Does a U.S. Citizen Need a Visa to Travel to Ecuador?
U.S. citizens can visit Ecuador visa-free for 90 days. Learn the entry requirements, extension rules, and how to transition to legal residency in 2026.
No. U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Ecuador for stays of up to 90 days. You enter on a tourist stamp - no application, no fee, no pre-approval.
But there are rules, and breaking them has consequences.
What You Need to Enter
- Valid U.S. passport with at least six months of remaining validity
- Proof of onward or return travel - immigration officers can request this (an airline ticket is sufficient)
- Proof of funds - occasionally requested, though not common
That's it. No visa application, no consulate visit, no advance paperwork.
The 90-Day Rule
U.S. citizens get 90 days per 12-month period for tourism or business purposes. This is not per entry - it's cumulative across all entries within a rolling 12-month window.
Extending Your Stay
A one-time 90-day extension is available, giving you up to 180 days total. The extension must be requested at a provincial migration office between days 80 and 90 of your initial stay. The fee is approximately $150.
Miss that window and you're overstaying. Overstaying leads to fines, potential deportation, and complications with future visa applications.
What If You Want to Stay Longer Than 180 Days?
You need a visa. There's no way around it. Ecuador does not offer tourist visa renewals beyond the single 90-day extension.
Your options for legal long-term residency in 2026:
| Visa Type | Income/Investment Requirement | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement (Pensioner) | $1,446/month pension income | Retirees with Social Security or pension |
| Digital Nomad | $1,446/month remote income | Remote workers, freelancers |
| Investment | $48,200 one-time (real estate, CD, or business) | Investors, property buyers |
| Professional | $482/month + SENESCYT degree registration | Employees of Ecuadorian companies |
| Dependent | $250/month per dependent | Spouses and children of visa holders |
All thresholds are tied to the 2026 SBU (Salario Basico Unificado) of $482/month, set by Ecuador's Ministry of Labor.
Common Mistakes We See
After 25+ years of helping U.S. citizens navigate Ecuador's immigration system, these come up constantly:
"I'll just do visa runs." Flying out and back to reset your 90 days doesn't work. Ecuador tracks cumulative days within a 12-month period. Immigration officers at the airport can see your entry/exit history.
"I'll apply for my visa while I'm here on tourist status." You can - and many people do - but timing matters. If your tourist days expire before your visa is approved, you're in legal limbo. Start the process early or apply from the U.S. through Ecuador's eVISA portal.
"I don't need a lawyer for a tourist stay." True. But if you're planning to transition from tourist to resident, getting legal guidance before you arrive saves time, money, and headaches. Document preparation (apostilles, translations, background checks) takes 4-8 weeks - start before your trip.
The Path From Tourist to Resident
Most of our U.S. clients follow this path:
- Visit Ecuador on tourist status (90 days) to explore, find housing, and confirm the move
- Begin document preparation while in Ecuador or back in the US (4-8 weeks for apostilles, FBI background check, translations)
- Apply for temporary residency through the eVISA portal - processing takes approximately 30 business days
- Receive your visa and cedula (national ID) - you're now a legal resident
- After 21 months - eligible for permanent residency
- After 3 years of permanent residency - eligible for citizenship (Ecuador allows dual citizenship)
Keep reading:
- Guide to Ecuador Residency
- Ecuador eVisa Online Application
- Investor Visa vs Pensioner Visa in Ecuador
Planning your move to Ecuador? Schedule a consultation or call 651-621-3652.