Spain Schengen Visa
Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C) · For Ecuador citizens
Planning a trip to Spain as an Ecuadorian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Schengen visa application: required documents, the €90 application fee, processing times of 15 days, and strategies to improve your chances. A Spain Schengen visa grants access to all 29 Schengen states.
Spain Schengen Visa for Ecuadorian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Ecuador citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area
Complete the standard Schengen visa application form
Two recent passport-size photographs meeting Schengen requirements
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies throughout the Schengen area
Round-trip flight reservation showing entry and exit from Schengen area
Hotel reservations or invitation letter for your entire stay
Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover your trip
Documentation proving your employment status and income
Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Ecuador
Fingerprints and photograph taken at the visa application center
Application Process
All Schengen visa applications for Spain from Ecuador must be submitted through BLS International visa application centers.2 The process involves four main steps:
1. Gather Documents
Collect all required documents including passport, photos, insurance, flight reservations, accommodation proof, and financial evidence.1 Ensure documents in Spanish or English are properly organized. Documents in other languages need certified translations.
2. Complete Application Form
Fill out the Schengen visa application form completely.1 Apply to Spain if it is your main destination or first point of entry into the Schengen area. Sign the form in designated areas.
3. Book Appointment and Submit
Schedule an appointment at the BLS visa application center in Quito or Guayaquil.2 Attend in person to submit your documents and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Pay the visa fee of €90 plus service charges.
4. Wait for Decision
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days.3 You will receive an SMS when your passport is ready for collection. If additional documents are needed, processing may take longer.
Fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen Visa (Adults) | €90 |
| Schengen Visa (Children 6-11) | €45 |
| Schengen Visa (Children under 6) | Free |
| BLS Service Fee | US$25-35 |
| SMS Notification (Optional) | US$3 |
| Courier Delivery (Optional) | US$10-15 |
The visa fee is paid at the application center.2 Fees are non-refundable if your visa is denied.
What You Need to Prove
According to Schengen visa requirements, you must demonstrate:3
- Purpose of visit that is genuine and consistent with tourism or business3
- Sufficient funds to cover accommodation, transport, and daily expenses (minimum €100/day recommended)3
- Valid travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies3
- Intent to leave the Schengen area before your visa expires3
- No risk to public policy or internal security of Schengen states3
Processing Times
Standard processing time for Spain Schengen visas from Ecuador:1
| Period | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard | 15 calendar days |
| Peak Season (June-August) | Up to 30 days |
| Complex Cases | Up to 45 days |
Apply at least 15 days before travel, and no more than 6 months in advance.3 During summer months, apply 4-6 weeks ahead.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your passport with the Schengen visa sticker will be returned. Check carefully:
- Validity dates match your travel plans
- Number of entries (single, double, or multiple)
- Number of days allowed (up to 90)
At the Spanish border, you may be asked to show:
- Return flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Evidence of funds
- Detailed itinerary
If Your Visa is Refused
If refused, you will receive a letter explaining the specific reasons based on the Schengen Visa Code.1 You can:
- Appeal the decision within one month to the Spanish consular authorities
- Reapply with improved documentation addressing the issues raised
- Seek guidance from an immigration attorney for complex cases
A refusal does not permanently prevent you from applying again. Many applicants succeed on their second attempt with stronger documentation.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Financial Means
Bank statements do not show sufficient funds to cover the trip, or income appears inconsistent with employment claims.
How to avoid: Show at least €100 per day of planned stay. Ensure 3-6 months of consistent bank statements with regular salary deposits. Avoid large unexplained deposits.
Weak Ties to Ecuador
Unable to demonstrate compelling reasons to return to Ecuador after the visit, such as stable employment, property, or family obligations.
How to avoid: Include property deeds, employment contracts showing tenure, family certificates, and business registration if applicable. Show why you must return.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation
Missing required documents, information does not match across documents, or documents are not properly translated.
How to avoid: Use the official checklist. Ensure all documents are translated to Spanish if not in English. Double-check that dates and information are consistent.
Inadequate Travel Insurance
Insurance does not meet Schengen requirements: coverage too low, does not cover all Schengen states, or dates do not match travel plans.
How to avoid: Purchase insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation. Ensure it covers the entire Schengen area for your full travel dates.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa denials, overstays, or violations in Schengen countries or elsewhere raises concerns about compliance.
How to avoid: Be honest about previous issues. Provide documentation showing changed circumstances. A clean recent travel history helps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Spain on a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen states. This means you must count days spent in any Schengen country, not just Spain. After 90 days, you must leave the Schengen area for at least 90 days before returning.
Can I visit other European countries with a Spain Schengen visa?
Yes, a Schengen visa issued by Spain allows you to travel freely across all 29 Schengen states including France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and others. However, Spain should be your main destination or first point of entry.
How long does Spain visa processing take for Ecuadorians?
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days from your biometrics appointment. During peak summer season or if additional documents are required, processing may extend to 30-45 days. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your travel date.
What is the Spain Schengen visa fee for Ecuadorians in 2025?
The Schengen visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6-11. Children under 6 are exempt. The BLS service center charges an additional fee of approximately US$25-35 for processing.
Do I need a carta de invitación to visit Spain?
If staying with family or friends in Spain, yes. Your host must obtain the carta de invitación from the local police station (Comisaría de Policía). This process takes about 2-3 weeks. If staying in hotels, regular booking confirmations are sufficient.
Can I extend my Schengen visa while in Spain?
Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances such as force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or serious personal emergencies. Tourism is not a valid reason for extension. You must leave the Schengen area when your authorized stay expires.
What is the approval rate for Spain visas from Ecuador?
The approval rate for Schengen visas from Ecuador through Spain is approximately 82%. Most refusals are due to insufficient financial evidence, weak ties to Ecuador, or incomplete documentation.
What happens if my visa is refused?
You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You can appeal the decision within one month or reapply with improved documentation. The €90 fee is not refunded for refused applications.