Country guide
Ecuador
Visa
No visa needed
Vaccinations
Required
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time zones
UTC / GMT -5 (7 hours behind South Africa). In Galapagos: UTC / GMT -6 (8 hours behind South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 593
Best time to go
Year-round, depends largely on region.
Drinking water
Bottled water recommended
Travel tips
There are active volcanos – check before travelling to these areas.
Visa guide
Entry requirements
- Valid passport (valid for 6 months)
If visiting Galapagos:
- Foreign tourists must have private health insurance, without prejudice to international agreements on free mobility.
- Purchase your transit control card at the Quito and Guayaquil airports for $20
NOTE: There is a fee for entry into protected areas.
Useful information: ecuador.travel
Visa requirements
South African passport holders do not require a tourist visa to visit Ecuador for a period of up to 90 days.
Visa Information: www.cancilleria.gob.ec
Issuing authorities
Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador
2nd Floor, South Block, Brookfield Office Park, 272 Bronkhorst Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria
Tel: 012 346 1662
E-mail: eecusudafrica@cancilleria.gob.ec
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: Yellow Fever
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria Risk
Public holidays
2026: Jan 1; Feb 16-17; Apr 3; May 1, 24-25; Aug 10; Oct 9; Nov 2-3; Dec 25