Starting September 1, 2025, Ecuador has implemented a new immigration policy: citizens of 45 countries must now obtain a Visa de Visitante Temporal de Transeúnte (Temporary Transit Visitor Visa) if they are transiting through Ecuador, even when remaining inside the airport transit area.
The visa must be applied for in advance before arriving in Ecuador. Applications are submitted online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs platform and cannot be completed upon arrival. Travelers will need to provide passport information, onward flight details, and supporting documents. Once issued, the visa is valid for up to 30 days.
The fee for the visa is generally USD 80, and processing can take several days, so travelers are strongly advised to apply early to avoid problems at the airport. Airlines may deny boarding to passengers without the required visa.
Here is the list of the 45 nationalities now affected by this regulation:
Afghanistan; Albania; Angola; Bangladesh; Cameroon; Chad; China; Cuba; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Egypt; Eritrea; Ethiopia; Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Haiti; India; Iran; Iraq; Ivory Coast; Kenya; Kyrgyzstan; Libya; Mali; Mauritania; Myanmar; Nepal; Nigeria; Pakistan; Philippines; Republic of the Congo; Senegal; Sierra Leone; Somalia; South Sudan; Sri Lanka; Sudan; Syria; Tajikistan; Uzbekistan; Venezuela; Vietnam; Yemen.
For citizens of countries not on this list, the rule does not apply. However, all travelers should confirm requirements with their airline and the Ecuadorian consulate before departure, as regulations may change.
