Ecuador to require tourist visitor visas for Chinese citizens starting July 1, 2024

Ecuador's Foreign Ministry announced the temporary suspension of the visa exemption agreement with China due to the increasing number of Chinese citizens who do not leave the country after their 90-day stay. This measure will take effect on July 1, 2024.

The National Government decided to temporarily suspend the visa exemption agreement because of the unprecedented increase in irregular migratory flows of Chinese citizens in Ecuador. Many Chinese citizens are using Ecuador as a starting point to travel irregularly to other destinations.

The Foreign Ministry's statement highlighted that approximately 50% of Chinese entrants have not left the country through regular channels or within the allowed time frame. As a result, they are either in the country illegally or have left for other destinations through irregular means.

This measure will come into effect on July 1, 2024, as stipulated by Ministerial Agreement 64 signed on June 11, 2024. Chinese citizens will now need to apply for a temporary visitor tourist visa before traveling to Ecuador. The temporary visitor tourist visa is valid for 90 days and can be extended by 90 days while being in Ecuador.

Source: La Hora.