1

They removed the penalty, it was $200. Now you just wont be able to fly back for a year once you leave the country.

2

Why not have a short side trip over the border to Colombia or Peru for a few days and that way you won't be spending over 90 days in Ecuador and will be able to return whenever you want - if you want to that is......

Edited by: jgcp

3

Brilliant! I did not know you could do that. Thank you very much!

4

You can stay 90 days during one year without a visa.

5

I don't know personally but before I moved here I did some research on visas and here are some sites with info.
I think what people have said previously is still current. You can only stay 90 days per year. Not a calendar year but from the moment you enter the country, so you can't border hop and get another 90 day visa. This information I found in the ecuadorian ministry's website. From what I hear you can apply for a 90 day extension once you are in the country but I personally don't have experience with it but info can be found here

http://gogo-gringo.com/forum/topic/how-to-stay-longer-than-90-days-in-ecuador

The official government's websites (U.S. state and Ecuador) say 90 days in a period of a year from the moment you enter the country. Here are the sites with info from the U.S. state department and Ecuador.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1106.html#entry_requirements
http://www.mmrree.gob.ec/eng/services/visas.asp

Here is another site with info.
http://www.gringosabroad.com/ecuadors-visa-options-and-entry-requirements/

6

I meant that the OP could have a side trip over the border to use up some of the 92 days not get another 90 day visa.....

7

#6, oh that makes sense. In some countries you can border hop and get your tourist visa renewed but not in Ecuador.

8

Thanks to everyone for these great comments on this helpful forum. I will review the information and websites you provided to make sure, however I think the info the Ecuador Consulate (New York) provided is correct. "If your plane reservation is 92 days vs. 90 (as a USA tourist), you simply apply for an extension of time (probably 90 days) and it will be granted at no fee or penalty." Only stipulation is you can't return to Ecuador for 9 months. If you hear anything different I would love to know.
Biota de Colorado