I had gone to Ecuador May 15-July 14 (61 days) and Nov 30-Dec 22 (23 days) in 2010 for a total of 84 days on a 12-X. I knew I would run out of days (my 90 for the year (May 2010-May 2011) for my next return since it was slightly before May 15 and was told I would do best to obtain a 12-IX. I did this and return from May 7-June 29 (54 days) and July 18-Aug 24 (38 days) for a total of 92 days so far in 2011 with my 12-IX. This 12-IX will expire Nov 7, 2011, but I would like to return to Ecuador Dec 26, 2011 to Jan 15, 2012. So I’m wondering if because I haven’t used all of my 180 days by Nov 7 (there should still be 84 left)if I can use them after the Nov 7 date, of if they will mark me with a regular 12-X.

I will of course be calling my embassy here in the state, but I’m just trying to gather as much info as possible!

Thanks so much for this update! Ecuadorian visa info is ever changing and often difficult to manage.

Well, like I said, every visa law is written in pencil. Now I have heard that they are no longer issuing 3 month visa renewals if you are entering in on the normal 3 month tourist visa. To get six months, the most assured way is to apply for the 12IX long term tourist visa. This cost about 230$ and you must show criminal report and get an HIV test. This then will allow you, once you are in the country, to easily transition to any other visa without having to leave again. You could then get a student, a work visa, volunteer visa, etc. for just the cost of the application.

This is the official route.

Unofficially, like I said, overstay. BUT REMEMBER THIS IS DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK. WE DO NOT ADVOCATE OR TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR OWN ACTIONS. THIS IS JUST ADVICE BASED ON CURRENT AND ALWAYS MUTABLE SCENARIOS. If you don’t get caught then you can leave via the border of Columbia or Peru. The buses take you right over the border and drop you on the Columbia/Peru side bypassing immigration. If you do get caught, though, in country, you could be immediately deported, theoretically fined and/or jailed, though this is HIGHLY unlikely. The fine seems to have been lifted and unless you are Cuban here illegally, you won’t get jailed.

Now for 1 years, I suggest Student or Volunteer Visa. I suggest going in and seeing my friends at Uncle HOs restaurant on Calle Calama, La Mariscal, Quito. Talk to Kevin or Stewart and they can get you the inside track on more current info on how to get a 1 year visa all nice and legal. They should be able to help.

hope this helps, and thanks for the question.
b-

You already put up a lot of information but I wanted to ask you if you have any advise on one year visa’s. By what I read and from the consulate I hear you can only stay for 3 or 6 month at the most on a tourist visa.
Is there anyway around this? How does entering or re-entering Colombia make a difference? And if I would enter on a 3 month visa from October to December, leave and apply for a 6 month visa for the months of January to June, would I be able to do that you think?
I am European but I would prefer not to fly back between the visa’s but simply just trying to stay for a year to see if I really want to immigrate. A one year visa is my ideal.

I know I’m a hassle with this massive question but I really would like to know, it would be awesome to hear back from you.

Though one might avoid the fine, there is one thing you will not avoid: being blackballed from reentering the country for up to 18 months.

Should you run into any problems consult your embassy. Also ask around in some of the bars Like Finn McCools, Bungalow 6, and Uncle Hos for latest rumors and advice. The expats and locals around here get some of the latest news floating around.

Good luck!

I had a similar experience a few months ago in Ecuador. I stayed up until the very end of my 90-day tourist visa limit (literally only a few hours left), and the customs agent was not happy. I explained and didn’t have to pay the fine, but they are being quite careful about checking this now. I could have opted to get the visa for $230, but I was told by the consulate office that the fee you pay is less than this ($200 I believe). Make sure to budget time if you plan on paying the fee because you’ll have to leave the airport, take a taxi to the bank, and then return with your proof of payment.

Thanks

Thank you!!

Cady

But you didn’t hear any of this from me;)

I suggest, if you want to stay for 180 day, just get your long term tourist visa: 12 IX, back home. This gives you a lot of flexibility. Because you do your police check and health checks back home, you can easily change in country to either a volunteer, student or work visa while here. The 12IX allows for multiple entries and so your 180 days are only counted for the days you are here. They subtract from the the days you spend outside the country after your initial entry date.

A good lawyer is always helpful to consult–one who knows the inside of the immigration office.

any more questions, let me know.

cheers,
the big gringo