Ecuador: Visa Exemption Temporarily Revoked for Chinese Nationals
June 21, 2024
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At a Glance
- Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility announced that they are suspending the current visa waiver agreement with China, effective July 1, 2024.
- As a result, on this date, Chinese nationals will no longer be visa-exempt when entering Ecuador for tourism and business and must instead obtain a consular Tourism/Temporary Visa to enter Ecuador.
- Due to this change, Chinese nationals seeking to enter Ecuador for tourism or business may encounter administrative hurdles, additional costs and potential delays.
- It is not yet clear if China will similarly revoke visa-exempt status for Ecuadorian nationals traveling to Mainland China for tourism or business.
The situation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador has announced that Ecuador is suspending the current visa waiver agreement with China, effective July 1, 2024. As a result, on this date, Chinese nationals will no longer be visa-exempt when entering Ecuador for tourism and business and must instead obtain a consular Tourism/Temporary Visa to enter Ecuador.
A closer look
As Chinese nationals will now have to obtain a consular visa, they will be subject to the following rules:
- Processing time. Tourism/Temporary Visas are generally processed within three to four weeks. However, lead times may be longer since the government’s mandated processing time is up to 60 business days. Currently, and until July 1, 2024, Chinese nationals can arrive in Ecuador for tourism and business and be granted entry without obtaining a visa.
- Maximum stay. The Tourism/Temporary Visa typically allows an initial stay of 90 days extendable in-country for an additional 90 days at the discretion of immigration authorities, the same as a visa-exempt entry. However, as a reminder, all foreign nationals seeking to conduct business activities in Ecuador for more than 90 days require a short-term visa, called an Acts of Commerce Visa, or a Temporary Residence Visa.
- Other requirements. Visa nationals seeking to enter Ecuador for business are generally required to present a business letter from the host entity in Ecuador when applying for a Tourism/Temporary Visa. Additionally, they are typically required to provide proof of financial means during their stay, among other requirements that may vary from consulate to consulate.
Impact
- Administrative hurdles. This visa requirement adds administrative hurdles, possible additional costs and potential delays to Chinese nationals seeking to enter Ecuador for tourism or business.
- Ecuadorian nationals traveling to Mainland China. It is not yet known if China will announce similar reciprocal measures for Ecuadorian nationals traveling to Mainland China for tourism or business. Currently, Ecuadorian nationals are visa-exempt when traveling to Mainland China for tourism or business for up to 30 days and can stay in China for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
Background
According to the Ministry, the measure is being implemented due to the increasing numbers of Chinese nationals who are entering Ecuador and overstaying their allowed stay or entering through Ecuador as a means to enter a nearby third country without proper documentation.
Looking ahead
According to the Ministry’s announcement, the measure is temporary, though an expected review date has not been determined.
Additional immigration restrictions, changes and delays can be expected as the Ecuadorian government continues to focus on controlling irregular migration and the security situation in the country.
Fragomen 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].
