Navigating Ecuador's Tourist Entry: A Facilitator's Guide to a Stress-Free Arrival

Your initial entry into Ecuador is typically handled with a tourist stamp, often called a "T-3" stamp, in your passport. While this seems straightforward, the nuances can be a source of anxiety. This guide aims to cut through the confusion and provide clarity on what to expect for a smooth arrival.

The T-3 tourist stamp is the standard, legal way for citizens of many countries to enter Ecuador for up to 90 days. Understanding its limitations, the extension process, and critical mistakes to avoid is paramount for a smooth journey.

The "90 Days in a Calendar Year" Rule, Demystified

The core principle governing your tourist stay is now simpler: you are granted an initial 90-day stay upon entry, which can be extended once for an additional 90 days, for a total of 180 days within a calendar year (January 1st to December 31st). Once you've used your 180 days, you cannot re-enter as a tourist until the next calendar year begins.

• Example: You arrive on February 1st and stay for 90 days. You then apply for and receive a 90-day extension, departing in late July. You have now used your 180 days for the year and cannot re-enter as a tourist until January 1st of the following year. It is crucial to track your days meticulously.

The Entry Process: What to Expect at the Airport

Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre (UIO) in Quito or José Joaquín de Olmedo (GYE) in Guayaquil, you will proceed to Migración (Immigration). The process is generally efficient, but preparation is key.

Required Documents for Immigration:

1. Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
2. Proof of Onward or Return Travel: This is the most common point of friction, but often not with Ecuadorian immigration itself. Airlines are often stricter than Ecuadorian officials and may deny boarding at your departure city if you cannot produce a printed or digital copy of a flight ticket showing you will exit Ecuador within 90 days.
3. Proof of Sufficient Funds (Discretionary): Immigration officers can ask for proof that you can support yourself. While rarely requested, having a recent digital bank statement on your phone is a simple way to be prepared.

The Stamp:

The officer will place a T-3 stamp in your passport. Critically, you must check the stamp before leaving the counter. While 90 days is standard, an officer can, at their discretion, grant a shorter period. If it's blank or unclear, politely ask, "¿Son noventa días, por favor?" (Is it ninety days, please?) to confirm. Leaving the counter is tacit acceptance of what is stamped in your passport.

Extending Your Tourist Stay: The Prórroga

If 90 days isn't enough, you can apply for a one-time, 90-day extension called a Prórroga. This process must be initiated before your initial 90 days expire.

The Process for a Prórroga:

This is handled by the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana. The process is almost entirely online now.

Steps for a Prórroga:

1. Online Application: You must create an account and submit your application through the official government virtual portal.
2. Required Documents (Scanned):
   • Color copy of your passport's biographical page.
   • Color copy of the page with your T-3 entry stamp.
   • Certificado de Movimiento Migratorio: This is an official record of your entries and exits. You must request this certificate in person at a Migración office. The cost is minimal (around $5 USD), but it's a non-skippable step.
3. Pay the Fee: After your documents are reviewed online, you will receive a payment order (orden de pago). The current government fee for the Prórroga is one-third of a Salario Básico Unificado (SBU). For 2024, this is $153.33 USD. This fee must be paid at a designated bank, and you must upload the receipt to the portal to finalize the process.

The Prórroga is not a visa; it simply extends your tourist status. It grants no right to work or establish residency.

What Your Tourist Status Absolutely Does Not Allow

Misunderstanding this can jeopardize any future residency plans. On a tourist stamp or Prórroga, you cannot:

• Work: This includes remote work for a foreign company while physically present in Ecuador. You are not authorized to earn income here. The SRI (Ecuador's tax authority) considers income earned while you are physically in the country to be Ecuadorian-source, creating potential tax liability and visa violations if not handled with a proper residency visa.
• Open a Bank Account: Most banks require a cédula (national ID card), which is only available to residents.
• Get a Driver's License: You can drive on your foreign license for the duration of your legal tourist stay, but you cannot obtain an Ecuadorian license.
• Establish Residency: This is a temporary status. Overstaying is a serious violation.

Facilitator's Step-by-Step Checklist for Smooth Entry

1. Six-Month Passport Check: Verify your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date.
2. Book & Print Onward Ticket: Have proof of your flight out of Ecuador within 90 days. A physical copy is wise.
3. Prepare Digital Documents: Have a photo of your passport and a recent bank statement saved to your phone's files.
4. At Immigration: Present your passport. Only offer the onward ticket if requested. Be polite and concise.
5. VERIFY THE STAMP: Before walking away, check your passport stamp for the "90 días" notation.
6. Calendar Your Exit: The moment you settle in, put your 90-day exit date in your calendar with a two-week reminder to plan your departure or begin the Prórroga process.

⚠️ Facilitator's Warning: The $920 Mistake You Must Avoid

The single most damaging administrative error you can make is overstaying your tourist permission. The consequences are not trivial and have become strictly enforced.

• The Fine is Severe: The penalty for overstaying is a multa (fine) equivalent to two Salarios Básicos Unificados (SBU). For 2024, the SBU is $460, making the overstay fine a painful $920 USD. You will be barred from leaving the country until this fine is paid in full.
• Immigration "Black Mark": An overstay creates a negative immigration history, which can disqualify you or significantly complicate future applications for residency visas.

Do not gamble with your dates. The system is computerized, and your status is tracked automatically from the moment your passport is scanned.

Embracing Your Ecuadorian Journey with Confidence

Entering Ecuador as a tourist is the start of a wonderful adventure. By understanding the real-world mechanics of the process—from the airline's check-in desk to the details of the Prórroga application—you can navigate your arrival with the calm assurance of a seasoned traveler.

By replacing bureaucratic anxiety with clear, actionable intelligence, you can ensure your journey is seamless.