United States Tourist Visa
B1/B2 Visitor Visa · For Ecuador citizens
Planning a trip to the United States as an Ecuadorian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the B1/B2 visitor visa application: required documents, the $185 application fee, interview preparation, and strategies to improve your chances. With an approval rate of around 73% for Ecuadorian applicants, proper preparation is essential.
USA Tourist Visa for Ecuadorian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Ecuador citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the United States
Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application form DS-160
A recent photograph meeting US visa photo requirements
Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses
Documentation proving your employment status and income
Evidence demonstrating your strong ties to Ecuador and intention to return
In-person interview at the US Embassy in Quito or Consulate in Guayaquil
Recommended (Optional)
Details of your planned activities and accommodation in the US
Application Process
All US visitor visa applications from Ecuador require an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Quito or Consulate in Guayaquil.1 The process involves four main steps:
1. Complete DS-160 Online Application
Fill out the nonimmigrant visa application form DS-160 at the CEAC website.4 This comprehensive form collects your biographical information, travel history, employment history, and security-related questions. Upload a compliant passport photo and print the confirmation page with barcode.
2. Pay the Application Fee
Pay the US$185 MRV fee at authorized bank locations or online.3 Keep the receipt as proof of payment. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your visa is approved or denied.
3. Schedule Interview Appointment
Create an account on the visa appointment system and schedule your interview.2 Wait times vary based on demand. The US Embassy in Quito typically has shorter wait times than the Guayaquil Consulate.
4. Attend Consular Interview
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter, and all supporting documents to the interview.1 The consular officer will ask about your travel plans, ties to Ecuador, and financial situation. Most decisions are made at the end of the interview.
Fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Visitor Visa Application (MRV Fee) | US$185 |
| Visa Issuance Fee | None for Ecuador |
| Courier Delivery (Optional) | US$15-25 |
The application fee is valid for one year from payment date. If you do not attend your interview within that time, you must pay again.3
What You Need to Prove
US immigration law presumes that every visitor visa applicant intends to immigrate until they prove otherwise.1 You must demonstrate:
- Strong ties to Ecuador that will compel you to return after your visit1
- Sufficient funds to cover all expenses in the US without working1
- Specific purpose for your visit that is consistent with visitor visa activities1
- Intent to depart the United States when your authorized stay ends1
Processing Times
Current interview wait times for US visa appointments in Ecuador:2
| Location | Wait Time |
|---|---|
| US Embassy Quito | 2-4 weeks |
| US Consulate Guayaquil | 3-6 weeks |
After your interview, most decisions are made immediately. If your application requires administrative processing, this can add 2-8 weeks.1
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your passport with the visa will be ready for pickup or courier delivery within 2-3 business days. The visa allows you to travel to the US, but the Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry makes the final decision on admission.
At the US border, you may be asked to show:
- Return flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of funds
- Contact information for US family or friends
If Your Visa is Refused
If refused under Section 214(b), the consular officer determined you did not overcome the presumption of immigrant intent.1 You can:
- Reapply with stronger documentation addressing the specific concerns
- Wait for circumstances to change, such as getting a better job or acquiring property
- Seek guidance from an immigration attorney for complex cases
There is no appeal process for visa denials under 214(b). Each application is considered fresh, so improved documentation may lead to approval on a subsequent attempt.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Failure to Demonstrate Ties to Ecuador
The most common reason for denial. The applicant could not convince the officer that they have compelling reasons to return to Ecuador after their visit.
How to avoid: Bring evidence of property ownership, stable employment of 2+ years, family dependents, or business ownership. Explain clearly why you must return.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show enough funds or demonstrate suspicious patterns. Income appears inconsistent with declared employment.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of statements with regular salary deposits. The balance should comfortably cover all trip expenses. Avoid sudden large deposits.
Unconvincing Travel Purpose
The stated purpose of visit seems implausible or inconsistent with the applicant's profile. The itinerary does not make sense.
How to avoid: Have a clear, specific reason for your visit. If visiting family, know their details. Tourism applicants should have a reasonable plan of places to visit.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa denials, overstays, or violations in the US or other countries. Inconsistencies with prior applications.
How to avoid: Be completely honest about past issues. Explain what has changed since then. Bringing evidence of improved circumstances can help.
Poor Interview Performance
Nervous or evasive responses during the interview. Contradictory information or inability to answer basic questions about travel plans.
How to avoid: Practice answering common questions. Be confident, brief, and direct. Do not over-explain or volunteer unnecessary information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 tourist visa?
The Customs and Border Protection officer determines your length of stay upon entry, typically up to 6 months. The visa itself may be valid for up to 10 years, but each entry is limited. Do not overstay as it will affect future visa applications.
Can I work on a US tourist visa?
No, the B1/B2 visa does not permit any form of paid employment in the United States. You cannot work remotely for US companies, and even unpaid work is generally prohibited. Working on a tourist visa can result in deportation and future visa denials.
How long does US visa processing take for Ecuadorians?
Processing times vary significantly based on interview appointment availability. Currently, wait times for interview appointments in Quito range from 2-6 weeks. After the interview, most decisions are made immediately, though some cases require additional administrative processing of 2-8 weeks.
What is the US tourist visa fee for Ecuadorians in 2025?
The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee is US$185. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your visa is approved. There are no additional embassy fees, though you may need to pay for courier delivery of your passport.
Do I need to book flights before the interview?
No, you should not book non-refundable flights before your visa is approved. Having a general travel plan is helpful, but the consular officer understands that you cannot commit to specific flights until you have the visa.
Can I extend my stay in the United States?
Yes, you can apply to extend your stay by filing Form I-539 with USCIS before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are granted for legitimate reasons but are not automatic. Apply at least 45 days before your current authorized stay ends.
What is the approval rate for US visas from Ecuador?
The approval rate for US nonimmigrant visas from Ecuador is approximately 73%. The primary reasons for denial are failure to demonstrate strong ties to Ecuador and insufficient evidence of financial means.
What happens if my visa is denied?
If denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason under Section 214(b), which means you did not overcome the presumption of immigrant intent. You can reapply immediately, but should address the specific concerns. There is no appeal process, but a new application with stronger documentation may succeed.