(Ecuador) Ecuador began enforcing new airport transit rules that require a Transit Visa For travelers from 45 countries, a change authorities say is meant to curb irregular migration and improve airport screening. Announced in June and in force since July 31, 2025, the measure now applies to passengers who only pass through Ecuadorian airports and remain in the international transit area. As of September 2025, airlines are expected to check for the visa before boarding, and airport officers are conducting standard document reviews on arrival.
Under the change, travelers from the listed countries must obtain a Transit Visa (Visa de Transeúnte) in advance, even if they never enter Ecuador or clear immigration. The visa fee is US$30, below the regular tourist visa cost of US$50. Officials stated the policy aligns Ecuador’s visa requirements with heightened security needs and aims to limit airport misuse by people seeking to move onward without proper entry permission.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility explained that the shift responds to rising irregular migration and human trafficking risks seen along air routes, with Ecuador used as a waypoint toward the Americas, including the United States 🇺🇸. Before this policy, many visa-required nationals could transit airside without a visa. That exception ended with the July enforcement date.
The affected list covers 45 nationalities, mostly in Africa (34 countries), plus several in the Middle East, South Asia, Latin America, and Asia. Notable examples include Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and China. Ecuador’s government, under President Daniel Noboa, signaled it may review the list over time based on migration patterns and security assessments.
Policy changes — key points
- Who needs the Transit Visa: Nationals of the 45 listed countries who connect through Ecuador by air, even if they stay in the international transit zone and do not enter the country.
- When it applies: Announced in June 2025; effective July 31, 2025, with continued enforcement in September 2025.
- Cost: US$30.
- Where to apply: Ecuadorian consulates and embassies. The Ministry has said detailed procedures will be released; in the meantime, travelers should follow consular guidance and allow extra time.
“The measure seeks to strengthen state security and immigration control while respecting human mobility rights,” officials said, noting the policy targets misuse of airport transit channels by smuggling networks and people lacking permission to enter onward destinations.
Why the change was introduced
- Responds to rising irregular migration and documented human trafficking risks along air routes.
- Aims to vet higher-risk cases earlier by moving screening to consulates before travel.
- Aligns Ecuador’s transit rules with current security pressures and regional migration dynamics.
Impact on travelers
For travelers, the most immediate change is the need to secure approval before departure. Because the government has not yet published a final, detailed checklist of documents and processing times, applicants should contact the nearest Ecuadorian consulate early.
Practical steps for travelers:
1. Check your nationality against the 45-country list and confirm with the nearest consulate whether you need a Transit Visa.
2. Apply early to allow for processing; ask about interview needs, payment methods, and passport handling.
3. Carry proof of onward travel, such as a confirmed ticket and destination entry documents.
4. Allow extra time between flights to avoid missing connections due to document checks.
Additional traveller notes:
– If a passport was renewed after applying, bring both old and new passports.
– Obtain written confirmation from the consulate if unsure, and carry printouts showing Transit Visa approval at check-in.
– Payment methods and any exchange-rate handling are set by the consulate processing the application; confirm locally.
Impact on airlines and travel agents
- Airlines and agents are expected to verify the Transit Visa before boarding or issuing boarding passes for itineraries that include Ecuador.
- Failure to check could result in denied boarding, fines, return-to-origin orders, or schedule disruptions at the connecting airport.
- Booking systems, check-in agents, and online prompts will likely require updates; a short adjustment period is expected.
Industry observations:
– VisaVerge.com describes the policy as a significant shift for passengers who previously relied on airside transfers without extra paperwork.
– Some carriers may adjust schedules or add customer warnings to reduce missed connections where a visa is not secured.
Application process and consular preparation
- The policy directs applicants to Ecuadorian consulates and embassies for the Transit Visa application.
- The Ministry has said detailed procedures will be released; until then, consular practices may vary.
- Ecuadorian consulates are preparing for higher application volumes, particularly in cities with strong links to affected nationalities.
Likely application requirements (subject to consulate confirmation):
– Valid passport
– Confirmed onward ticket
– Proof of destination entry permission
– Recent photo and basic travel plans (may be requested by some posts)
Stakeholders expect fuller application instructions soon, including standard document lists, processing timelines, and any exemptions for short layovers or same-airline transfers. Some immigration lawyers think Ecuador may later refine the nationality list or add criteria for holders of certain visas or residence permits from third countries, but no such exceptions are published yet.
Operational and practical warnings
- Without a Transit Visa, travelers may be denied boarding or rerouted at their own expense.
- Airlines may add document checks at ticketing and check-in to avoid last-minute disruptions.
- Processing capacity and local procedures will vary by consular post; apply early.
Official guidance and where to check updates
Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility is the lead agency for implementation and public guidance. For the latest instructions and policy notes, consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility at the official site: Cancillería del Ecuador – Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana.
Practical checklist before traveling through Ecuador
- Verify whether your nationality is on the 45-country list.
- Contact the nearest Ecuadorian consulate to confirm documents and processing time.
- Apply for the Transit Visa (US$30) early if required.
- Carry printed proof of visa approval and the passport used in the application.
- Keep copies of your onward ticket and destination entry documents.
- Allow extra connection time and prepare for enhanced checks at Quito or Guayaquil.
The new rule marks a clear break from Ecuador’s historically open transit model, which allowed many visa nationals to pass airside without consular approval. Authorities argue the Transit Visa requirement better matches regional pressures and helps address human trafficking and irregular-migration concerns. As systems and consulates adapt, travelers and carriers should monitor official updates and plan extra time for connections through Ecuador.
Frequently Asked Questions
This Article in a Nutshell
Ecuador began enforcing a Transit Visa requirement for nationals of 45 countries as of July 31, 2025, to strengthen immigration control and curb irregular migration and human trafficking through airport transit routes. The Transit Visa costs US$30 and must be obtained at Ecuadorian consulates or embassies before travel even if the passenger remains in the international transit area. Airlines are responsible for verifying the visa before boarding; failure to check may cause denied boarding, fines, or rerouting. The affected countries are mainly in Africa, with additional nations from the Middle East, South Asia, Latin America and Asia. Travelers should confirm requirements with the nearest consulate, apply early, carry onward-travel documents, and allow extra connection time while consulates adapt to increased demand.
