Ecuador

Oversigt

Ecuador suffers from high crime levels and has limited police and judicial resources, which combined present the biggest risks to visitors and residents. Ecuador has no history of substantial guerrilla movements within the country, although FARC rebel activity has occasionally spilled over the Colombian border. Serious organised crime, corruption, kidnappings and micro-security risks remain abundant and continue to pose serious threats to individuals inside Ecuador.

Sundhed, sygdomme og vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist of general practitioner (GP) at least four to eight weeks prior to departure.

It is essential to check that all vaccinations are up to date including tetanus-diphtheria and measles, mumps and rubella. Vaccinations against hepatitis A&B and typhoid are recommended.

Malaria prophylaxis in the form of lariam, malarone or doxyciclyne is recommended for all travellers except those travelling solely to Quito, Guayaquil, the Galápagos Islands or other areas of an altitude above 1500m.

A Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers visiting areas east of the Andes, all provinces of the Amazon Basin and coastal regions. If you have recently visited a known infected region or country you will be required to provide a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Ecuador.

Ecuador has experienced outbreaks of dengue fever that have mainly been concentrated in its coastal regions. There is no current vaccination against dengue fever and it is advisable to use insect repellent at all times. Clothing that does not expose the skin also reduces the likelihood of being bitten.

Travellers likely to have direct contact with animals or visit areas without immediate medical access are advised to have the rabies vaccination.

Some travellers may experience altitude sickness, especially if flying into Quito or arriving in other Andean settlements. A period of two to four days for acclimatization is recommended. Travellers should stay well hydrated and avoid vigorous activity during this time.

It is advisable to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance prior to travel.

Good medical care is available in the cities but very limited in rural areas, including the Galápagos Islands. As well as hospitals, Ecuador’s large towns and cities are well served by pharmacies. Some pharmacies operate 24-hours and supply many US and European pharmaceuticals.

Some hospitals in Quito and Guayaquil are considered to have good international standards

Hospital Metropolitano de Quito
Avenue Mariana De Jesus
+593 2-399-8000

Hospital Luis Vernaza de Guayaquil
Loja No. 700 y Escobedo
+593 4-256-0300

Pas

Visitors to Ecuador must be travelling on a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country.

Visum

Most foreign nationals are permitted to visit Ecuador without a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days. If you are planning to stay for longer, you should apply for a visa. 

It is possible to extend your 90 days for a further 90 days (before the first period expires) only once and by paying a fee. If you want to apply for another type of visa and change your immigration status, you can do so at the Ecuadorean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility before the 90 or 180 days expires.

As of January 2019, permanent and temporary resident visas will be issued electronically. The online visa will be sent by email to be printed out. The immigration authorities will have access to online visa records.

If travelling to the Galapagos Islands, you should provide a copy of their hotel booking or an invitation letter from the host. Maximum stay in this region, as a tourist, is 60 days.

Those visiting Ecuador for non-travel related purposes must inquire about their specific visa requirements with their diplomatic mission or local Ecuadorian consulate/embassy.

For additional information visit TLCS at http://www.tlcsvisas.com/tlcs/