Passports

This website will give you general information regarding passport services.  The American Citizen Services sections at the U.S. Embassy in Quito and the U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil are providing regular routine services.

Regular U.S. Passport – Pick-up

Once the passport is approved, it can take up to 60 calendar days for the passport to be printed in the United States and sent to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You may receive your new passport and/or CRBA by DHL Passback Service. Passport pick up in person is very limited, see details below.

If you have applied by mail, the only option would be to receive your passport by the DHL Passback Service.


DHL Passback Service

You may choose to have your passport returned to you via DHL.  You would need to contact DHL directly to set up the service.  The payment may not be made at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate and the DHL delivery fee is approximately $22.00 plus VAT (I.V.A.).

After your passport service has been approved, you may contact DHL directly to set up this service.  You can go to any of the DHL authorized branches that provides the service, see the following link: https://bit.ly/reddhlexpressecuador to find the closest agency.  You may also contact DHL by e-mail at posec.express.ec@dhl.com.

Once the Embassy/Consulate receives your new U.S. passport, you will receive a notification that you may begin tracking your passport via DHL’s website.  DHL will deliver passports to their offices in mainland Ecuador within five working days and to the Galapagos Islands within eight working days.

If you are applying or have applied for an adult passport renewal: We remind you that you will need to send a separate waybill for each application.  If you are applying for a passport book and a passport card in the same application, you will need to send a separate waybill to receive your passport card.  If we do not receive a waybill for your passport card, your passport card application will not be processed.


Pick-up at the Embassy/Consulate

First time U.S. passports are the only ones that can be picked up in person at the U.S. Embassy in Quito. If you qualify for passport pick up in person at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate, you will receive an email informing you when your passport is ready for pick-up:

U.S. Embassy in Quito

On Fridays, only for first time U.S. Passports.
Between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – Except on local and U.S. Holidays.

U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil

Mondays to Thursdays
Between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – Except on local and U.S. Holidays.

Please do not forget to bring your previous passport and receipt, they are required in order to deliver your new passport.

First U.S. passport, renewal of a minor’s passport or first time adult passport (DS-11 form)

This type of application requires an appointment, please read all the information on this section in detail, at the end you will find information on how to make an appointment.

You are in the right section if:

  • This is the first time you are applying for a U.S. Passport.
  • Your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
  • You are renewing a passport that was issued when you were 15 years old or younger.

If any of these do not apply to you and you just need to renew your passport, please check our Renewing your passport section.

If you had your passport stolen or if it has been lost, please check our Replace a Lost or Stolen Passport section below.

Requirements

  • Proof of Citizenship. U.S. Birth Certificate, Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Naturalization.
    Original and one (1) copy
  • Applicant’s previous passport.
    Original and one (1) copy.
  • One recent 2″ x 2″ (5 cm x 5 cm) color photo with a white background. Make sure that the pictures comply with the requirements.
    Important: If your picture does not comply with the requirements your application will not be accepted and you will have to start the process again.
  • Completed passport application Form DS-11.
  • Documentation supporting any amendment to biographic information.
    Original and one (1) copy
  • Cash or credit card to pay the corresponding fees, debit card and checks are NOT accepted
  • In order to avoid any unnecessary delays, please take a few extra moments to verify the accuracy of the biographical information (including the Social Security number) on your application form.
  • It is recommended that you bring printed age progression photos (evolutionary pictures), at least two for each year starting from the year the last passport was issued.

Additional requirements for minors under 16 years old

  • Original U.S. birth certificate from the State Vital Records or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) of the minor.
    Original and one (1) copy.
  • Applicant’s previous passport.
    Original and one (1) copy.
  • Valid picture ID for both parents (passport, Ecuadorian cedula, driver license, etc).
    Original and one (1) copy.
  • A second picture ID for parents.
    (You will be requested to leave one ID at the entrance)
  • Minor must be present.
  • Both parents must appear in person at the time of application.
    If one or both parents cannot be present the day the minor is applying for the passport, please read the information provided on this link.
    Please note that the absent parent must sign the form (DS-3053) at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate or in front of a certified notary public in the U.S.

