U.S. citizens visit Ecuador without a visa for up to 90 days, a period counted within a rolling year. Consular visa work in the United States therefore covers third-country nationals and people intending to stay longer, work, study, invest or retire there.
Quick facts
Ecuador’s categories split between temporary and permanent residence, with well-used routes for pensioners, investors, professionals and family members of Ecuadorians.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application study fee | Charged on filing | Not refunded if refused |
| Visa issuance fee | Charged on approval | Varies by category |
| Apostille of supporting documents | $3–$25 per document | Secretary of State |
| Translation into Spanish | Per page | Certified translator |
| Identity card after arrival | Charged in Ecuador | For residents |
As in most of the region the fee structure is split: one charge to have the file examined, another to issue the visa if it is granted.
How to apply
- Identify the category that matches your plans and check its financial thresholds.
- Order the criminal background check and have it apostilled and translated.
- Complete the application and book the appointment through the official portal.
- Attend with originals and copies and pay the study fee.
- Pay the issuance fee if the visa is granted.
- Register in Ecuador after arrival and apply for the identity card where the category requires it.
Required documents
- Passport valid for the stay, with blank pages.
- Completed application and photographs.
- Criminal background check, apostilled and translated.
- Proof of income, pension, investment or enrolment by category.
- Health insurance valid in Ecuador.
- Marriage or birth certificates for family categories, apostilled and translated.
Where to apply
At the consulate covering your U.S. address, with the appointment booked through the ministry portal.
General Consulate of Ecuador in Atlanta
View details →ChicagoConsulado General del Ecuador/Consulate General of Ecuador
View details →HoustonConsulado del Ecuador en Houston
View details →Long Island CityEcuadorian Embassy
View details →Los AngelesConsulado del Ecuador en Los Angeles
View details →ManhattanConsulate General of Ecuador
View details →MiamiGeneral Consulate of Ecuador
View details →NewarkConsulate General of Ecuador
View details →PhoenixConsulate General Of Ecuador
View details →WashingtonEmbassy of Ecuador
View details →Additional notes
The 90-day allowance
Tourist days are counted across a rolling period rather than per trip. Frequent long stays attract questions at the border.
Apostille everything
Every U.S. public document in a residence file needs an apostille and a Spanish translation. Missing one is the usual reason a file is returned.
Documents go stale
Background checks and medical documents have short validity. Sequence them so they are still current when the file is examined.
Ecuadorians need no visa
Dual nationals travel on the Ecuadorian passport and deal with the passport section instead.