Ecuador Launches eVisa to Streamline Visa Process for Visitors

On 5 July 2024, Ecuador introduced its new electronic visa system called eVISAS, to facilitate the online visa process for international visitors. The Ecuador Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility said that this new eVisa platform will make visiting Ecuador easier and is expected to promote tourism and economic development of the country. 

***

Overview of Ecuador eVisa

Ecuador’s eVisa system simplifies the tourist visa application process for travelers. It allows applicants to obtain an electronic visa without needing to visit an embassy or consulate.

The new eVisa system can be used to apply for Ecuador visas from anywhere in the world regardless of whether there is an Ecuador consulate in your country.

The application requires selecting the country and consulate for the interview. It’s not clear if an in-person interview is required for all applications or only for select nationalities. 

During the transition period, Ecuadorian consulates abroad will continue to accept in-person visa applications.

Benefits of the new eVisa system

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that the new eVisa system offers many benefits including convenience, speed, security and transparency. 

The eVisa system allows applying for visas without needing to visit an Ecuadorian embassy or consulate. This helps save time in travel or waiting at the consulates. 

The entire application process is online making it more secure. The online process helps speed up the response times.

The portal also offers application status tracking and the latest information on visa requirements. 

Features of the eVisa Application

• Ecuador eVisa application URL: https://serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec/
• The eVisa is available to all countries including the 45 visa-required nationalities.
• The eVisa is a single entry visa for stays up to 90 days.
• Visa fee is 50 USD payable by credit or debit card.

MFA or eVisa portal does not mention the processing time for the visa application.

eVisa Application Process

Applicants must first register on the official eVisa portal. They must then fill out the application with personal details, passport and address information. They will have to select the country and consulate for an in-person interview. 

Applications must upload the required documents, such as a passport copy, a recent photo and a criminal record. 

When approved, the eVisa is sent to the registered email. Applicants must print out the visa and present it when entering the country. 

***

Eligibility and Requirements

The eVisa system has specific requirements, including mandatory documents required for the visa-required countries. 

Eligible Countries for Ecuador eVisa

Though Ecuador’s eVisa is available to citizens of all countries, only the following 45 countries require a tourist visa to enter Ecuador:

1. Afghanistan
2. Albania
3. Angola
4. Bangladesh
5. Cameroon
6. Chad
7. China
8. Congo, Dem. Rep. of
9. Congo, Rep. of
10. Côte d’Ivoire
11. Cuba
12. Egypt
13. Eritrea
14. Ethiopia
15. Gambia
16. Ghana
17. Guinea
18. Guinea Bissau
19. Haiti
20. India
21. Iran
22. Iraq
23. Kenya
24. Kyrgyzstan
25. Libya
26. Mali
27. Mauritania
28. Myanmar
29. Nepal
30. Nigeria
31. North Korea
32. Pakistan
33. Philippines
34. Senegal
35. Sierra Leone
36. Somalia
37. South Sudan
38. Sri Lanka
39. Sudan
40. Syria
41. Tajikistan
42. Uzbekistan
43. Venezuela
44. Vietnam
45. Yemen

Documentation Required for eVisa Application

To apply for an Ecuador eVisa, applicants must upload the following mandatory documents:

• Valid passport: Passport with 6 months of validity on the day of entry.
• Digital photo: One passport-sized digital photo in color on a white background.
• Travel itinerary: Proof of round-trip flight tickets and accommodation bookings.
• Criminal record: Document of criminal record by the country of origin or residence.
• Proof of legal means: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover expenses during the stay.

All documents must be scanned in good quality and color. Photos taken using mobile devices are not accepted.