Ecuador: Online Visa System Rollout Causes Processing Delays

Authorities appear to have effectively transitioned all consular visa applications to a fully online system, requiring foreign nationals (or their authorized representatives) to submit applications through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility’s electronic visa system (eVISAS). The change applies to a range of consular visa types, including Acts of Commerce, Work Contract and Temporary Mercosur Visas. Although this shift has not been formally announced by the authorities, in practice, the entire process, from submission to adjudication and issuance, is now being conducted electronically. Previously, consular visa applications combined an optional online filing with mandatory in-person consular appointments. Authorities retain discretion to request in-person appearances where needed, and no changes have been announced to documentary requirements.  

While the shift is expected to streamline processes in the long term, it is currently contributing to delays. The centralization of all applications under the Ministry, rather than individual consulates, has led to system congestion and backlogs affecting both consular and in-country filings (which moved online in November 2024). As a result, processing times are trending toward the upper limit of the government mandated maximum processing time of 60 business days, compared to the previous average of around 30 business days. Delays are expected to persist in the coming months as the system stabilizes. 

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