Venezuela/Ecuador: Closure of Embassy and Consulates in Ecuador
April 18, 2024
At a Glance
- The Venezuelan president has ordered the closure of the embassy and consulates of Venezuela in Ecuador and the return to Venezuela of all Venezuelan diplomatic personnel in Ecuador.
- As a result, individuals with applications at the Venezuelan Embassy or Consulate in Quito, or the Venezuelan Consulate in Guayaquil should expect processing disruptions and delays until the consular posts reopen.
- Fragomen is working with affected clients on a case-by-case basis.
The situation
The Venezuelan president has ordered the closure of the embassy and consulates of Venezuela in Ecuador and the return to Venezuela of all Venezuelan diplomatic personnel in Ecuador.
Background
According to the Venezuelan government, the measure was taken to show solidarity with Mexico, after Mexico suspended diplomatic ties with Ecuador in response to Ecuadorian police incident at the Mexican embassy in Quito.
Impact
- Processing disruptions and delays. As a result, individuals with applications at the Venezuelan Embassy or Consulate in Quito or the Venezuelan Consulate in Guayaquil, including Venezuelan visas, apostille and legalization services and services for Venezuelan nationals in Ecuador (e.g., passports) should expect processing disruptions and delays until consular posts reopen.
- Alternative routes. The government of Venezuela has not yet announced any specific alternative routes for applicants in Ecuador. Applicants in Ecuador seeking consular or other services at this time are advised to contact other consular posts in the region to check service availability.
Looking ahead
Diplomatic relations between Ecuador and the regional and international community remain fluid and may result in additional immigration disruptions in the country.
Fragomen is working with affected clients on a case-by-case basis. We will continue to monitor the situation and will report on relevant developments.
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].
