Living in Ecuador
Source: gov.uk (2025-07-23)

Information for British citizens moving to or living in Ecuador, including guidance on residency, healthcare and emergencies.

This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Ecuador. Read about how our Embassy in Quito (https://www.gov.uk/world/ecuador) can help.

This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Ecuadorean authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.

Support for British Nationals Abroad: A Guide (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad) sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.

Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/moving-or-retiring-abroad).

To stay up to date: follow the British Embassy Quito on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ukinecuador) and X (https://x.com/ukinecuador)

Before you go

See our travel advice for Ecuador (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ecuador) for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.

Visas and residency

Check the entry requirements for Ecuador (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ecuador/entry-requirements) in our travel advice.

British nationals are not required to obtain an Ecuadorean visa to visit Ecuador as tourists for short stays of 90 days or less. There is also the possibility to extend this period for a further 90 days (within a 12-month period). If you are planning to stay for longer, you must apply for a visa from an Ecuadorean Embassy before your arrival in the country.

Read the Ecuador immigration policy (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ecuador-immigration-policy) for further information and contact details of the relevant immigration authorities in Ecuador.

Follow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility´s website Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (https://www.gob.ec/tramites/buscar?search_api_fulltext=VISAs) or social media account for more information on permanent and temporary visas: Cancillería Ecuador (https://www.facebook.com/CancilleriaEcuador/?_rdr)

There is a new Ecuadorean e-visa system. You can now apply through Servicios Digitales (https://serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec/authentication)

Check the Ecuadorean National Customs (https://www.aduana.gob.ec/servicio-al-ciudadano/) page to see what products and/or quantities can enter Ecuador via air and land.

To obtain an Ecuadorean residence visa, you will need to provide a criminal records certificate from all the countries you have lived in during the last 5 years.

The police certificate needs to be legalised (“apostilled”) in the UK, by the FCDO´s Legalisation Office (https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised), otherwise it will not be accepted by the local Ecuadorean authorities. The British Embassy Quito cannot legalise documents issued in the United Kingdom. The Ecuadorean authorities also require the police certificate to be officially translated. You can check our list of local translators (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/translators-interpreters) in Ecuador.

The Data Protection Act and The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives you the right to access recorded information held by public sector organisations (https://www.gov.uk/make-a-freedom-of-information-request)

To obtain a police certificate please visit the ACRO police website (https://www.acro.police.uk/s/). There is an online application service. This certificate can be sent to a UK or worldwide address.

You can legalise your police certificate, apply and pay online: FCDO´s Legalisation Office (https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised). The police certificate can be an e-Apostille, which is done online if the certificate is already certified by a UK solicitor/notary). Alternatively, a paper-based apostille requires you to send the certificate to the FCDO´s Legalisation Office and pay any additional courier fees.

Passports and travel

You can apply for or renew your British passport from Ecuador (https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports).

Check the Ecuador travel advice (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ecuador/entry-requirements) for passport validity requirements.

Healthcare in Ecuador

Healthcare is widely available in Ecuador, but access to healthcare outside Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca can be limited. Healthcare in public hospitals is free. Private healthcare is available nationwide, and prices can vary substantially. If travelling and/or living in Ecuador, it is highly advisable to obtain private medical insurance. Private hospitals may require payment prior to giving treatment to patients.

The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) (https://www.salud.gob.ec/) manages the Ecuadorean national healthcare system in Ecuador ‘sistema nacional de salud’. This includes public hospitals and health centres, which are complemented by the private sector. Public health centres/hospitals are classified in 4 levels of attention:

level 1: preventative-promotional-healthcare

level 2: basic and general hospitals for outpatient and inpatient treatment (involving some mental health units)

level 3: specialised hospitals for complex treatment (including psychiatric treatment and drug/alcohol addiction rehabilitation); and level 4 - medical research

level 4: medical research

For mental health assistance, check our Ecuador Mental Health Support for British Nationals (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ecuador-mental-health-support-for-british-nationals/ecuador-mental-health-support-for-british-nationals) guide. This also includes useful Helplines, with English speaking counsellors.

A new mobility law demands a private or public health insurance for all foreign residents. IESS social insurance affiliation is accepted. More information on this system can be found on the IESS website (https://www.iess.gob.ec/).

In health emergencies, involving either residents or tourists, you should call 911. Patients in a critical condition must be assisted, with or without an ID, by any hospital whether public or private, until they are stabilised. Patients in a private hospital without medical insurance can be transferred to the nearest public hospital once they are no longer at risk.

