Exploring Ecuador: Travel Requirements For Uk Citizens

Ecuador is a fascinating country and a great introduction to South America. The country has a lot to offer, from the UNESCO-protected capital of Quito to the vibrant market of Otavalo and the dense rainforests of the east. British citizens can stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days without a visa, and there are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for entry. However, it is important to note that the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to certain parts of Ecuador, including the Coastal Region provinces of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas and areas within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border. Additionally, there are specific entry requirements for land and river border crossings from Peru or Colombia, and certain health risks and vaccine recommendations to consider before planning a trip to Ecuador.

Entry requirements

To enter Ecuador, you must have a valid passport and meet the entry requirements set and enforced by the Ecuadorean authorities. The UK government advises that, before travelling, you ensure your passport has an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after your arrival date.

British citizens can travel to Ecuador for up to 90 days in any 12-month period without a visa. If you plan to stay longer, you should contact your nearest Ecuadorean Embassy before travelling. If you are already in Ecuador and want to stay longer than 90 days, you can pay to extend your stay by an extra 90 days. You must apply for an extension before the first 90-day period ends or you could be fined. If you overstay your visa, you will be fined when you leave and will not be allowed to return to Ecuador until you pay the fine.

If you are entering Ecuador via a land or river border from Peru or Colombia, you must present a criminal record certificate from the country where you lived for the last 5 years. The certificate must be legalised with the Hague Apostille and translated into Spanish if issued in another language. This requirement does not apply to holders of a valid Ecuadorean visa, holders of diplomatic passports, children and adolescents under 18, or victims of human trafficking or those seeking international protection under the Ecuadorean Human Mobility Law. Alternatively, if you do not have a legalised criminal record, you can ask the immigration authorities to carry out a check on their Ecuadorean Immigration System.

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Ecuador. However, if you have COVID-19 symptoms, you may be required to complete a health declaration form. Ecuadorean nationals and foreign residents must be vaccinated against COVID-19. You may be asked to wear a face mask in some medical settings.

If you are travelling to the Galapagos Islands, you must have evidence of a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host, evidence of a return flight to the Ecuadorean mainland, a completed Galapagos transit control card, and travel health insurance, which is mandatory for foreign tourists.

If you are travelling with children, you should be aware that some British children aged 17 and under require a notarised consent letter to leave Ecuador if they are travelling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian. British children born in Ecuador or living in Ecuador must have a notarised letter from parents or guardians not travelling with them, even if they are travelling on a British passport. If one parent is deceased, the other parent must submit a death certificate to an Ecuadorean public notary to obtain an indefinite notarial permit to travel with the child. In more complex situations, such as legal disputes, a child will need written permission from an Ecuadorian judge. Children entering Ecuador with someone other than a parent or legal guardian do not need a consent letter.

To enter Ecuador, you must have a certificate to prove you have had a yellow fever vaccination if you are coming from certain countries where there is a transmission risk. Other recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tetanus, typhoid, and diphtheria.

Travel advisories

UK Foreign Travel Advice

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to parts of Ecuador, including the Coastal Region province of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas and areas within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border (except for El Ángel Ecological Reserve, Rumichaca border crossing, and the Pan-American Highway).

A 60-day state of emergency was declared on 3 October 2024 due to internal disturbances and armed violence. The emergency measures apply to the Quito Metropolitan District (Pichincha province) and the Camilo Ponce Enríquez district (Azuay province), allowing the military and police to seize assets, conduct inspections, and enter private properties without permission. Curfew hours (10 pm to 5 am) are in place for several districts and parishes until further notice.

Entry Requirements

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Ecuador. However, if you have COVID-19 symptoms, you must complete a health declaration form. Ecuadorean nationals and foreign residents must be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. British citizens can stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days without a visa. No travel can be guaranteed safe, and travel insurance is highly recommended.

Health

There are no mandatory vaccines for entry to Ecuador. However, the NHS Fit for Travel website recommends vaccines for hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, and diphtheria. Additionally, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from certain countries.

The risk of malaria in Ecuador is low, but mosquito bite avoidance is essential due to the risk of dengue fever and the Zika virus. Seek pre-travel health advice from a healthcare professional, especially if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Border Crossings

If entering Ecuador via land or river border from Peru or Colombia, you must present a criminal record certificate from the country of residence for the last five years, legalised with the Hague Apostille and translated into Spanish. Alternatively, immigration authorities can perform a check on their Ecuadorean Immigration System.

