A Complete Guide for Travelers — Including US Green Card Holders
Ecuador is one of Latin America’s most open destinations, famous for its biodiversity, friendly entry policies, and simple tourist requirements. Most travelers can enter Ecuador visa-free for 90 days, but a specific list of nationalities must obtain a visa before traveling.
This guide explains:
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Which countries need a visa to visit Ecuador
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What documents are required
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Whether a US Green Card changes your visa status
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Practical tips for entering Ecuador smoothly
1. Do Most Travelers Need a Visa for Ecuador?
Short answer: No.
Citizens of the majority of countries worldwide can enter Ecuador without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism, transit, or short business trips.
To enter visa-free, visitors generally need:
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A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.
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Proof of onward or return travel
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Travel insurance (sometimes recommended; always useful)
This makes Ecuador a popular and easy destination for last-minute trips.
2. Nationalities That Do Require a Visa to Enter Ecuador
While Ecuador is open to most travelers, there is a list of nationalities that DO need a visa before arrival. These are mostly from:
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Africa
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South Asia
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The Middle East
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Certain countries in Asia and elsewhere
According to the most recent policy update (as of 1 September 2025), citizens of 45 countries must obtain a “Temporary Visitor Visa (Tourist/Transit)” prior to travelling.
Here’s a compiled list of nationalities that require a visa to enter Ecuador (tourist / temporary-visitor visa) as of late 2025 / early-2026:
Countries requiring visa for Ecuador (tourism/visitor visa):
Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Congo (Republic of the Congo / Congo-Brazzaville), Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa), Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Syria, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Chad, Kyrgyzstan (Kyrgyz Republic), Uzbekistan, North Korea (in some cases), Guinea-Bissau, and other countries under periodic review.
⚠️ Because the visa-policy evolves, this list might change. It’s strongly recommended to check the official Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Cancillería) website or nearest Ecuadorian consulate before making travel plans.
3. Does Having a US Green Card Mean You Don’t Need a Visa?
No. A US Green Card does NOT exempt you from needing a visa for Ecuador.
Ecuador evaluates visa requirements based solely on your passport nationality, not your residency in another country.
This means:
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If your passport is from one of the visa-required countries, you must obtain a visa regardless of holding a US Green Card.
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A Green Card may help as proof of legal residence in the country where you apply (useful for application formalities), but it does not replace the visa itself.
Example:
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A citizen of India, living in the USA with a Green Card → Still needs a visa to visit Ecuador.
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A citizen of the USA → Does not need a visa.
4. Visa Requirements for Travelers Who Need One
According to Ecuador’s official visa-application guidelines:
Applicants often need to provide:
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A valid passport (with minimum 6 months validity)
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Completed visa application form
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Passport-style photo(s)
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Proof of legal stay in the country where you apply (residence permit or visa, if not applying from home country)
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Certificate of no criminal record (apostilled, if required)
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Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements or sponsor)
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Flight reservation and travel itinerary
Because policies can vary depending on nationality and consulate, it’s wise to confirm all documentary requirements when you apply.
5. Entry Rules for Visa-Free Travelers (Most Nationalities)
If you are from a visa-exempt country:
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You enter Ecuador with a Tourist Stamp (T-3), valid for 90 days within a 12-month period.
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You may be asked upon arrival for proof of sufficient funds, hotel/accommodation reservation, and a return or onward ticket.
Note for those traveling to the Galápagos Islands:
Visitors must pay a Transit Control Card (TCT) fee (around $20) and the National Park entrance fee (varies depending on adult/child) — even if entering under visa-free status.
6. Practical Tips for Travelers
✔️ Check visa requirements early
If your nationality is on the visa-required list, check visa requirements before booking flights or accommodations.
✔️ Processing times
Visa applications can take some time — plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues.
✔️ US Green Card ≠ Visa Exemption
Don’t assume a US Green Card automatically allows visa-free entry — Ecuador’s rules follow your passport nationality.
✔️ For long stays or other purposes
If you intend to stay more than 90 days, or travel for work, study, or residence, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate temporary or resident visa.
✔️ Always check updates
Visa policies may change (new countries added or removed). Always consult the latest official resource before traveling.
