Visas

Most nationalities will need a visa to enter Ecuador. You can get a tourist visa at the airport or the border when entering the country. Depending on your nationality, you will be permitted to stay for a period of 60 or 90 days with the option to get an extension at the Migration Office in Cuenca.

It is also possible to apply for a work, student, business, intercultural exchange, or residence visa. Although extensions are possible, it is not advisable to overstay the length of your visa for this could result in fines and penalties. 

Depending on the type and duration of the CEDEI program that you are enrolled in, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa prior to leaving your home country. In the event that the proper visa cannot be obtained in time, it is possible to make the necessary arrangements while here in Cuenca. The members of the CEDEI staff from the International Department will give you the proper materials and instructions approximately one month before the start of the program so that you may successfully apply for the appropriate visa. For group programs longer than 90 days, the student will need a 12-VIII Intercultural Exchange Visa. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section of our web page for more information.