Arriving and leaving
A passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date is all that is usually required to enter Ecuador. Citizens of some countries should obtain a visa in advance from their local Ecuadorian consulate. The list of these countries varies according to diplomatic relations, but at time of writing they include France, China, Guatemala, Cuba, Costa Rica, Vietnam, North and South Korea.
The normal tourist entry visa obtained from immigration on entry is good for 60 or 90 days. If you want to stay longer, obtain a different visa from your local Ecuadorian consulate before travelling. If you are only given one or two months on entry you will be able to extend your visa up to 90 days at the Jefatura Provincial de Migracion in the state provinces, or at the office in Quito at Isla Seymour 1152 and Rio Coca, open Monday to Friday 8 am to noon and 3 to 5 pm. Occasionally visitors are required to show evidence of financial independence when they arrive, either in the form of a return ticket and/or sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
By air
Several international airlines, fly in and out of Quito or Guayaquil International airports.
Quito's airport is the gateway to Ecuador for almost all international travellers and tourists. Otherwise, visitors fly into the country’s second international airport at Guayaquil, especially those going straight on to the Galapagos Islands.
The Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, includes national and international terminals, and it is at a short ride from the modern, northern end of town. Since many international flights arrive at night, almost at the same time, the airport becomes very crowded and a bit confusing, so it is a good idea to book in advance a transfer to your hotel [with you travel agent] It is safer and will save you time. Nevertheless they are plenty of taxis out of the international gateway and they won't cost more than about $5 to most of the hotel areas.
For your departure flight, it is a good idea to re- confirm at least 72 hours before your flight, and to get to the airport at least two hours before departure.
Ensure that your travel agent in your own country gives you a local contact number for your airline.
Departure tax for international flights is US$31.60 per person, payable in dollars cash only. (Correct at time of writing 24th Oct 2006)
By land
Even though more frequent are the travelers that come by land from Peru and Colombia, being the principal routes of access, the location of Huaquilla/Macara and Tulcan/Rumichaca respectively.
By sea
Few people arrive by boat these days unless cruising in a yacht or working their passage on a cargo boat. For those wishing to enter The Galapagos Islands on their own boat, must special regulations will apply and information should be requested to the nearest Ecuador Embassy or consulate in your country.
Last Updated 24th October 2006 (DLW)
