Ecuador Ends Visa-Free Transit for 45 Countries Amid Border Security Push

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

Ecuador has officially ended visa-free airport transit for passport holders from 45 visa-required countries, mandating the use of a Transit Visa (Visa de Transeúnte) even for brief airport layovers—part of new security measures aimed at combating illegal migration and organized crime.

Effective June 21, 2025, international travelers from specific countries must now obtain a Transit Visa prior to transiting through any Ecuadorian airport. This change eliminates the previous allowance for visa-exempt airport transfers, even if travelers do not exit the international terminal or pass through immigration.

The Transit Visa requirement applies regardless of whether Ecuador is the traveler’s final destination or merely a stopover point. Travelers are urged to check visa requirements in advance to avoid delays or denied boarding.

Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the policy revision aligns with its broader efforts to tighten border security and crack down on human trafficking and transnational crime networks. Officials said the visa control is a necessary step to reduce unauthorized entries and protect national and regional stability.

“This is a targeted move to curb irregular migration routes and uphold Ecuador’s commitment to international security cooperation,” a government spokesperson said.

Travelers from countries that already require a visa to enter Ecuador are now also required to obtain a Transit Visa, even if they are only connecting through an Ecuadorian airport. The full list of 45 affected countries has been published on Ecuador’s immigration portal and includes several nations across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Passengers from impacted countries are advised to apply for the Transit Visa well ahead of their scheduled travel. Airlines may deny boarding to passengers without the required documentation, even for a layover.

The Visa de Transeúnte application process can be initiated online or through Ecuadorian embassies and consulates worldwide. Travelers should prepare all necessary documents and expect standard processing times.

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