Ecuador Visa Requirements
For 🇯🇵 Japan passport holders
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
At least 1 page required
Multiple Entry
Single entry
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow fever, COVID-19.
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Exercise increased caution in Ecuador. Petty crime including pickpocketing and robbery affects tourists, particularly in Quito (Mariscal district) and Guayaquil. Don't display valuables. Use registered taxis or apps, especially at night. The Colombian border area has travel advisories. Recent civil unrest has affected some areas.
Money & Costs
Currency
$ US Dollar (USD)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $30 · Mid: $70 · Luxury: $180+
Cards & ATMs
Cards accepted in tourist areas. Cash essential elsewhere.
Tipping
Tipping 10% in restaurants is standard unless service is included (look for "servicio incluido"). Hotel porters appreciate $1 per bag. Tour guides typically receive $10-15 per day, Galápagos guides $15-20 per day. Naturalist guides on Galápagos boats expect tips at the end of cruises.
Practical Info
Power
Type A, B, 120V, 60Hz
Driving
Right side
Emergency
Emergency: 911
Mobile/SIM
Buy a SIM card from Claro, Movistar, or CNT stores. Packages cost $10-20 for data and calls. Registration with passport required. Coverage in cities is good, variable in Amazon and highland areas. WhatsApp is the primary communication method.
Getting There
Main Airports
Guayaquil (GYE) · Quito (UIO)
Airport Transfers
Quito Mariscal Sucre (UIO): New airport is 37km from city. Aeroservicios bus to center ($8, 1.5-2 hours). Taxi $25-35 (45 minutes to 1.5 hours). Guayaquil José Joaquín de Olmedo (GYE): Much closer to city. Taxi $5-8 (15-20 minutes). Metrovía bus available.
Local Transport
Domestic flights with TAME, Avianca, or LATAM connect major cities and the Galápagos. Long-distance buses are cheap but long journeys over mountain passes. Quito has trolleybus and ecovía systems. Taxis are cheap - negotiate or use the meter. Uber works in Quito and Guayaquil.
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Coast: Dec-May. Andes: June-September. Amazon: less rainy June-August.
Cultural Notes
Ecuadorians are warm and family-oriented. Greetings involve a kiss on the cheek between women and between men and women. Indigenous heritage is strong, especially in the highlands. "Ecuadorian time" means schedules are flexible. Respect Pachamama (Mother Earth) and local customs at indigenous markets.
Insider Tips
Ecuador uses US dollars - no currency exchange needed. Book Galápagos trips well in advance and budget for the $100 park fee plus transit card. Acclimatize to Quito's altitude (2,850m) before heading higher. Try cuy (guinea pig) and locro de papa for authentic experiences. The country is small but diverse - coast, highlands, and Amazon within hours of each other.
Dress Code
Casual. Layers for highland weather.