Ecuador has taken a significant step towards modernizing its immigration procedures by launching an electronic visa and apostille system. This initiative, implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador, aims to simplify and speed up the visa process for international travelers.
How to obtain an Ecuadorian electronic visa
The e-visa process takes place entirely online on the https://serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec/eliminating the need to physically visit an embassy or consulate. The key steps are as follows:
- Create an account on the official platform
- Selecting the right type of visa
- Fill in the online application form
- Upload required supporting documents (passport, criminal record, etc.)
- Electronic payment of visa fees
- Submission of application for review
- Receipt of electronic visa by e-mail after approval
This streamlined process significantly reduces processing times, enabling travelers to obtain their visa in just a few working days.
Ecuador da la bienvenida a los visitantes, con una opciรณn fรกcil y segura: la Visa Electrรณnica. pic.twitter.com/GRiiGLvpY1
- Cancillerรญa del Ecuador ๐ช๐จ (@CancilleriaEc) July 5, 2024
Types of visa available via the electronic system
The new system covers a wide range of visas, including tourist, business, study and work visas. Here is a summary table of the main types of visa available via the electronic platform:
| Type of visa | Period of validity | Expenses (USD) | Processing time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourism | 90 days | 50 | 2-3 working days |
| Business | 180 days | 100 | 3-5 working days |
| Studies | 1 year | 150 | 5-7 working days |
| Work | 2 years | 200 | 7-10 working days |
Countries eligible for e-visa
The electronic visa system is available to nationals of many countries: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Congo, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Iraq, Iran, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, DR Congo, North Korea, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen.
For nationals of most Western countries, including the United States, Canada, and most European countries, a visa is not required for a tourist stay of up to 90 days per calendar year.
Electronic apostille system
Alongside the electronic visa, Ecuador has also launched an electronic apostille system, on the same web portal. It enables users to request and receive apostilles for their official documents entirely digitally. The process involves the following steps:
- Submitting an apostille request online
- Download the document to be apostilled
- Payment of apostille fees
- Document verification by the competent authorities
- Issuing an electronic apostille
The electronic apostille is legally valid and recognized by all signatory countries of the 1961 Hague Convention.
Local tourism operators are anticipating an increase in demand for ecotourism tours in the Galapagos Islands and Amazon regions, as well as for cultural experiences in historic cities like Quito and Cuenca.
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