Visa Extension: Difference between revisions
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The nearest Migración office to the Santa Elena Peninsula is in Santa Elena city (the provincial capital). Some processes can also be initiated at the Guayaquil Migración office. Check current office hours before going — they are typically Monday to Friday, business hours, and do not operate on weekends or holidays. | The nearest Migración office to the Santa Elena Peninsula is in Santa Elena city (the provincial capital). Some processes can also be initiated at the Guayaquil Migración office. Check current office hours before going — they are typically Monday to Friday, business hours, and do not operate on weekends or holidays. | ||
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* [[Residency]] — for long-term stays | * [[Residency]] — for long-term stays | ||
* [[Portal:How-to Guides]] — all guides | * [[Portal:How-to Guides]] — all guides | ||
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[[Category:Visas & Legal Status]] | [[Category:Visas & Legal Status]] | ||
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Latest revision as of 07:18, 22 October 2026
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+90 days
Extension granted
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Before expiry
When to apply
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MigraciĂłn office
Where
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Once per year
How often
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Overview
If you want to stay in Ecuador beyond your initial 90-day tourist visa without leaving the country, you can apply for a formal extension (ampliaciĂłn de visa de turismo) at a MigraciĂłn (immigration) office. A successful extension grants an additional 90 days, bringing your total legal stay to 180 days within the calendar year.
This extension can only be done once per 12-month period. After 180 days in the calendar year, you must leave Ecuador, convert to a residency visa, or be in violation of your visa terms.
When to Apply
Apply before your current visa expires. Do not wait until the last day — offices can have queues and documents need to be in order. Apply at least a week before your visa runs out to give yourself margin. Applying after your visa has expired results in a fine before the extension is granted.
Where to Apply on the Santa Elena Coast
The nearest Migración office to the Santa Elena Peninsula is in Santa Elena city (the provincial capital). Some processes can also be initiated at the Guayaquil Migración office. Check current office hours before going — they are typically Monday to Friday, business hours, and do not operate on weekends or holidays.
What to Bring
Requirements can change; verify current requirements at the MigraciĂłn office or with an immigration lawyer. As of recent years, the extension application typically requires:
- Original passport
- Passport copy (photo page + visa/entry stamp page)
- Completed application form (available at the office or online at the Ministerio del Interior website)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement showing $1,000–2,000 is commonly accepted)
- Return ticket or onward travel document
- Payment of the extension fee (confirm current amount at the office)
The Process
- Go to the MigraciĂłn office in Santa Elena (or Guayaquil)
- Take a number and wait to be seen
- Present your documents to the officer
- Pay the fee
- Receive your extension stamp in your passport
In straightforward cases this can be done in a single visit. Complex cases or incomplete documents will require a return trip. Bring originals and copies of everything.
Fines for Overstaying
If you remain in Ecuador beyond your visa term without authorization, you will owe a fine when you leave. Fines are assessed per day of overstay and must be paid before you are allowed to exit. The fine amount varies; do not overstay.
Alternative: Visa Run
If the extension process seems complicated or you prefer not to deal with MigraciĂłn, leaving Ecuador and re-entering resets your 90-day clock (though days still count toward your 180-day annual cap). See Visa Runs for practical details.
See Also
- Tourist Visa (T-3) — the initial 90-day entry
- Visa Runs — leaving and re-entering as an alternative
- Residency — for long-term stays
- Portal:How-to Guides — all guides