Note: The Consular Officer may request additional documentation, or other requirements not mentioned on the website, before approving a passport.

The new passport will be available in 35 to 40 business days, after your interview, once it has been approved.  If you have travel planned before this time frame, you may request an emergency passport at the time of your interview.

Once you gathered all the information please go to our Where to Apply section to make your appointment.

Our procedures to apply for a U.S. passport renewal have change.  Please review the information on the page below:

Renewing your U.S. passport

Replacement a Lost or Stolen Passport

A Duty Officer is available after hours to assist with life and death emergencies, please check our emergency contact information.

In the unfortunate event that you have you had your passport stolen or it was lost while you are in Ecuador, the American Citizen Services section can assist you in getting a new travel document in a prompt manner.

Our first recommendation is to notify the local authorities:

Required Documents

  • Proof of your U.S. citizenship.
    A previous U.S. passport, Naturalization Certificate, Report of Birth Abroad, or a photocopy of the biographic data page (inside cover) of your stolen/lost passport.
    (If you do not have any originals the process might take longer than usual.)

  • One recent 2″ x 2″ (5 cm x 5 cm) color photo with a white background. Make sure that the pictures comply with the requirements.
    Important: If your picture does not comply with the requirements your application will not be accepted and you will have to start the process again.
  • Completed passport application Form DS-11.
  • Completed statement regarding lost or stolen passport Form DS-64.
  • Police report (“Denuncia”) from Ecuadorian Authorities showing you reported the incident (for more information on obtaining a police report, please review the information on the first paragraph of this section.)
  • Proof of Identity. (if available)
    Any picture identification, such as a U.S. driver’s license, is acceptable.
    Original and one (1) copy
  • Cash or credit card to pay the corresponding fees, debit card and checks are NOT accepted

Once you gathered all the information please go to our Where to Apply section.

Emergency passports are only given under life or death emergencies or if your passport has been stolen while visiting Ecuador and you have to travel immediately.  We remind you that the lack of planning or not being able to renew your passport previous to your travel does not constitute an emergency.

Please review the requirements for your type of application:

  • Apply for a Passport
    First U.S. passport, renewal of a minor’s passport or first time adult passport.
  • Renew a Passport
    Renewal of regular U.S. passport for an adult.
  • Lost or Stolen Passport
    Replacement of a Lost or Stolen passport.

Once you have reviewed this information and followed all the procedures, including making an appointment, please send us an e-mail with a detailed explanation identifying the situation.  We remind you that the lack of planning or not being able to renew your passport previous to your travel does not constitute an emergency.

The request must include supporting documentation, a copy of your travel itinerary, a copy of your passport and a copy of your appointment, we cannot make the appointment for you.

These e-mail addresses are only for American Citizen Services related inquiries, other inquiries will not be answered.


Other Relevant Passport Information

Ecuadorian laws prohibit a foreigner entering the country if the passport validity is less than 6 months at the time of arrival.  The authorities at the airport can deport you at entry and you would be returned to the port of embarkation at your cost.

Unfortunately if you encounter this problem at an Ecuadorian airport, we regret to inform you that neither the Embassy nor the Consulate may solve this problem for you.

Important Information about six month validity rule
The 6 month validity law applies when you enter Ecuador, not when you depart Ecuador.  Your U.S. passport is valid until the day of expiration, U.S. Citizens that are travelling back to the U.S. on a non-stop flight may use their valid U.S. passport even if it has less than six month validity.

U.S. citizens who have dual citizenship with Ecuador may be allowed to enter with their Ecuadorian passport if their U.S. passport does not have six months validity.  However, this is a decision made by Ecuadorian Immigration Officials at the port of entry, and neither the Embassy nor the Consulate can influence this decision.

If a traveler enters Ecuador as a dual national then he/she must also depart as a dual national by presenting both passports.

Dual citizens (Ecuadorian/U.S.) should also understand that as citizens of Ecuador, their U.S. citizenship is considered secondary to their Ecuadorian citizenship while they are in Ecuador.

