VISA & useful information

Visa

While no foreigners need a visa to enter Ecuador for a period of 90 days, for tourism purposes, in order to stay in the country for a longer period, a VISA must be obtained from an Ecuadorian Embassy or Consulate after complying with the requirements established by law.

The types of available Non-Immigrant Visas, with their respective requirements, subject to admission, validity of visas, fees and requirements for renewal, can be found below. Foreigners must submit and comply with all required documentation, without exception, in order to choose one of the immigration categories.

Requirements and how to apply for the Visa: https://www.consuladovirtual.gob.ec

Nationals of the following 34 countries require a Tourist Visa (12-X) for Ecuador

  • Afghanistan ­- Angola
  • Bangladesh
  • Cameroon
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Republic of the Congo
  • Cuba[3] [4] [5]
  • Egypt
  • Eritrea
  • Ethiopia
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Guinea
  • Haiti1
  • India
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Ivory Coast
  • Kenya
  • Libya
  • Mali ­- Myanmar
  • Nepal
  • Nigeria
  • North Korea[6]
  • Pakistan
  • Philippines
  • Senegal
  • Somalia
  • Sri Lanka
  • Syria
  • Venezuela[7]2
  • Vietnam
  • Yemen

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (AS OF FEB 11TH, 2022)

Entry to Mainland Ecuador

Since February 11th, 2022 at 00H00. All passengers entering the country, over 3 years of age, must present in a mandatory manner one of the following options:
1. Complete Vaccination Proof:
a. A complete vaccination card with QR code (digital version in Smartphone); OR
b. A complete vaccination card (physical version), with at least 14 days of validity after completing the scheme.
2. A negative result of a real-time RT-PCR test performed up to 72 hours prior to departure to Ecuador.
Children under 3 years old are exempt from the RT-PCR test or the COVID-19 vaccination certificate requirement.
Any person who enters Continental Ecuador by international air must present the digital “Traveler’s Health Declaration” when boarding the plane. Click in this link: https://declaracionsalud-viajero.msp.gob.ec/

Entry to the Galapagos Islands

Since February 11th, 2022 at 00H00. All passengers entering the country, over 3 years of age, must present in a mandatory manner one of the following options:
1. Complete Vaccination Proof:
a. A complete vaccination card with QR code (digital version in Smartphone); OR
b. A complete vaccination card (physical version), with at least 14 days of validity after completing the scheme.
2. A negative result of a real-time RT-PCR test performed up to 72 hours prior to departure to Ecuador.
Children under 3 years old are exempt from the RT-PCR test or the COVID-19 vaccination certificate requirement.
Additionally, national or foreign tourists must presents the Transit Control Card issued by the Galapagos Government Council.

Clarifications

  1. The only type of test authorized for entering into the country is the qualitative real-time RT-PCR test.
  2. Any person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, and who after one month continues to obtain a positive result in the RT-PCR test, must present a medical certificate issued in the country of origin that supports their health status of not being in the contagious phase in order to enter Ecuador, as long as, they have an absence of symptoms.
  3. For persons coming from countries where their vaccination protocol doesn’t permit being vaccinated up to 6 months after being infected with COVID-19, and for this reason the person has not been vaccinated, then the person can provide their original medical certificate that demonstrates that they have previously tested positive for COVID-19, as if it were a certificate of vaccination. Additionally, for such persons, they must also present a negative RT-PCR test.
  4. Passengers who are unable to receive the COVID-19 vaccine due to their health condition must present a medical certificate supporting this. They will also be required to submit a negative RT-PCR test.
  5. For Ecuadorian citizens who have not yet received their vaccine and need to return to Ecuador, they will receive a unidose vaccine against COVID-19 available upon arrival.

Important Note: Many places in Ecuador require to present a complete vaccination card to enter their offices or facilities. Digital versions shown in cell phones are accepted.

PCR Tests Available for Foreigners in Quito

List of laboratories licensed to perform PCR/ Antigens tests is available on the following website http://www.calidadsalud.gob.ec/laboratorios-autorizados.
PCR tests are around $30 to $40 USD

Other Vaccines

For your safety, you need to have the yellow fever vaccine.

VAT Refund

Foreign tourists can access the VAT refund for the acquisition of goods produced in Ecuador and accommodation services in establishments affiliated to the process, which can be identified with the following logo:

VAT in Ecuador is 12%.
The VAT refund is applied in amounts over USD 50.00 for each invoice.
From the value to be returned, USD 3.00 will be discounted for administrative costs.
The accreditation of the applicant’s return will be made through the credit card (DINERS CLUB, MASTERCARD or VISA).
To successfully access the benefit, foreign tourists must correctly fill out the refund request.