The Ministry of Public Health (https://www.salud.gob.ec/) has different channels to get medical appointments:
- ‘agendamiento de cita médica’ (https://www.salud.gob.ec/agendamiento-de-citas-medicas/) except for emergencies by dialling 171 option 1 (toll free)
- by WhatsApp (https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?phone=593961171171&text=Hola&app_absent=0)
- through the “citas” website (https://www.citas.med.ec/)
- though the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SaludEcuador)
- through the ‘SaludEc’ telephone app
We have compiled a list of English speaking private medical practitioners in Ecuador (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ecuador-list-of-hospitals--2) and a list of hospitals in Ecuador (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ecuador-list-of-hospitals).

More information on hospitalisation in Ecuador (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ecuador-hospitalisation-information-pack) is available.

Be aware that UK travel insurance providers will generally not cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.

Medicine

If you are on a prescription for any medication, you should ensure you have a supply of it or check that you can obtain it when in Ecuador. Certain medicines may not be available in Ecuador (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Ecuador to find out about any alternative medication.

Medication, vitamins and food supplements entering Ecuador must have their respective medical prescription. In the case of food supplements, the limit is 4kg. For more Information, check the Servicio Nacional de Aduana del Ecuador website (https://www.aduana.gob.ec/servicio-al-ciudadano/).

Read the guidance if you need to travel with medicines (https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/medicines/can-i-take-my-medicine-abroad/).

Working in Ecuador

If you are planning to move to Ecuador and work, you will need a visa. Read the Ecuadorean government’s guidance and requirements for getting a work visa for Ecuador as a foreign national (https://www.gob.ec/mremh/tramites/concesion-visa-residencia-temporal-trabajo-actividades-laborales-relacion-dependencia) (in Spanish).

Studying in Ecuador

If you plan to study in Ecuador, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel. Please read the Ecuadorean government’s official website (https://www.gob.ec/mremh/tramites/concesion-visa-residencia-temporal-estudiante) (in Spanish) for more information.

Tax

You should get professional advice on paying tax in Ecuador. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Ecuador (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/lawyers)

Further guidance is available on the following:

tax if you leave the UK to live abroad (https://www.gov.uk/tax-right-retire-abroad-return-to-uk)

tax on your UK income if you live abroad (https://www.gov.uk/tax-uk-income-live-abroad/taxed-twice)

tax if you get a pension and live abroad (https://www.gov.uk/tax-on-pension/tax-when-you-live-abroad)

paying National Insurance while abroad (https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance-if-you-go-abroad) to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.

Benefits

Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad (https://www.gov.uk/uk-benefits-abroad) and how to claim them.

Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.

Pensions

Read state pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/state-pension-if-youve-lived-in-australia-canada-or-new-zealand) and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.

If you retire in Ecuador, you can claim your UK state pension (https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-if-you-retire-abroad) or new UK State Pension (https://www.gov.uk/new-state-pension). Contact the International Pension Centre (https://www.gov.uk/international-pension-centre) for further information.

Life certificates for UK State Pensions

If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service (https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-if-you-retire-abroad/report-a-change-in-your-circumstances), you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.

You may need to contact a local notary as the British Embassy does not offer this service.

Postal system

In 2020, Correos del Ecuador closed their operations. In December 2021, Servicios Postales del Ecuador (SPE) (https://sipostal.serviciopostal.gob.ec/) took over the postal system in Ecuador with a new operating model. If you are expecting post in Ecuador, you can check the SPE website (https://sipostal.serviciopostal.gob.ec/Navegacion/Consulta) to see if you have post in your name awaiting collection. If you do, you will need to register an account (https://sipostal.serviciopostal.gob.ec/Account/Registro), select the collection/delivery method and pay the corresponding fee.

For more information you can check their frequent questions (https://sipostal.serviciopostal.gob.ec/Navegacion/PreguntasFrecuentes), or contact them on: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Accommodation and buying property

See buying a property abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-for-buying-property-abroad).

Driving in Ecuador

You can drive for up to 6 months using a UK driving licence, from your entry date to Ecuador. Carry a colour copy of your British passport (photo page and visa/entry stamp page) with you at all times when driving.

You can drive with a valid International Driving Licence for the same tourist permit period. To apply for an Ecuadorean/International driving licence in Ecuador you must be a temporary/permanent resident in Ecuador and have Ecuadorean ID (cédula de identidad)

In order to exchange your UK driving licence for an Ecuadorean driving licence you will need to present a certificate from your UK issuing office e.g. DVLA (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/driver-and-vehicle-licensing-agency) confirming the validity and type of licence you hold. A copy of this document will need to be certified, signed and dated by a UK solicitor or notary, then sent to the FCDO´s Legalisation Office (https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised) for it’s legalisation. Alternatively, you can apply for an Ecuadorean driving licence if you have temporary/permanent residency and have Ecuadorean ID (cédula de identidad).