Special information for minors

Ecuadorian immigration requires U.S. citizen children born in Ecuador (and thus Ecuadorian citizens) to present a valid Ecuadorian passport in order to exit Ecuador the first time only.  In addition, minors traveling without both parents may be required to present notarized permission from the non-traveling parent(s) before being allowed to exit the country.

Given that the minor is also an Ecuadorian, Ecuadorian laws for minors traveling by themselves, with one parent or with relatives, apply. Neither the Embassy nor the Consulate may solve a problem regarding Ecuadorian laws and regulations.

If you need more information regarding Ecuadorian travel documents and requirements please contact the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs directly.

Generally, immediate family members may accompany passport or CRBA applicants to their appointment interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and all minor children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Passport or CRBA applicants also have the option of being accompanied by an attorney at their appointment interview.  Attendance by any third party, including an attorney, accompanying an applicant is subject to the following parameters designed to ensure an orderly appointment interview process and to maintain the integrity of the adjudication of the application(s):

  • Given space limitations in the consular section, not more than one attendee at a time will be allowed to accompany an applicant (or the applicant’s parent or guardian if the applicant is a minor).
  • Attendance by an attorney does not excuse the applicant and/or the minor applicant’s parent or guardian from attending the appointment interview in person.
  • The manner in which a passport or CRBA appointment interview is conducted, and the scope and nature of the inquiry, shall at all times be at the discretion of the consular officer, following applicable Departmental guidance.
  • It is expected that attorneys will provide their clients with relevant legal advice prior to, rather than at, the appointment interview, and will advise their clients prior to the appointment interview that the client will participate in the appointment interview with minimal assistance.
  • Attorneys may not engage in any form of legal argumentation during the appointment interview and before the consular officer.
  • Attendees other than a parent or guardian accompanying a minor child may not answer a consular officer’s question on behalf or in lieu of an applicant, nor may they summarize, correct, or attempt to clarify an applicant’s response, or interrupt or interfere with an applicant’s responses to a consular officer’s questions.
  • To the extent that an applicant does not understand a question, s/he should seek clarification from the consular officer directly.
  • The consular officer has sole discretion to determine the appropriate language(s) for communication with the applicant, based on the facility of both officer and applicant and the manner and form that best facilitate communication between the consular officer and the applicant.  Attendees may not demand that communications take place in a particular language solely for the benefit of the attendee.  Nor may attendees object to or insist on the participation of an interpreter in the appointment interview, to the qualifications of any interpreter, or to the manner or substance of any translation.
  • No attendee may coach or instruct applicants as to how to answer a consular officer’s question.
  • Attendees may not object to a consular officer’s question on any ground (including that the attendee regards the question to be inappropriate, irrelevant, or adversarial), or instruct the applicant not to answer a consular officer’s question.  Attendees may not interfere in any manner with the consular officer’s ability to conduct all inquiries and fact-finding necessary to exercise his or her responsibilities to adjudicate the application.
  • During a passport or CRBA appointment interview, attendees may not discuss or inquire about other applications.
  • Attendees may take written notes, but may not otherwise record the appointment interviews.
  • Attendees may not engage in any other conduct that materially disrupts the appointment interview.  For example, they may not yell at or otherwise attempt to intimidate or abuse a consular officer or staff, and they may not engage in any conduct that threatens U.S. national security or the security of the embassy or its personnel.  Attendees must follow all security policies of the Department of State and the U.S. embassy or consulate where the appointment interview takes place.

Attendees may not engage in any conduct that violates this policy and/or otherwise materially disrupts the appointment interview.  Failure to observe these parameters will result in a warning to the attendee and, if ignored, the attendee may be asked to leave the appointment interview and/or the premises, as appropriate.  It would then be the applicant’s choice whether to continue the appointment interview without the attendee present, subject to the consular officer’s discretion to terminate the appointment interview.  The safety and privacy of all applicants awaiting consular services, as well as of consular and embassy personnel, is of paramount consideration.