Ecuador entry requirements for Sweden passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swedish passport holders can visit Ecuador for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. You get a tourist card on arrival. This policy applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Swedish passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Ecuador. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Ecuadorian law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit | Immigration officers at Quito and Guayaquil routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Officers may request a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a recent bank statement or enough cash to show you can support yourself — around $100 USD per day is a safe benchmark. ATMs are widely available in cities. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you book flights.
Keep a copy of your entry stamp
Take a photo of the entry stamp in your passport. It shows the exact date you entered and the number of days allowed. This helps if you need to prove your legal stay later.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ecuadorian immigration
At Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE) airport, follow signs to 'Migración' or 'Extranjería'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your passport validity, stamp it, and may ask how long you're staying. Answer honestly (up to 90 days).
3
Receive entry stamp
You'll get an entry stamp with the number of days allowed (usually 90). Check it's correct before walking away. Keep the stamp visible in your passport.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from baggage claim, then proceed through customs. No visa or additional forms needed for Swedish passport holders.
Download Ecuador Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Apply at an Ecuadorian embassy before travel. Same conditions as visa-free but may be used if visa-free is not available.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Allows multiple entries within a year. Useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (Visa 12-IX)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$250 USD (approx. 250 USD)
For retirees, investors, or digital nomads. Requires proof of income or investment. Apply at Ecuadorian embassy.
retirement visa
Visa 12-IX for Retirees (Pensionado)
1 year, renewable annually
$250 USD initial fee + $100 USD annual renewal
For retirees with a permanent pension of at least $800 USD/month. Requires proof of pension, criminal record check, and health insurance. Allows permanent residency after 5 years.
digital nomad visa
Visa 12-IX for Digital Nomads (Rentista)
1 year, renewable annually
$250 USD initial fee + $100 USD annual renewal
For remote workers with a stable income of at least $1,200 USD/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. No work permit needed for foreign employers.
investor visa
Visa 12-IX for Investors (Inversionista)
1 year, renewable annually
$500 USD initial fee + $200 USD annual renewal
For investors who invest at least $100,000 USD in Ecuador (real estate, business, or government bonds). Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency.
student visa
Visa 12-VI for Students
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD initial fee + $100 USD annual renewal
For students enrolled in an accredited Ecuadorian institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (not applicable)Visa-free stay is not extendable. Must leave after 90 days. | N/A |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged at $50 per day, with no official cap. Avoid overstaying. | $50 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Ecuador
No transit visa needed
Swedish passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Ecuador, as long as they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsMariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) – Quito · José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) – Guayaquil
Health & vaccines for Ecuador
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in coastal and Amazon regions; use repellent and mosquito nets.
MalariaLow risk
Risk in Amazon basin and some coastal areas; prophylaxis recommended for high-risk zones.
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Quito and highlands are above 2,800m; acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas but present in Amazon provinces (e.g., Orellana, Sucumbíos). Prophylaxis recommended for those regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Quito
Dirección General de Migración
Av. Amazonas y Juan Pablo Sanz, Edificio de la Policía Nacional
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Guayaquil
Oficina de Migración Guayaquil
Av. 9 de Octubre y Pedro Moncayo, Edificio del Gobierno Provincial
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa issues for the coastal region. Expect long queues.
Practical information for SE travellers
Country basics
CapitalQuito
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyUnited States dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New Yorksame timezone
vs Los Angeles+3h
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BTypes A and B, same as US
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa category (e.g., a residency visa) before your 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No, there is no arrival declaration or online pre-registration required for Swedish passport holders. Just show up with your passport and return ticket.
Yes, you can enter and exit multiple times as long as your total stay in Ecuador does not exceed 90 days per entry. Each entry grants a fresh 90-day period if you leave and come back, but immigration may question frequent re-entries.
Report the loss to the local police immediately and get a police report. Then contact the Swedish embassy in Quito (or consulate in Guayaquil) to apply for an emergency passport. You'll need the police report and a copy of your passport if available.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Ecuador can be high. If you need hospital care, you'll pay upfront and claim later. Insurance also covers trip cancellations and theft.
Technically, the tourist visa does not permit work. However, remote work for a foreign employer is generally tolerated for short stays. If you plan to stay longer or work for a local company, you need a proper work visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.