit a visa application along with a valid passport, at least one passport photo, an onward ticket, and travel insurance. The application fee is US$50, and once approved, the visa costs US$150. For the most up-to-date requirements, visa applicants should reach out to the Ecuadorian embassy in their home country.

After arriving in Ecuador, you can extend your stay for an additional 90 days (referred to as a prórroga) online or by visiting any immigration office in Ecuador. Locations include (but are not limited to) Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca. If you intend to remain longer than the initial 90 days, begin the extension process early to avoid unintentionally overstaying your visa.

Note that crossing into another country and returning to Ecuador is not a valid method for extending your stay. This action does not automatically grant you another 90 days in Ecuador.

Vaccination requirements for entry into Ecuador

There are currently no COVID-19 vaccination requirements to enter Ecuador or the Galápagos Islands, but you must complete an online Health Declaration Form prior to checking into your flight.

If you’re planning to explore the Ecuadorian Amazon, it’s highly advisable to receive a yellow fever vaccination at least ten days prior to your arrival. The relevant provinces include Napo, Pastaza, Orellana, Sucumbíos, Zamora-Chinchipe, Morona-Santiago, and parts of Esmeraldas.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for anyone coming from areas where the disease is common, such as Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. This requirement also applies to Ecuadorian citizens.

Looking to extend your stay? Consider applying for a work visa for Ecuador.

To work legally in Ecuador, you must obtain a work visa. Unless you are self-employed, teaching English in larger cities like Quito or Guayaquil is the most practical option for many. Additionally, Ecuador has a reciprocal working holiday agreement with Australia, allowing Aussie nationals aged 18 to 30 to work in Ecuador for up to 12 months. Unfortunately, working holiday visas are not available for the rest of the world.

Depending on your skill set, various non-resident visas can be obtained in Ecuador. In addition to the standard documents like a passport and visa application, student visas require proof of admission to an accredited Ecuadorian educational institution. Once granted, the visa costs approximately US$130. A work visa for general categories of 'professional, technical, technological, or artisanal' activities (the 12-VI visa) costs US$400 upon approval.

If you intend to stay for more than 90 days, be prepared with two extra passport photos, evidence of comprehensive health insurance for your stay (two years for approved work visas), a translated and certified criminal record from your home country, and any educational or professional credentials necessary for the application process.

Immigration regulations may change, so always reach out to the nearest Ecuadorian embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest requirements. Information on the different types of work visas can be found at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility (available in Spanish only).