Ecuador Visa Requirements
For 🇺🇸 United States passport holders
Great news! United States passport holders can enter Ecuador without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
US citizens can visit Ecuador for up to 90 days without a visa.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
2 page(s) required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Passport valid 6+ months. Return ticket. Sufficient funds.
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow fever, COVID-19.
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Exercise increased caution in Ecuador. Petty crime including pickpocketing and robbery affects tourists, particularly in Quito (Mariscal district) and Guayaquil. Don't display valuables. Use registered taxis or apps, especially at night. The Colombian border area has travel advisories. Recent civil unrest has affected some areas.
Money & Costs
Daily Budget (USD)
Cards & ATMs
Cards accepted in tourist areas. Cash essential elsewhere.
Tipping
Tipping 10% in restaurants is standard unless service is included (look for "servicio incluido"). Hotel porters appreciate $1 per bag. Tour guides typically receive $10-15 per day, Galápagos guides $15-20 per day. Naturalist guides on Galápagos boats expect tips at the end of cruises.
Practical Info
Emergency Numbers
Emergency: 911
Getting There
Main Airports
- Guayaquil GYE
- Quito UIO
Airport Transfers
Quito Mariscal Sucre (UIO): New airport is 37km from city. Aeroservicios bus to center ($8, 1.5-2 hours). Taxi $25-35 (45 minutes to 1.5 hours). Guayaquil José Joaquín de Olmedo (GYE): Much closer to city. Taxi $5-8 (15-20 minutes). Metrovía bus available.
Local Transport
Domestic flights with TAME, Avianca, or LATAM connect major cities and the Galápagos. Long-distance buses are cheap but long journeys over mountain passes. Quito has trolleybus and ecovía systems. Taxis are cheap - negotiate or use the meter. Uber works in Quito and Guayaquil.
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Coast: Dec-May. Andes: June-September. Amazon: less rainy June-August.
Cultural Notes
Ecuadorians are warm and family-oriented. Greetings involve a kiss on the cheek between women and between men and women. Indigenous heritage is strong, especially in the highlands. "Ecuadorian time" means schedules are flexible. Respect Pachamama (Mother Earth) and local customs at indigenous markets.
Insider Tips
Ecuador uses US dollars - no currency exchange needed. Book Galápagos trips well in advance and budget for the $100 park fee plus transit card. Acclimatize to Quito's altitude (2,850m) before heading higher. Try cuy (guinea pig) and locro de papa for authentic experiences. The country is small but diverse - coast, highlands, and Amazon within hours of each other.
Dress Code
Casual. Layers for highland weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Ecuador?
No, US citizens can visit Ecuador without a visa for stays up to 90 days within a 12-month period. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Upon arrival, you'll receive an entry stamp. Ecuador also includes the Galápagos Islands, which have additional entry fees and restrictions but no separate visa requirement. For stays exceeding 90 days, you'll need to apply for a visa through an Ecuadorian embassy or consulate.
How do I visit the Galápagos Islands?
Visiting the Galápagos requires advance planning. All visitors must pay a $100 USD national park entrance fee (cash only, paid on arrival) and a $20 Transit Control Card (paid at your departure airport in Ecuador). Most visitors fly from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra or San Cristóbal islands. Options include cruise-based tours (living aboard a boat, visiting different islands daily), land-based tours (staying in hotels on inhabited islands with day trips), or independent travel (possible but more limited access to remote sites). Advance booking is recommended, especially for cruises and peak season (June-September, December-January). The islands have strict environmental regulations; respect wildlife distances and follow guide instructions.
Is Ecuador safe for American tourists?
Ecuador has varying safety levels depending on location. The border areas with Colombia have travel advisories due to crime and drug trafficking. Guayaquil has higher crime rates than Quito but both cities require standard urban precautions against pickpocketing and theft. The Galápagos Islands and main tourist areas like Otavalo, Baños, and Cuenca are generally safe. Use registered taxis or ride apps (Cabify, Uber), avoid displaying valuables, be cautious at night, and keep copies of important documents separate from originals. Political protests occasionally occur and can disrupt travel. Most tourists visit without incident with reasonable precautions.