Ecuador Entry Requirements

Minors (under 18) traveling to Ecuador must carry a valid passport. If traveling with only one parent or with someone other than parents, the child should carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s) in Spanish or with certified translation. This requirement is strictly enforced for Ecuadorian citizens and residents but recommended for all nationalities to avoid complications. The letter should include: child's name and passport details, parent(s) names and contact information, travel dates and destinations, and authorization for the accompanying adult. If parents are divorced or separated, carry custody documentation. Solo minor travelers may face additional scrutiny and should have comprehensive documentation including contact information for parents and hosts in Ecuador.

Importing pets to Ecuador requires advance planning. Dogs and cats need: (1) ISO-compliant microchip; (2) Current rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before travel; (3) Health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, certified by USDA (for US travelers) or equivalent authority; (4) Import permit from Agrocalidad (Agencia de Regulación y Control Fito y Zoosanitario) - apply online at www.agrocalidad.gob.ec at least 15 days before travel; (5) Treatment for internal and external parasites within 15 days of travel. Upon arrival, pets undergo veterinary inspection at the airport (fee applies, approximately $50-100). Airlines have specific requirements for pet carriers and may limit the number of pets per flight. Service animals have different requirements - contact the airline and Ecuadorian authorities in advance. Bringing birds, reptiles, or exotic animals is significantly more complex and may be prohibited.

Tourist visas allow stays up to 90 days within any 12-month period. If you wish to stay longer, you have several options: (1) VISA EXTENSION: Apply at immigration offices (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores) before your authorized stay expires. Extensions may grant an additional 90 days but are not guaranteed. Bring passport, proof of funds, accommodation details, and reason for extension. Fee applies (approximately $200-400). (2) TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA: For stays beyond 180 days, apply for temporary residency based on: professional visa (employment), investor visa, pensioner visa (retirees with proven income), student visa, or family reunification. Requires extensive documentation and must be initiated at an Ecuadorian consulate before arrival or with legal assistance in Ecuador. (3) EXIT AND RE-ENTRY: Some travelers exit to Peru or Colombia briefly and re-enter, though immigration officials may deny entry if they suspect visa abuse. This is not recommended as a long-term strategy. (4) DIGITAL NOMAD VISA: Ecuador is developing programs for remote workers - check current availability. Overstaying your authorized period can result in fines (approximately $200 plus daily penalties), deportation, and future entry bans.

Business visitors can enter on a tourist visa for short business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations) that don't constitute employment. Activities allowed include: attending meetings, conferences, trade shows; negotiating contracts; conducting site inspections. Not allowed: receiving salary from Ecuadorian sources, performing work that could be done by local workers, or extended business activities. For business stays, bring: business invitation letter from Ecuadorian company, letter from your employer explaining purpose, proof of business registration. If you'll be working or receiving income in Ecuador, you need a professional visa (12-IX visa category) which requires: employment contract with Ecuadorian company, proof of professional qualifications, criminal background check, and other documents. Apply at Ecuadorian consulate before travel.

Students planning to study in Ecuador for more than 90 days need a student visa (12-VI category). Requirements include: acceptance letter from recognized Ecuadorian educational institution, proof of financial means, criminal background check, health certificate, and passport valid for duration of studies. Apply at Ecuadorian consulate before travel. Volunteers working with NGOs or charitable organizations for extended periods should obtain appropriate visa (typically 12-VII temporary visa). Short-term volunteer work (under 90 days) may be permissible on tourist visa if no compensation is received, but verify with immigration authorities. Some volunteer organizations assist with visa processes. Student visas can be extended for the duration of studies and may allow limited work with proper authorization.

Cruise passengers visiting Ecuador (including Galápagos) typically receive a shore pass rather than standard immigration stamp. Requirements vary by cruise line and itinerary but generally include: valid passport (6 months validity), cruise ship documentation, and compliance with any health requirements. For Galápagos cruises specifically: Transit Control Card (TCT) fee of $20 is required before boarding flights to Galápagos; Galápagos National Park entrance fee of $100 (cash only, paid on arrival at Galápagos airport); some itineraries may require advance naturalist guide arrangements. If you plan to spend time in mainland Ecuador before or after your cruise, follow standard entry requirements. Keep your cruise documentation accessible as you may need to show it at immigration.