Ministry cancels visa exemptions for 11 nationalities

What is the change? Ecuador has cancelled visa exemptions for nationals of 11 countries, requiring them to obtain consular visas prior to arrival.

What does the change mean? Nationals of Angola, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iraq, Libya, Sri Lanka, and Syria are no longer visa exempt and must apply for a consular visa to travel to Ecuador for tourism and business.

• Effective date: Aug. 14.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals from 11 countries, traveling to Ecuador for tourism and business.
• Visas/ permits affected: Tourist and business visas.

Background: According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the new visa requirements aim to regulate the growing number of travelers arriving from the 11 previously visa-waivered countries.

Analysis & Comments: Tourists and business travelers from the affected countries will now need to obtain a consular visa, which generally allows for an initial stay of 90 days (extendable in-country), before entering Ecuador. Please contact your immigration advisor for more information on consular visa processing.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.