Nigeria, Rwanda among 34 African countries hit as Ecuador revokes visa-free transit
Ecuador has announced the cancellation of visa-free transit privileges for citizens of 45 nations, including 34 African countries, in a significant tightening of its immigration and border control policies.
Ecuador has abolished visa-free airport transit privileges for citizens of 45 countries, including 34 African nations.
Travelers from these nations must now obtain a Transit Visa to transit through Ecuadorian airports.
Nigeria, Rwanda, and Ghana are some of the 34 African countries affected, making the continent the most impacted region
Under the new directive abolishing visa-free transit privileges, travelers from the affected African countries will now require a Transit Visa (Visa de Transeúnte) to transit through Ecuadorian airports, regardless of whether they remain within the international zone.
Previously, citizens of these countries could transit without a visa if they stayed within the international transit area without clearing immigration or customs; however, this exemption has been revoked.
According to Ecuador's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, the measure aims to enhance transit regulations and address growing security concerns related to i rregular migration.
This policy change will particularly affect travelers making international stopovers in Ecuador en route to destinations across the American continent.
African Nations Hit the Hardest
Out of the 45 affected, 34 are Africa countries, making the continent the most impacted by the policy change. Citizens from the following African countries will now require a transit visa:
Nigeria
Ghana
Egypt
Sudan
Ethiopia
Eritrea
Somalia
Democratic Republic of Congo
Republic of Congo
Cameroon
Liberia
Sierra Leone
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
The Gambia
Senegal
Togo
Benin
Mali
Niger
Burkina Faso
Chad
Central African Republic
Angola
Mozambique
Zimbabwe
Zambia
Rwanda
Burundi
Uganda
Algeria
Morocco
Tunisia
South Sudan.
With Ecuador serving as a common transit point to the global north, particularly EU and the US, for many from Africa and Global South, the new rule is expected to disrupt travel itineraries, raise travel costs, and redirect flight routes for affected passengers.
This policy change reflects a broader trend of nations tightening immigration requirements in response to rising global migration flows and associated security risks, with African migrants being disproportionately affected the most.
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The Hill
an hour ago
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