Ecuador Archives

The Ecuadorean government announced the launch of its new eVISAS electronic visa system.

Key Points:

Foreign nationals who are required to obtain a visa for tourism, investment or family reunification purposes can apply through the government portal instead of applying in person at a consular office.
Applicants are required to provide the necessary personal information and upload an ID photo at the time of application. In addition, applicants are expected to provide a copy of a passport with at least a six-month validity, criminal record history, proof of available funds and a travel itinerary, including round-trip ticket(s).
Citizens of 39 countries require a visa to travel to Ecuador. The new online eVISAS process should allow for quicker processing and decision-making along with updated information regarding application status.

Additional Information: An eVISA costs US$50 for a 90-day tourist visa. Officials said that the portal may also be utilized for individuals who wish to invest in the country or meet with family. BAL will provide further updates when information becomes available, including when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility has finalized the total list of visas available through the system.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – HIGH

The four full members of the Andean Community (CAN) have approved the Andean Migratory Statute, and it is intended to take effect on Aug. 13. The statute will provide reciprocal immigration benefits for Andean citizens, including temporary and permanent residency between the CAN member countries.

Key Points:

This new statute will facilitate free movement and residence pathways for Andean citizens through temporary and permanent residence pathways for CAN member countries.
The Andean Temporary Residency will authorize Andean citizens to stay for up to two years in the territory of a member country.
After holding the Andean Temporary Residency for two years, Andean citizens can apply for the Andean Permanent Residence which will authorize them to stay indefinitely in the territory of another CAN member country.
Andean citizens will have the right to work and perform any legal activity as nationals of the receiving countries as guided by the legal regulations of each country.
Andean citizens may enter any other member country as tourists by presenting their valid national identification documents.
Applications for these permits will be managed by the consular office of the destination country or by the appropriate immigration authority if the applicant is already located in the destination country.
According to the CAN Secretary General, Jorge Pedraza, the agreement is expected to take effect on Aug. 13.

Additional Information: The Andean Migratory Statute will be implemented under Resolution 2197, presented during the XXVI Ordinary Meeting of the Andean Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs with the participation of the Secretary General of the Andean Community and the Ministers of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Vice Minister of Bolivia.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Vice President Otto Sonnenholzner announced significant travel restrictions to prevent further spread of COVID-19 earlier this week. As of Monday, Ecuador has closed its border to all inbound travelers, including returning Ecuadorians.

Key restrictions:

International arrivals suspended. All inbound international travel has been suspended until April 5. Foreign nationals, as well as returning Ecuadorians, are unable to enter the country.
Immigration services. Public offices are closed to the public until at least March 24. Pending applications are not being processed, and employers should expect delays in immigration processing.

Analysis & Comments: Ecuador is taking serious steps to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus that will have a significant impact on immigration and inbound travel. Employers should expect delays in immigration processing in the coming weeks. While the travel ban is in place for the next 21 days, it may be extended. Deloitte will continue to follow developments and alert clients of any changes.

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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Ecuador will soon begin requiring Venezuelan nationals to obtain a visa before entering the country.

What does the change mean? Currently, Venezuelan nationals can enter Ecuador on the basis of a passport or national ID. Once the change takes effect, Venezuelan nationals planning travel to Ecuador will be required to obtain a Humanitarian Visa or other visa before entering the country.

Implementation time frame: Ongoing. The change will take effect in about a month.
Visas/permits affected: Humanitarian Visas, other Ecuadorian visas available to Venezuelan nationals.
Who is affected: Venezuelan nationals planning travel to Ecuador.
Impact on processing times: The process of obtaining a visa may delay travel plans for some Venezuelan nationals.
Next steps: It is not clear at this point whether visas will be available at the border or whether Venezuelan nationals will be required to obtain them at an Ecuadorian Consulate. Under a decree that Ecuadorean President Lenin Moreno signed on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will determine how visa issuance will be handled.

Background: The decree also states that Venezuelan nationals currently in Ecuador will be able to regularize their status, even if they have overstayed, provided they entered the country legally. Officials said that 320,000 Venezuelans have entered Ecuador because of the economic and political situation in Venezuela, and that the number could reach 500,000 by the end of the year.

Analysis & Comments: Several Latin American countries have changed immigration and entry procedures for Venezuelans in recent months, with Chile and Peru among those that have imposed visa requirements. Venezuelan nationals should note that visas will soon be required for Ecuador as well and should plan accordingly.

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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Ecuador’s Constitutional Court has temporarily suspended rules that tightened entry requirements for Venezuelan nationals.

What does the change mean? Venezuelan nationals can now enter Ecuador on the basis of a Venezuelan identification card if their passport has expired or is valid for less than six months. Venezuelan nationals are also not required, at this time, to present an apostilled criminal clearance certificate upon entering Ecuador. Venezuelan nationals are required, however, to provide an apostilled criminal clearance certificate when applying for a work visa.

Implementation time frame:
Who is affected: Venezuelan nationals traveling to Ecuador.
Visas/ permits affected: T-3 stamps, tourism visas, work visas.

