Visa Extension

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Visa Extension

How to extend your tourist stay beyond 90 days — the formal ampliación process at the Migración office, without leaving Ecuador.

+90 days

Extension granted

Before expiry

When to apply

Migración office

Where

Once per year

How often

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 (ampliación de visa de turismo) at a Migración (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 Migración 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 Migración 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 Migración, 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.