Frequently asked questions about the Republic of Ecuador

Many foreign nationals do not need to apply for a visa to Ecuador if you are planning a short-term trip not exceeding 90 days. This applies to countries in Europe, North and South America, Australia and a number of other selected countries.

You can stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days if you are traveling for tourism or business purposes. An extended tourist visa allows you to stay in Ecuador for up to 180 days. If you plan to study or work, the corresponding visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 2 years with the possibility of extension.

To travel to Ecuador with children you will need: child's passport valid for at least 6 months, Birth Certificate. If the child is traveling without parents - Consent from both parents, or legal guardian(s). Power of attorney for the accompanying person, if the child is traveling accompanied by a third person.

The cost of a visa to Ecuador varies depending on the type of visa, purpose and duration of stay, as well as the nationality of the applicant and possible additional services.

Before traveling to Ecuador, it is mandatory to take out medical insurance, which should provide coverage for emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation in case of serious illness or injury.

There are no mandatory immunizations to visit Ecuador. However, vaccinations against yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, tetanus and measles are recommended before traveling.

Ecuador allows entry with pets. For this purpose, it is necessary to have the animal vaccinated and fully examined beforehand, to make all the necessary marks in the accompanying documents, and to present an international veterinary certificate upon entry into Ecuador.

Ecuador has many interesting things to do and places to visit. You can travel through the Andes, see active volcanoes and visit highland towns. In the Amazon rainforest you can discover unique flora and fauna, and in the Galapagos Islands you can observe amazing animals. Opportunities for rafting, kayaking and trekking await lovers of outdoor activities. It is also worth tasting Ecuador's famous coffee and chocolate, visiting colonial towns and relaxing on the beautiful beaches of the Pacific coast.

Ecuador is a multilingual country, with Spanish as the official language. In addition to Spanish, various Amerindian languages are widely spoken in Ecuador: Quechua, Shuar and other local dialects.

You can easily travel in transit through Ecuador. The main airports of the country are equipped with convenient transit areas and everything necessary for a comfortable stay of passengers. Conditions that allow you to transit without a visa to Ecuador:

• Transit time at the airport of Ecuador does not exceed 24 hours.
• The passenger does not leave the transit area of the airport.
• You have valid documents for the final destination.

The name of the capital of Ecuador is Quito or San Francisco de Quito. Quito is the second most populous city after Guayaquil. This political, economic and cultural center of Ecuador is named after the ancient Quito Indian tribe.

Ecuador's climate is varied and differs in different geographical regions of the country.

• Amazonian Jelva: humid tropical climate with high temperatures up to 35°C.
• Andes: temperate climate with significant diurnal temperature variations from 10 to 20°C.
• Galapagos Islands: subtropical climate with warm weather throughout the year, temperatures 20-35°C.
• Ecuadorian coast: warm, humid climate with moderate temperatures throughout the year, temperatures 24-30°C.

Ecuador is one of the most unique countries in South America. Its territory includes the majestic Andes with numerous volcanoes, the tropical Amazon with rich nature and indigenous tribes, a long sea coast and mountain resorts, as well as the famous Galapagos Islands - a unique natural reserve.

The main religion in Ecuador is Christianity, with Catholicism being the largest, a legacy of the Spanish colonial period. There are also small religious minorities such as Eastern Orthodoxy, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism and Islam.

The national currency of Ecuador is the United States dollar (USD), and it is used as the unit of payment throughout the country. This greatly simplifies financial matters for foreign tourists, making Ecuador a more accessible and attractive destination.

Like many other countries, Ecuador celebrates public and religious holidays with colorful parades and festivals, as well as religious and family rituals. Major holidays include New Year's Day, Independence Day, Constitution Day, Labor Day, Good Friday, Matanza Day and Immaculate Conception Day, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, and Inti Raymi.

Ecuador has a well-developed bus system, with so-called “express” buses popular for intercity travel. Another common mode of transportation is the cab, a relatively inexpensive and popular means of transportation. In some parts of the country, “tricycles” are also popular. In addition, there are some active railroad routes in the country, the most famous being the Cast Iron Way connecting the cities of Quito and Guayaquil.

Internet and mobile communications in Ecuador are quite developed. The main mobile operators are Claro, Movistar and CNT. Many hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, airports and other public places provide tourists with free Wi-Fi.

The cuisine of Ecuador is a unique symbiosis of Spanish, Indian and African traditions. Corn flour dishes and potatoes in various variations are popular here. The coastal zones of Ecuador are famous for the abundance of seafood. Ecuador is also known for high quality coffee and cocoa.

Popular souvenirs and products to bring back from Ecuador include alpaca wool products, hammocks and panamas, ceramic and wooden souvenirs, coffee and chocolate, and traditional fabrics and textiles.