Can I Get Ecuador Visa While in Ecuador?

Short Answer: Yes

You CAN apply for Ecuador residency visa while physically in Ecuador on a tourist visa. In fact, this is the most common way people do it.

The Process

Step 1: Enter on Tourist Visa (90 Days)

Most nationalities (US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia) get 90-day tourist visa automatically upon arrival.

No application needed - stamp in passport at airport.

Step 2: Gather Documents

While on tourist visa, gather any remaining documents:

• Health certificate (can get in Ecuador)
• Find temporary housing
• Open bank account (optional)
• Get local SIM card

Step 3: Submit Visa Application

Within your 90 days, submit your residency visa application at Ecuador immigration office.

You can stay in Ecuador while application processes (even if it goes beyond 90 days).

Advantages of Applying In-Country

✅ See Ecuador first - Try before committing ✅ Easier health certificate - Get it locally ✅ Find housing - Secure rental before applying ✅ Get oriented - Learn city, meet expats ✅ Attend appointment - No need to return for approval ✅ Most flexible - Standard approach

Timing Your Application

Conservative Approach (Recommended):

Day 1-14: Arrive, find housing, get oriented Day 15-21: Gather any remaining docs, health cert Day 22-30: Submit application

Why early? Gives buffer in case issues arise.

Tight Timeline (Risky):

Some people wait until day 60-80 to apply.

Risks:

• If documents rejected, may not have time to fix
• Immigration office might be closed (holidays)
• Appointment scheduling delays

Not recommended.

What If Your Tourist Visa Expires?

If Application Submitted Before Day 90:

You're legal to stay while application processes (even 60+ days).

Immigration considers you in "process" and won't penalize overstay.

If You Haven't Applied by Day 90:

Options:

1. Exit and Re-enter (Visa Run)

• Leave Ecuador to Peru or Colombia
• Stay 1 day
• Return, get new 90-day stamp
• Costs: $50-100 for bus/transport

2. Extend Tourist Visa

• Apply at immigration for 90-day extension
• Cost: ~$250
• Gets you another 90 days to apply

3. Pay Overstay Fine

• Can overstay and pay fine when leaving
• Fine: $200-400 depending on days
• Not recommended - complicates residency application

Best Practice:

Apply within first 60 days to avoid any tourist visa issues.

Can I Apply From Abroad?

Yes, but less common.

At Ecuador Consulate in Your Country:

Some consulates allow you to apply for visa before traveling.

Advantages:

• Arrive with visa already approved (sometimes)
• No tourist visa timing pressure

Disadvantages:

• Fewer consulates offer this
• Often slower processing
• Still need to travel to Ecuador for final steps
• Less flexible

Most expats find in-country application easier.

Documents Needed Same Either Way

Whether applying in Ecuador or abroad:

• Same documents required
• Same apostille requirements
• Same income thresholds
• Same process

The only difference is location of submission.

Timeline: Applying In-Country

Month 1-3 (Before Travel):

• Get FBI check
• Get apostilles
• Arrange translations

Week 1 (In Ecuador):

• Arrive on tourist visa
• Find temporary housing
• Get SIM card, orient yourself

Week 2-3:

• Get health certificate locally ($30-50)
• Find longer-term rental
• Meet with attorney/EcuaPass

Week 3-4:

• Submit application at immigration office
• Provide biometrics
• Pay fees

Week 8-12:

• Receive approval
• Pick up visa credential

Week 13-14:

• Apply for cédula
• Complete registration

Total: About 3-4 months in Ecuador from arrival to cédula.

Where to Apply In-Country

Major Immigration Offices:

Quito:

• Main immigration office
• Best resources
• English speakers sometimes available
• Appointments recommended

Cuenca:

• Popular with expats
• Smaller office
• Can be busy
• Attorney/guide recommended

Guayaquil:

• Large office
• Less expat-focused

Can apply in any city regardless of where you plan to live.

Practical Tips

1. Bring All Original Documents

Don't apply from Ecuador planning to "get documents later."

Bring with you:

• Apostilled FBI check
• Apostilled birth certificate
• Translations
• Bank statements

Only missing piece should be health cert (easy to get locally).

2. Stay in One Place

Apply in the city where you plan to live. Easier for follow-up if needed.

3. Budget Extra Weeks

Don't book return flights for day 85. Give yourself 90+ days in case of delays.

