Six basic recommendations for those who visit Ecuador, among those visas and vaccines

Ecuador is an attractive country for tourism, due to its diversity of regions in a small territory, which can be traveled on a low budget, compared to other nations.

In any case, foreign visitors should take into account that some requirements must be met when visiting this nation, which contains silver, mountains, jungle area and a world-famous insular region, such as the Galapagos Islands.

Here are five basic recommendations for visiting Ecuador:

What documents are necessary to enter?

Ecuadorians:

• Passport or valid identification document that proves Ecuadorian nationality.

Foreigners or residents:

• Valid and current passport with at least 6 months; respective visa, if applicable.

Residents of CAN and Mercosur countries:

• Passport or identity document.
• Andean card.

What citizens require a visa to enter Ecuador?

In general, citizens of most countries only require a travel document that proves their identity. Likewise, the immigration control agent must verify the immigration status invoked by the foreign person at the time of their presentation at the official immigration control point.

A foreign citizen can remain in the country for 90 days from their first entry into Ecuadorian territory, extendable for an additional ninety days prior to the payment of one third of the unified basic salary ($450 for 2023).

In the case of South American citizens, the period of stay in the country is 180 days. You must take into account that citizens of special regime countries that require a visa to enter the country must obtain it through the Ecuadorian consular representations abroad, prior to entering Ecuador.

In addition, it is very likely that the country’s Migration offices will request the return ticket in order to verify that the stay does not exceed the days of permanence allowed for tourists.

Citizens who need a visa to enter Ecuador:

What is needed to enter the Galapagos?

The authorities demand a list of requirements that help protect the island and its inhabitants.

List of requirements to travel to the Galapagos:

• Traffic Control Card: This document is available at the Guayaquil and Quito airports and must be presented to the airline at the time of check-in. It costs $20 and is used for immigration control.
• Income tax to protected areas: When entering the Galapagos, this tribute must be paid, which costs $100 for foreigners who do not reside in Ecuador, $50 for CAN or Mercosur tourists, and $6 for Ecuadorian tourists. For children under 12 years the value is 50% of everything mentioned.
• The entrance to the populated ports does not levy any tax, except on Isabela Island, where foreigners pay $10 and national tourists pay $5.

What vaccinations are needed to enter Ecuador?

To enter this territory, it is necessary to have the yellow fever vaccine, an acute, hemorrhagic viral disease that is endemic in tropical areas of Africa and Latin America.

The jungle zone of the Amazon region of Ecuador: Orellana, Sucumbíos, Pastaza, Napo, Morona Santiago, Zamora Chinchipe, as well as the coastal province of Esmeraldas, are considered at risk and endemic for the circulation of the yellow fever virus.

Can I request a VAT refund when leaving the country?

The foreign tourist can access the return of the value added tax (VAT), which is 12%, for the acquisition of goods produced in Ecuador and accommodation services, in establishments affiliated with the process.

• The VAT refund is applied on amounts greater than $50 for each invoice.
• $3 will be deducted from the value to be returned for administrative costs.
• The accreditation of the applicant’s return will be made through the credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club)
• To successfully access the benefit, the foreign tourist must correctly fill out the refund request.

How much money can you enter the country with?

According to what is indicated by law, any passenger who enters or leaves the country with cash, for an amount equal to or greater than $10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies, has the obligation to declare it before the corresponding authorities.

Other basic points:

• Maintain frequent communication with family and friends.
• Always leave valuables in the hotel safe.
• Be cautious when visiting crowded places, as well as in bars or nightclubs.
• When requesting information, you must request it at the hotel reception, from tour operators or friends who reside in the destination you are visiting. If possible, do not consult with strangers.
• If you suffer from any disease, take the corresponding medicine with you.
• In case of an emergency or if you need personalized attention, you can go to the nearest health center. (YO)