Starting January 16, 2025, the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito has rolled out biometric E-gates for passengers departing on international flights. These gates have been in use for international arrivals since December 2023.

The E-gates streamline immigration processes for Ecuadorian citizens traveling internationally, significantly reducing wait times and cutting down long lines at traditional immigration counters.

Who Can Use the Biometric Gates?

The E-gates are available for Ecuadorian citizens who meet the following criteria:

• Are of legal age.

• Possess an electronic or biometric passport or a valid Ecuadorian ID (cédula).

How to Use the E-Gates

1. Start the process: Tap the touchscreen and press "Start."

2. Scan your boarding pass: Use the QR code on your pass.

3. Choose your ID: Select whether to use your cédula or passport, then scan the MRZ code (found in the bottom-right section of these documents).

4. Facial verification: The system will take a photo of your face to validate your identity.

If everything checks out with no issues or alerts, the gates will open, allowing you to continue your journey. Otherwise, the screen will direct you to a nearby immigration counter for assistance from a migration officer.

Destinations and Document Requirements

• With ID (cédula): Direct flights to Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Peru.

• With Passport Only: Flights to Venezuela, Suriname, and Guyana.

Important: If your trip involves a layover in countries like Panama, a passport is mandatory, even if your final destination is one of the countries where a cédula is accepted.

Biometric Gates for International Arrivals

For travelers arriving in Ecuador, the biometric gates can be used regardless of the origin of their flight.

Quick and Convenient

According to Quiport, the airport’s operator, the entire biometric gate process takes between 30 seconds and one minute per traveler.

The introduction of these gates marks a significant step forward in improving efficiency and convenience for passengers at Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport.

Source: Primicias.

On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, Quiport announced that the Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito will resume its expansion to "improve the passenger experience and increase operational capacity."

In November 2019, the expansion of the passenger terminal began but was interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Quiport, the investment amounts to USD 74.2 million. Of this amount, USD 19.1 million has already been spent, and USD 55.1 million is "yet to be executed."

There are four levels in the terminal expansion, which is an additional 25% and will be carried out between 2024 and 2025:

Level 0:

- Expansion of technical rooms and storage areas

Level 1:

- Expansion of the public arrivals hall

- Baggage claim area

- Increase in the capacity of international baggage carousels

- Reconfiguration of the Customs area

- Expansion of the duty-free store and baggage handling system

Level 2:

- Expansion of the public departures hall

- Passenger check-in area with 20 new counters and 12 self-check-in machines

- Pre-boarding lounge for 350 passengers

- New dining spaces

- Expansion of the international departure duty-free store

Level 3:

- Expansion of the international VIP lounge

Due to maintenance work on its sole runway, Quito International Airport will suspend its operations from 02:00 to 12:00 on May 18 (Saturday). The passenger terminal will remain open during these hours.

The flights that cannot land or depart will be rescheduled in coordination with the airlines.

Future closures

Operations at the airport will also be suspended on June 1, June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, September 7, September 14 and September 21.