Message to U.S. Citizens
No-Fault Visa Extension Ends on January 21, 2021
January 12, 2021
The Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) issued a resolution on December 30, 2020 terminating the no-fault visa extension for foreigners during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Beginning on January 21, 2021, foreigners will have thirty (30) days to renew visas that expired between March 19, 2020 and January 21, 2021. Foreigners with expired visas who fail to act could be subject to fines. You may request your visa renewal appointment via the MFA platform by selecting “tramites visas” and choosing the closest MFA office. You may make your appointment starting January 13, 2021 in some areas. The Quito office will start accepting appointments on January 21, 2021.
Foreigners seeking Ecuadorian residency (either temporary or permanent) are exempt from the above requirement if they can present proof of a confirmed residency appointment with the MFA, processed during the thirty (30) day timeframe. The above requirements also do not apply to tourists and temporary residents that depart the country within thirty (30) days of January 21, 2021. These individuals will be allowed to depart Ecuador and no fine will be imposed.
Please note that the U.S. Embassy and Consulate General cannot provide legal advice to U.S. citizens seeking Ecuadorian visas or residency. However, the Consular Section has a list of local attorneys who have indicated their willingness to provide legal assistance, available in the Legal Assistance section on our website.
Please remember that U.S. citizens, whether tourists or residents, are subject to the laws of Ecuador, including these recently updated visa changes.
Assistance
- U.S. Embassy Quito, Ecuador
+(593)(2) 398-5000
ACSQuito@state.gov - U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil, Ecuador
+(593)(4) 371-7000
ACSGuayaquil@state.gov - State Department – Consular Affairs
+1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
- Ecuador Country Information
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