For further information on other requirements to obtain the Ecuadorean driving licence in Ecuador and how to get the relevant permissions for your vehicle, please visit Ecuador’s National Transit Agency (https://www.gob.ec/ant/tramites/canje-licencia-conducir-extranjera-ecuatoriana) website or contact the International Licence Department: Tel. xx-xxxx-xxxx (main line).

The SPPAT (https://www.sppat.gob.ec/servicios/) is a mandatory vehicle insurance established by law that guarantees the immediate attention of road accident victims, injured and dead. More information also through their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SPPAT.Oficial)

About driving abroad see https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad

Guidance for travelling by road in Ecuador see https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ecuador/safety-and-security

If you wish to take your vehicle with you, see https://www.gov.uk/taking-vehicles-out-of-uk

Disabled drivers

If you have a UK Blue Badge (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/blue-badge-scheme) and live in Ecuador, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.

Voting

Foreign nationals can vote in Ecuador after being legal residents in Ecuador for a minimum of 5 years. You should approach your nearest Consejo Nacional Electoral (https://www.cne.gob.ec/) to register.

You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:

check if you are able to vote (https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/overseas-voters)

register as an overseas voter (https://www.gov.uk/voting-when-abroad)

Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership

Births

If your child is born in Ecuador you should register the birth with the local authorities at the nearest Civil Registry Office (https://www.registrocivil.gob.ec). You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK consular birth certificate (https://www.gov.uk/register-a-birth)

If your child is entitled to British nationality (https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-british-parent), you can register with the UK authorities by applying for a UK consular birth certificate (https://www.gov.uk/register-birth-abroad) although this is optional. Likewise, this is not a requirement for a British passport application (https://www.gov.uk/get-a-child-passport/first-child-passport).

Deaths

If someone dies in Ecuador read our guidance on:

what to do if someone dies abroad (https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death/death-abroad)

bereavement guidance for Ecuador (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ecuador-bereavement-information-pack/ecuador-bereavement-information)

English-speaking funeral directors in Ecuador (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ecuador-list-of-funeral-directors/ecuador-funeral-directors)

Marriage and civil partnership

Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad (https://www.gov.uk/marriage-abroad).

Pets

To enter or leave Ecuador with a pet, please check the government control agency Agrocalidad website (https://www.agrocalidad.gob.ec) and the information of the country you are planning to travel to with your pet.

Emergencies

Ecuador has an Emergency Integrated Response Service (ECU 911) to respond to any emergency incidents that may require immediate assistance. Call 911 to report an emergency (assistance in English available). Consider using ECU 911 (https://www.ecu911.gob.ec/app-ecu-911/) free smartphone application to register any medical issues and to report various types of emergencies involving yourself or others for emergency assistance.

You can contact the British Embassy´s consular services online (https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-in-ecuador) for general information on available support. There are

If you are a British national in Ecuador and are a victim of crime, have been arrested, hospitalised or affected by a crisis and need urgent help contact the British Embassy Quito (https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-in-ecuador) or call xx-xxxx-xxxx.

If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Ecuador, contact the British Embassy and read the Ecuador: information for victims of rape and sexual assault (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/victim-of-rape-and-sexual-assault-abroad)

You can seek emergency assistance from the Ecuadorean Ministry of Public Health (MSP), which has implemented a network of First Care & Response Servicesacross the country. The ‘Servicios de Primera Acogida’ operate within some public hospitals and are there to provide emergency medical and psychological attention to victims of sexual violence.

Each centre has a team of doctors, nurses, psychologists and social workers. In addition, there are ‘Servicios de Primera Atención’ at public hospitals/health centres with an emergency service (A&E) throughout Ecuador. You can access the locations of these services, with general information, through this site (also in English) ‘Servicios de Primera Atención y Primera Acogida’ (https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/f68199aeffa24ee496323060388df0b9)

An alternative emergency assistance system is the “panic button alarm” (botón de seguridad) activated by Community Police Units (‘Unidades de Policía Comunitaria’ -UPC). Approach the nearest UPC in your neighbourhood for its activation through your mobile number and home address. The British Embassy Quito and Honorary Consuls in Guayaquil, Cuenca and Galapagos (Santa Cruz Island) take sexual assault and domestic violence reports very seriously and can offer you assistance on what to do next and how to get guidance from a competent authority or support agency (for example, related to medical procedures, local police, protection measures and counselling). This service is also available for victims of domestic abuse or child safeguarding concerns.

Remember anything you tell us will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Read the guidance on international parental child abduction (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/international-parental-child-abduction) if your child may be at risk of this.

Returning to the UK

Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/returning-to-the-uk) which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.