We’re so excited to have you here with us at la Academia Latinoamericana in Quito, Ecuador! We’re here to answer any questions you may have regarding your upcoming trip and hope to make the process as simple as possible!

When visiting Ecuador, you are allowed 90 days within the country without fee or penalty. If your stay is fewer than 90 days, you do not need to do anything prior to your arrival.  For those staying longer, you have two visa options! In the past, when visitors were approaching their 90 day limit, they would simply take a trip outside the country to Colombia or Peru, for instance, and upon re-entry, be allowed an additional 90 days.  This is no longer possible and there is a $200.00 USD (minimum!!) fine for overstaying your visa. The easiest solution is a tourist visa, which will allow you six months in Ecuador – allowing you enough time here to put your mind at ease during your stay.

So, if your stay in Ecuador will be between 3 and 6 months, here’s what you need to apply for a tourist visa (Please note that the tourist visa is only available once per 12 month period):

Visa 12-IX

1. Original passport, which should be valid for at least six months beyond the departure date. (Meaning your departure from Ecuador)

2. Police certificate indicating that you have no criminal record

3. Bank letter stating that the person has good economic standing and can support himself/herself

-  Both the police certificate and letter from the bank may only be a line or two – something like: This person is in good economic standing and has actively held an account here for many years.  If you have no history, there’s not much to say in these matters and the consulate will accept that. If you’re concerned with the brevity of the document, take along a copy of a recent bank statement and have it on hand in case you are asked for it. It is unlikely, however, that you will need it.

4. Copy of round trip ticket to Ecuador.

5. Two recent photographs in color, passport size, and white background.

6. Complete the following forms:

Visa Application form

http://www.ecuador.org/3%20VISA%20APPLICATION%20FORM.doc

Visa Certification form

http://www.ecuador.org/nonim_visas/CERTIFICADO%20DE%20VISACION%2012-V.doc

The cost of the visa is $200.00 USD plus a $30.00 USD application fee.

You may be thinking, Wait! The fee for over staying is only $200.00 USD. However, that is a minimum and the fee can be up to $2000.00 USD.  They can refuse your departure at the airport until things are taken care of, causing you to miss your flight home. Consider that $30.00 as an investment in your ability to relax and enjoy your time here with us!

Most consulates require that you come directly to the consulate to apply for your visa*. If this is the case, it should take a little over an hour to acquire your visa – just call to make an appointment, arrive with all your paper work in order and cash for the amount owed.  Once they determine they have everything they need, they will ask you to return in one hour to pick up your passport complete with your new visa!

*The Washington DC Embassy site implies that you may send your application by mail, including a money order as payment and a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope for the return of your passport and documents. The Chicago Consulate required a visit in person as of Spring 2011. Most European Consulates state on their websites that you must apply for your visa in person.

TO DETERMINE THE CONSULATE THAT HAS JURISDICTION OVER YOUR COUNTRY (OR STATE), PLEASE VISIT**:
USA	http://www.ecuador.org/consulates.htm
NETHERLANDS	http://www.embassyecuador.eu/index.php?lang=nl * This Embassy requires the forms to be filled out on site.
GREAT BRITAIN And NORTHERN IRELAND	http://www.consuladoecuador.org.uk/Embajada_del_Ecuador/Inicio.html
BRASIL	http://www.embequador.org.br/
OTHER	Embassies for other countries either do not have a website or have been found to function poorly/not at all. GoAbroad.com has a list of Ecuadorian Embassies with telephone and address information found here: http://embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-of/ecuador

** Immigration laws change frequently, and while most of the time websites are maintained accurately, it is important to check with your local consulate for updates and changes in procedures.

If you’re staying for more than 6 months, you need to apply for a 6 to 12 month student visa. Here’s what you need to obtain your student visa:

Visa 12-V

1. Passport. (valid at least for the next year beyond departure date)

2. Doctor’s certificate and HIV test, indicating that the person does not have any communicable diseases

-  The doctor’s office may call you with the results of your physical and HIV test, but you will still be required to return to the office to sign a release form for the information you need to provide the Ecuadorian Consulate.  Be sure to explain to your doctor the reason for the visit and the information needed by the consulate when making your appointment.

3. Police certificate indicating that you have no criminal record.

4. Certificate from bank indicating good economic standing.  If parents/guardians are supporting you while you’re here, you will need a indicating that support.

5. School registration or proof of admission to an Ecuadorian school or institution duly recognized by the Ministry of Education and a copy of the Official Registry in Ecuador, indicating the legal constitution of the school.

-  Though this is listed as two separate things at http://www.ecuador.org/nonimmigrantvisas.htm#student, all the necessary information will be included in the single letter you receive from la Academia Latinoamericana

6. Two recent photographs, passport size, in color, white background.

-  Some university international offices offer this service at minimal cost. Walgreens, CVS and some county clerk’s offices (in your local courthouse) offer this service as well.

7. Complete the following forms:

Visa Application form

http://www.ecuador.org/3%20VISA%20APPLICATION%20FORM.doc

Visa Certification form

http://www.ecuador.org/nonim_visas/CERTIFICADO%20DE%20VISACION%2012-V.doc

The consulate requires a $30.00 application fee and a $100.00 fee for the visa itself. This must be paid with cash or money order.

Please note that a student visa is a multiple entry visa and should you wish to travel outside of Ecuador during your stay here in Quito, you should have no problems re-entering with your visa. Your visa is also renewable one time for an additional year.

** Students must present their Ecuadorian ID along with their passport at immigration when leaving or re-entering on thier student visa!