At a Glance
- UPDATE June 28, 2024: Immigration processing has normalized and applications are being adjudicated in their standard processing times.
- UPDATE January 15, 2024: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility and other governmental agencies have reopened. However, due to ongoing security concerns, most Ministry branches, including in Quito and Guayaquil, currently are operating with reduced staff. Employers and foreign nationals can again submit initial or renewal visas and other immigration-related applications in Ecuador but should expect some processing delays until the situation normalizes.
- Escalating violence and security concerns in Ecuador are limiting mobility and causing immigration service disruptions.
- Due to security concerns, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility has closed all its branches.
- Employers and foreign nationals will not be able to submit initial or renewal visa applications in Ecuador and will not receive adjudications on their applications until the Ministry reopens.
- Service disruptions and processing delays for all other immigration-related applications can also be expected until the situation normalizes.
- Fragomen is working with affected clients on a case-by-case basis.
The situation
Escalating violence in certain parts of Ecuador, including Quito and Guayaquil, is causing limited mobility and immigration service disruptions.
Background
On January 8, 2024, the Ecuadorian President declared a 60-day national state of emergency following prison riots and other violent incidents across the country. On January 9, 2024, the government also declared a state of internal armed conflict. The government has also implemented a national daily curfew between 23:00 and 5:00 (local time) until further notice, with certain exceptions such as for essential workers and individuals with a scheduled flight traveling to and from airports.
A closer look
- UPDATE January 15, 2024 - Government closures. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility and other governmental agencies have reopened. However, due to ongoing security concerns, most Ministry branches, including in Quito and Guayaquil, currently are operating with reduced staff.
- UPDATE January 10, 2024 - Government closures. Due to security concerns, governmental agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility (which issues all work visas in Ecuador) have closed until further notice.
- UPDATE January 11, 2024 - Consular operations. Some consular posts in Ecuador, including the Chinese Embassy and consulate, have closed until further notice. Others, such as the U.S. Embassy, are canceling appointments and limiting their operations. Affected individuals should regularly check with their specific consular post for operational updates.
- Mobility impacts. Security concerns, as well as the mandated curfew, are also limiting the public's (including Fragomen's) ability to transit and visit government and business offices, among other immigration-related disruptions.
Impact
- UPDATE January 15, 2024 – Visa submission and adjudications resume. Employers and foreign nationals can again submit initial or renewal visas and other immigration-related applications in Ecuador but should expect some processing delays until the situation normalizes.
- UPDATE January 10, 2024 - Visa submissions and adjudications suspended. During this time, employers and foreign nationals will not be able to submit any initial or renewal visa applications in Ecuador (including Appointed Worker Visas, Work Contract Visas and Mercosur Visas) and will not receive adjudications on their applications until the Ministry reopens.
- Passport return delays. Foreign nationals who submitted their original passport with an application at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility can expect delays in retrieving their passport and may therefore face travel restrictions until the Ministry reopens, as currently there is no way to retrieve original documents from the Ministry.
- General processing delays. Employers and foreign nationals can also expect service disruptions and processing delays for all other immigration-related applications, including notarization and legalization of documents and issuance of local Identity Cards until the situation normalizes.
- International travel. Travel to and from Ecuador's airports remains open as of January 11, 2024. UPDATE January 11, 2024: However, certain airlines are canceling certain flights to Ecuador (mainly to Guayaquil). We recommend travelers check with their airlines for the most up-to-date status of flights. Additionally, travelers can expect lengthy transfer times to and from airports and delays at airports.
Looking ahead
Fragomen is working with affected clients on a case-by-case basis.
Given the nature of the situation, affected foreign nationals and employers should remain abreast of the latest available information and safety measures.
We are monitoring the situation and will report on relevant developments.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.