Background: A number of Latin American countries have changed immigration and travel rules for Venezuelan nationals amid Venezuela’s ongoing political and economic crisis. The Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued new rules for Venezuelan nationals entering Ecuador in February. The Constitutional Court subsequently issued a resolution to temporarily suspend the rules, including the requirement that an apostilled criminal clearance certificate be presented upon entry.

Analysis & Comments: While the Constitutional Court’s actions will ease entry requirements for some Venezuelan nationals, it is important to note that it has not changed work visa procedures. Venezuelan nationals are still required to provide an apostilled criminal clearance certificate when applying for work visas.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has issued new rules for Venezuelan nationals entering Ecuador.

What does the change mean? Venezuelan nationals entering Ecuador must now present a criminal record certificate to immigration authorities upon arrival. The criminal record certificate must be apostilled or legalized and should be issued by either the country of origin or the country in which the individual has resided for the last five years.

Implementation time frame: Jan. 21
Who is affected: Venezuelan nationals traveling to Ecuador, with limited exceptions for transit travelers and individuals with close family members in Ecuador.
Visas/ permits affected: T-3 stamp, tourism visas.

Background: Venezuelan nationals are required to present their current passport or Venezuelan ID with a validation certificate, upon entry, in addition to a criminal record certificate. On Feb. 1, the ministry announced exceptions to the new rule, including Venezuelans transiting through Ecuador and holding a valid visa or migratory permit to a destination country, and Venezuelans who maintain family ties up to the second degree of blood relations with Ecuadorians living in the country, among other exceptional cases.

Analysis & Comments: Venezuelan nationals traveling to Ecuador must obtain a criminal record certificate prior to entry to be compliant with the new rule, and should factor in additional time to obtain the certificate and complete document-authentication procedures.

IMPACT – LOW

What is the change? The Ecuadorean government modified parts of the Mobility Law in August, including removal of the requirement that foreign travelers with a T-3 Stamp obtain health insurance in Ecuador.

What does the change mean? Business visitors and tourists who obtain a T-3 Stamp on arrival no longer need to obtain health insurance in Ecuador. Business visitors from visa-waivered countries must obtain a T-3 Stamp on arrival if staying 90 days or less. If staying longer than 90 days, foreign nationals must apply for and obtain a T-3 Extension for an additional 90 days.

Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
Visas/permits affected: T-3 Stamps.
Business impact: The change removes a requirement for business travelers, making it easier to travel to Ecuador for business.

Background: Ecuador began checking for proof of health insurance from foreign nationals entering the country this summer. While officials have waived this requirement for travelers with a T-3 stamp, it is still in place for anyone applying for work authorization or permanent or temporary residence. After receiving their visa, work visa recipients have 30 days to present a certificate of health insurance with coverage in Ecuador.

Analysis & Comments: By removing the requirement, Ecuador has made it easier for business travelers to visit the country as they no longer need to obtain health insurance in Ecuador upon arrival.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Officials at Ecuador’s ports of entry have begun checking foreign nationals for proof that they have medical insurance coverage.

What does the change mean? The requirement is contained in Ecuador’s new Law on Human Mobility. Although this specific provision does not take effect until July 22, foreign nationals are advised that border officials are currently requesting proof.

Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
Who is affected: All foreign nationals entering Ecuador.
Business impact: Companies should make sure that foreign nationals they send to Ecuador are prepared to present proof of medical insurance coverage.
Next steps: Before the official implementation date, authorities are expected to clarify the details on whether a certain amount or type of coverage must be presented. In the meantime, officials appear to be accepting any form of proof of insurance coverage.

BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals traveling to Ecuador should be aware that they may be asked to show proof of medical insurance and be prepare to present their insurance card or other proof of coverage upon entry.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Ecuador. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2018 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Authorities in Senegal say they will no longer allow foreign workers to start assignments in anticipation of their work permits being issued.

What does the change mean? Foreign workers must obtain their work permits in Senegal before beginning work, which will delay assignment start dates. This is because foreign nationals previously could begin assignments in Senegal once they obtained their medical report, which is one of the first steps in the overall work permit application process.

Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
Visas/permits affected: Work permits.
Who is affected: Employers and foreign nationals seeking work authorization in Senegal.
Impact on processing times: The change does not affect government processing times; however, because assignments can no longer begin before work permits are issued, start dates may have to be pushed back by up to four weeks.

Background: Up until now, foreign nationals have been allowed to enter Senegal on a business visa and begin working after obtaining their medical report and while their work permit application was still pending. Labor authorities recently issued a directive, however, saying that this will no longer be allowed. As a result, employers must now detail projected start dates in their employment contracts since the actual assignment start dates will depend on when the work permit is issued. The new rule is one among what could be a string of immigration changes in Senegal. Authorities have also discussed the possibility of introducing short-term work permits to replace the current allowance of short-term work on the basis of visitor status, a quota system for foreign workers and the introduction of designated in-country facilities for obtaining medical reports similar to the facilities recently introduced by the Immigration Service in Ghana.

BAL Analysis: Employers should be sure foreign workers have obtained their finalized work permit before allowing them to begin work in Senegal. Employers may need to adjust their schedules and will have to include projected start dates in their employment contracts. BAL will continue following other developments in Senegal and will provide additional information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL South Africa office. For additional information, please contact africa@bal.com.