Galapagos Islands

Tourists can stay in the Galapagos Islands for up to 60 days. Entry requirements include evidence of accommodation, a return flight to the Ecuadorean mainland, a completed Galapagos transit control card, and travel health insurance.

Vaccinations

To enter Ecuador, you must have a certificate to prove you've had a yellow fever vaccination if you're coming from certain countries where there is a transmission risk, including Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. It is recommended that you receive the vaccine at least 10 days before arrival in the country.

There are no COVID-19 vaccination requirements for travellers entering Ecuador. However, if you have COVID-19 symptoms, you may be required to complete a health declaration form online or when you arrive.

The following vaccinations are recommended for travel to Ecuador:

• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Polio
• Rabies
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Chickenpox
• Shingles
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)

It is also important to take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika, and yellow fever. Insect repellents, long-sleeved clothing, and mosquito nets are recommended.

Currency

Ecuador's official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). This was adopted in 2000, replacing the sucre, which was the country's former official currency. The switch to the US dollar has stabilised Ecuador's economy and facilitated international transactions.

US coins are used interchangeably with Ecuadorian-minted 5c, 10c, 25c, and 50c coins, which have different symbols. The coins include nickels ($0.05), dimes ($0.10), quarters ($0.25), and half-dollars ($0.50). 100 cents are equal to one dollar.

ATMs are readily available in Ecuador's larger cities and towns, but rural areas may not have ATM access. Major Ecuadorian banks include Banco de Pacífico, Banco de Guayaquil, and Banco Pichincha. Most ATMs have a daily withdrawal limit of $500 or less. It's important to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any potential blocks on your card due to unusual foreign activity.

Credit cards are generally accepted in cities, especially in larger cities, tourist areas, and at establishments like hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely used. However, smaller businesses, local markets, and rural areas may only accept cash.

It's worth noting that in the Galápagos, banks may occasionally run out of money. Visitors are advised to bring extra cash when visiting these islands, especially for more expensive tours. Credit cards may not be accepted in the Galápagos, and there is a $100 entry fee (per person) that must be paid in cash upon arrival.

When dining in Ecuador, upscale restaurants often include a 10% tip and a 12% tax in the bill. More basic restaurants won't include a service charge or tax, and it's customary to hand the tip directly to the server. For guides, a good tip is around $5 for group tours, and double that for private tours. A dollar is usually sufficient for other service providers like porters and bellboys, while taxi drivers do not expect a tip.

If you're bringing cash to Ecuador, be mindful of the maximum tax-free limit. You must declare cash amounts exceeding $10,000 when entering the country. The maximum tax-free cash limit that can be taken out of Ecuador is $1,350, and you may be asked to declare the amount when leaving. If you wish to take more than this amount, you will be required to pay a 3.7% tax (ISD).

Language

Spanish is the official language of Ecuador, and multiple indigenous languages are also recognised. English is widely spoken in tourist centres, so communication should not be a problem for English speakers. However, it is always beneficial to learn some basic phrases in the local language when travelling to a new country.

• Hello – Hola
• Goodbye – Adiós
• Please – Por favor
• Thank you – Gracias
• Excuse me – Perdón
• How much does it cost? – ¿Cuánto cuesta?
• Where is the bathroom? – ¿Dónde está el baño?
• Do you speak English? – ¿Habla inglés?
• I don't speak Spanish – No hablo español
• Can you help me? – ¿Puede ayudarme?

Additionally, if you plan to rent a car or drive in Ecuador, knowing the following Spanish road signs and terms could be helpful:

• Stop – Pare
• Yield – Ceda el paso
• One Way – Un solo sentido
• Detour – Desvío
• Speed Limit – Límite de velocidad
• Gasoline – Gasolina
• Motorway – Autopista
• Toll – Peaje

If you wish to learn more Spanish before your trip, there are plenty of resources available online and in language learning books. You could also consider taking language classes with a qualified instructor.

Furthermore, if you plan to visit any indigenous communities in Ecuador, it would be respectful to learn some basic phrases in their native tongue. Here are some examples in Kichwa, one of the most widely spoken indigenous languages in Ecuador:

• Hello – Rimashni
• Goodbye – Caya
• Please – Tani
• Thank you – Pusanki
• Excuse me – Pusayki

Keep in mind that the level of English proficiency may vary across different regions of Ecuador, so having a basic understanding of Spanish or the local indigenous language can be advantageous.

Frequently asked questions