4. Find Temporary Housing

First month: Airbnb or short-term rental After application: Longer-term rental (you'll know you're staying)

5. Join Expat Communities

Facebook groups:

• "Ecuador Expats"
• "[City Name] Ecuador Expats"

Ask questions, learn from others who just did it.

Common Questions

Do I need to schedule appointment before arriving?

No, but you can coordinate with attorney before traveling so they can schedule quickly after arrival.

Can I leave Ecuador while application processes?

Yes, you can leave and return. Processing continues. But try to be there for approval/pickup.

What if I'm rejected?

You'd need to leave Ecuador or appeal. Appeals take time. Better to get documents right the first time with professional help.

Can I work while application processes?

Technically no until visa approved. But remote work for foreign company is gray area.

Do I need Ecuador address before applying?

Yes, you'll need local address. Rental agreement or hotel reservation works.

Can my spouse and I apply together?

Yes! Spouse applies as dependent. Both submit at same appointment.

DIY vs. Professional Help

DIY In-Country Application:

Pros:

• Save $1,800 professional fee
• Learn process yourself
• Doable if Spanish-speaking

Cons:

• Navigate Spanish bureaucracy
• Risk of rejection (longer stay, wasted money)
• Stress of figuring out on your own

Professional Help (EcuaPass):

Pros:

• We attend appointments with you
• Translate conversations
• Handle all forms
• Follow up on processing
• 98% success rate

Cons:

• $1,800 cost

Most expats choose professional help for peace of mind.

Housing While Applying

Month 1:

Airbnb or short-term rental

• $500-800/month
• Furniture included
• Flexible (can leave if you don't like city)

Month 2+:

Longer-term rental

• $400-700/month
• Sign 6-12 month lease
• Cheaper than Airbnb
• Shows commitment

After Approval:

Permanent housing

• Buy or long-term rent
• You know you're staying

Healthcare While Applying

Tourist Visa (Day 1-90):

• Travel insurance (recommended)
• Pay cash at hospitals (affordable)
• No IESS yet (requires visa)

After Application Submitted:

• Still use travel insurance or cash
• IESS enrollment after visa approved

After Approval:

• Enroll in IESS (required)
• Can get private insurance

Budget: $100-200 for basic travel insurance for 3 months.

Sample Timeline: Real Examples

Maria (Smooth Process):

• Day 1: Arrived Cuenca
• Day 15: Submitted application (had all docs ready)
• Day 45: Approved
• Day 55: Received cédula
• Total: 55 days in Ecuador, tourist visa never an issue

John (Typical):

• Day 1: Arrived Cuenca
• Day 7: Met with attorney
• Day 12: Got health cert
• Day 20: Submitted application
• Day 62: Approved
• Day 70: Received cédula
• Total: 70 days, smooth process

Bob (Complications):

• Day 1: Arrived Cuenca
• Day 30: Submitted application (missing document)
• Day 40: Immigration requested additional doc
• Day 50: Provided additional doc
• Day 90: Approved (right at tourist visa expiry)
• Day 100: Received cédula
• Total: 100 days, close call on tourist visa

Lesson: Submit early with complete docs (like Maria/John, not Bob).

Costs for In-Country Application

Ecuador Costs:

• Airbnb (month 1): $600-800
• Rental (month 2-3): $400-700/month
• Food/living: $500-800/month
• Health cert: $30-50
• Government visa fees: $450-500
• Professional help (optional): $1,800

Total (3 months in Ecuador): $4,000-7,500

Compared to: Flying back/forth, applying from abroad: Similar or higher cost + much more hassle.

Our Recommendation

✅ Apply in-country (easier for 90% of people)

✅ Arrive with all documents except health cert

✅ Submit within first 30 days (buffer for issues)

✅ Use professional help if you don't speak Spanish

✅ Plan for 3-month stay minimum

❌ Don't cut tourist visa timing too close

❌ Don't arrive without key documents (FBI check, apostilles)

Need Help?

EcuaPass supports in-country applications:

Before you travel:

• Review your documents
• Confirm you have everything
• Provide packing checklist

When you arrive:

• Meet you in Ecuador
• Help get health certificate
• Schedule immigration appointment
• Attend with you
• Handle all Spanish

While processing:

• Follow up with immigration
• Update you on status
• Handle any requests for additional info

After approval:

• Help with cédula appointment
• IESS enrollment
• Final registration steps

Contact us: WhatsApp: +593-096-284-8410

Most people apply in-country. We'll make sure it goes smoothly.

Related Guides:

• Processing Timeline
• Document Checklist
• DIY vs Professional Help