Ecuador: Temporary Shutdown of Online Visa Application Platform
January 25, 2023
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At a Glance
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ecuador has temporarily shut down its online visa application system until at least February 1, 2023.
- During this time, the Ministry will update the system with changes to the immigration law that are expected to go into effect in February 2023.
- As all visa applications are submitted online and all visas are digitally issued, employers and foreign nationals may not be able to submit any initial or renewal visa applications and may not receive any adjudications on their applications until the system is back online.
- Fragomen is in contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for additional details regarding the shutdown, possible solutions and upcoming immigration process changes.
The situation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ecuador has temporarily shut down its online visa application system until at least February 1, 2023, while it updates the system with changes to the immigration law that are expected to go into effect in February 2023.
A closer look
The system is closed to all visa application types and all other immigration services at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, such as tourist stay extensions.
Impact
- Submissions and adjudications suspended. During this time, employers and foreign nationals may not be able to submit any initial or renewal visa applications and may not receive adjudications on their applications until the system is back online, since all visa applications are submitted online, and visas are issued digitally.
- Processing delays. Foreign nationals and employers can expect processing delays for all visa applications until the system is restored or until alternative application routes are implemented, which may delay foreign nationals’ work or payroll start dates in Ecuador.
Background
The government of Ecuador approved immigration law reforms in 2021 and has been gradually implementing the changes since then.
Looking ahead
Fragomen is in contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for additional details and to explore practical solutions during the shutdown. Fragomen is also in contact with clients that are impacted by this issue. We will report on any developments.
Fragomen will also report on key changes and reforms that are expected in February as the Ministry communicates more details, which may be related to the Commercial Exchange Visa/Act of Commerce Visa.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
