Planning a trip to the diverse landscapes of Ecuador? From the lush Amazon jungle to the iconic Galapagos Islands, understanding the entry requirements is the first step toward a seamless adventure. This guide covers essential information on passport validity, visa regulations for U.S. and British citizens, and current health protocols to ensure you are fully prepared for your journey.
All travelers
All passengers are required to complete a Health Declaration Form with their itinerary and local contact details before checking in for the flight. As of October 2021, international cruise ship operations are authorized at the following ports: Esmeraldas, Manta, Guayaquil, and Puerto Bolivar. However, there are strict guidelines and measures to comply with to obtain the relevant permissions.
It is important to check your passport and travel documents before your travel.
Passport validity
Both visitors and residents must have a minimum of 6 months of validity on their passports from the date of entry. This is a strict legal requirement from the Ecuadorian government. If your passport does not meet this requirement, you will be denied entry to Ecuador. Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
British Citizens
If you are a British passport holder visiting Ecuador for up to 90 days in any 12-month period, you do not need a visa. If you plan to stay longer, you should consult the nearest Ecuadorian Embassy before traveling. On entry, you may be asked about your reason for travel, and asked to provide evidence of a return or onward flight/bus ticket.
You can extend your 90 days (only once) online by a further 90 days by paying a fee. If you wish to extend your stay, you must begin the extension process before the first 90-day period expires. For general immigration information, please visit the Ecuadorian Migration website. For general inquiries contact here.
U.S. Citizens
If you are traveling for business or tourism, you do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 12-month period. You can request an extension through provincial migration offices. Additional information is available on the Ecuadorian Ministry of Interior website.
If you are planning a visit longer than 90 days, you must obtain a visa in advance. Visit the Embassy of Ecuador website for the most current visa information. The Ministry of Tourism provides general information for travelers on its website. Travelers may be subject to enhanced COVID entry requirements. See the U.S. Mission in Ecuador website for more information. You must carry identification, including proof of U.S. citizenship. Carry a photocopy of your passport (including the entry stamp and/or visa) with you at all times.
If your passport is lost or stolen while you are in Ecuador, you should obtain a police report and apply for a new passport at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General. We also recommend obtaining an entry/exit report from an Ecuadorian immigration office before leaving the country. U.S. citizens born in Ecuador are required to show an Ecuadorian passport or national ID card upon entering and exiting Ecuador. U.S. citizen children born in Ecuador who are traveling without one or both parents must present a copy of a birth certificate and written authorization from the absent parent(s). While no specific vaccinations are required for entry, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommends travelers obtain certain immunizations.
Covid 19
Since October 20, 2022, visitors to Ecuador are no longer required to present a certification of vaccination for COVID-19 or a negative PCR or Antigen test result. All visitors must complete a Traveler Health Declaration Form (one per family) and present it to customs upon arrival to Ecuador. Alternatively, a digital form (one per person) can be completed at the following link.
