Understanding Ecuador’s new visa and cédula system

By Garry Vatcher

For those of us who have lived in Ecuador for a while, we know a familiar pattern: new processes and rules are introduced to solve a problem… but often end up creating new ones. And if we are patient enough, sometimes those changes are eventually corrected.

But it has now been seven long months since the new visa and cédula system was implemented — and if anything, things seem to be getting worse, not better.

A System with Potential… but Poor Execution
Although no official explanation has been clearly communicated, changes were needed. The new system does have the potential to fix many of the inefficiencies of the past. However, the lack of communication, transparency, and coordination has turned what could have been a solution into a near disaster.

At a time when Ecuador needs foreign investment, this may be one of the most poorly implemented systems we have seen — and it could cost the country millions.

Entry Is Easy… Staying Is Not
To be fair, Ecuador is still one of the easiest countries to enter. Compared to other nations where visas can take years, here you can enter with a 90-day visa on arrival and extend it to 180 days. In that sense, Ecuador remains generous.

But the problem begins when people want to stay long-term.

The Real Problem: Delays and Bureaucracy
The basic requirements for residency have not changed significantly. What has changed is:

• Excessive wait times
• Unclear and shifting requirements
• Limited or no communication

Applicants can wait months for a response, only to be told their documents are incorrect, and then be given 10 days to fix the issue. For many, this is impossible. Obtaining documents from another country, translating them, and getting them apostilled in 10 days is not realistic — it’s something that would challenge even the most efficient systems. Although some have received extensions, it is not guaranteed.

We are hearing more and more cases where people:

• Cannot meet deadlines
• Decide to leave the country
• Then face fines for overstaying at the airport

And the challenges don’t stop there.

Cédula Renewals: A Growing Crisis
Even those already living here are being affected. Renewing a cédula or transferring a visa to a new passport has become extremely difficult. Based on what we are hearing, very few approvals have been processed in the past seven months.

This is not a small issue.

In Ecuador, everything depends on your cédula:

• Banking
• Rentals
• Legal processes
• Medical and financial access

If your cédula expires, you can lose access to essential services.

Imagine:

• Not being able to access your bank account
• Not being able to renew a debit card
• Not being able to sign legal documents
• Not being able to grant power of attorney in an emergency

All because of delays in the system.

Understanding the Intent
We do understand the reasons behind tightening the system.

In recent years, there have been cases of individuals entering Ecuador with criminal backgrounds and taking advantage of weak controls. Removing in-person processing may reduce corruption and bribery.

But the solution cannot come at the cost of paralyzing the system for everyone else.

Why This Matters
As a foundation that depends heavily on the expat community, the Fundación Hogar de Esperanza is deeply concerned.

Many expats are now facing difficult decisions about whether to stay or leave Ecuador. At a time when:

• Donations are already under pressure
• Global economic uncertainty is high
• Demand for our services is increasing

This added instability is something we and many other organizations simply cannot afford.

Taking Action
Fundación Hogar de Esperanza has requested a meeting with the Zonal Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Civil Registry and the Tourism Office. In the meantime, we are moving forward with a formal request for review and propose practical solutions, including:

• No fines for individuals whose visa applications are delayed or denied
• Temporary documentation extending cédula validity during processing

What has your experience been? How has this system affected you?
We want to hear from you. On July 29, we will present Visa Transfers and Cedula Renewals at our weekly expat gathering, Afternoon at the Hogar from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. We start off with a presentation on a topic and then after we have a social time where you can meet new people, enjoy a coffee, tea and light snack, play board games with your friends, get books, meet the staff, and ask questions There is no fee to attend.

To pre-register, you can contact Patricia at contact@hogaresperanza.org or sign up here.

If you cannot attend and would like updates or wish to share your experience, please contact Patricia.

A Shared Future
Ecuador is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Many of us have chosen to make it our home. Despite rising challenges: crime, cost of living, and economic pressures-we are still here because we believe in this country and its people.

This is our home.

And we believe that by working together, and by communicating these challenges clearly, the government will be open to improving the system.
________________

Garry Vatcher is president and founder of Foundation Hogar de Esperanza. He has been coming to Ecuador since 1987 and permanently moved to Cuenca 12 years ago. The foundation provides emergency assistance to thousands of people each year. With his guidance, the foundation has forged alliances with some of Ecuador’s major institutions including hospitals, the National Police, Amazon communities, universities, and governments. The foundation has received numerous awards and recognition for its work from local and international bodies. For information about all Foundation Hogar de Esperanza projects, go to https://hogaresperanza.org