The Embassy of Ecuador in Washington DC serves as Ecuador's principal diplomatic mission in the United States, located in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Northwest Washington at 15th Street NW. The embassy provides consular services to Ecuadorian nationals in the mid-Atlantic region (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia), processes visa applications for US residents traveling to Ecuador, and facilitates bilateral relations between Ecuador and the United States in areas including trade, security cooperation, counter-narcotics, migration, environmental conservation, and cultural exchange. The United States is Ecuador's most important trade partner and a major source of foreign investment, tourism, and development cooperation. The embassy works closely with US government agencies, Congress, international organizations headquartered in Washington, and the Organization of American States.
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Visa Services
US citizens can enter Ecuador visa-free for tourist and business stays up to 90 days within a 12-month period. No visa is required for short-term tourism or business visits. For longer stays, work, study, volunteer work, or other purposes in Ecuador, visa requirements and application procedures can be obtained from the consular section. The embassy processes visa applications for residents of Delaware, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Long-stay visas for employment, study, family reunification, religious work, volunteer programs, or residency require appointments and submission of specific documentation including background checks, health certificates, and purpose-specific documents. Processing times vary by visa category. Travelers should verify Ecuador's current entry requirements well in advance. The consular section operates by appointment for all visa services.
The United States is Ecuador's largest trade partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $10 billion annually. US exports to Ecuador include refined petroleum products, machinery, vehicles, plastics, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, and technology. Ecuador exports to the US market include crude petroleum, bananas, shrimp, cocoa, coffee, cut flowers (particularly roses), tuna, gold, and tropical fruits. The trade relationship operates within the framework of Ecuador's preferential access to the US market through the Generalized System of Preferences and previous trade preference programs. Ecuador is one of the world's leading exporters of bananas and a major supplier of shrimp, cocoa, and flowers to the United States. The embassy's commercial section supports Ecuadorian exporters seeking access to the US market, provides information on US import requirements and regulations, and facilitates business connections. US companies interested in Ecuadorian markets can access market intelligence and business contacts through the embassy.
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Investment Opportunities
The embassy provides information on investment opportunities in Ecuador for US companies and investors. Ecuador offers opportunities in sectors including energy (petroleum, renewable energy including hydroelectric and wind), mining (copper, gold), sustainable agriculture, aquaculture (particularly shrimp farming), manufacturing, technology services, tourism infrastructure, and infrastructure development. US companies have significant investments in Ecuador's energy sector, manufacturing, telecommunications, and services. Ecuador's strategic location on the Pacific coast, dollarized economy (using the US dollar as official currency), and trade agreements provide advantages for US businesses. The embassy facilitates connections between US and Ecuadorian business entities and provides guidance on Ecuador's investment framework, free trade zones, and regulatory environment. ProEcuador, Ecuador's investment and export promotion agency, maintains an office in the United States to support business development.
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Business Support
The embassy actively facilitates business relations between Ecuador and the United States. US companies exploring Ecuadorian markets can contact the embassy for market intelligence, business contacts, regulatory guidance, and information on Ecuador's economic sectors. The embassy coordinates with the US Chamber of Commerce, regional chambers of commerce, business associations, and US government trade agencies to support bilateral commercial opportunities. Services include business matchmaking, information on investment procedures, facilitation of trade missions, support for companies attending trade fairs in Ecuador, and commercial dispute resolution assistance. The embassy also supports Ecuadorian businesses seeking US partnerships, technology, or market access. Key sectors of mutual interest include energy, agribusiness, technology, environmental services, and infrastructure development.
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Cultural & Educational Programs
Ecuador and the United States maintain extensive cultural and educational exchange programs. The embassy facilitates cultural events promoting Ecuadorian heritage, arts, music, and traditions in the Washington DC area and nationwide. Ecuador's diverse cultural identity reflecting indigenous traditions (particularly Quechua and other Andean cultures), Spanish colonial heritage, Afro-Ecuadorian influences, and unique Galápagos natural heritage provides rich opportunities for cultural collaboration. The embassy supports visits by Ecuadorian artists, musicians, writers, and cultural practitioners, and facilitates cultural exhibitions, musical performances, film screenings, and educational programs. Educational cooperation includes Fulbright scholarships, university partnerships, and student exchange programs. Thousands of Ecuadorian students study at US universities annually, while US students participate in study abroad programs in Ecuador for Spanish language, environmental studies, public health, and cultural immersion. The embassy promotes academic collaboration between US and Ecuadorian universities and research institutions.
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Service Area
The Embassy of Ecuador in Washington DC has consular jurisdiction over Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Ecuadorian nationals and US residents in these states requiring consular services should contact the embassy in Washington. Additional Ecuadorian consular representation in the United States includes consulates general in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New Haven, New York, Newark, and Phoenix, and consulates in other cities. For visa applications, passport services, document authentication, and consular assistance, DC-area residents should contact the embassy via telephone (+1 202 234 7200) or email (cecuwashington@cancilleria.gob.ec for consular services).
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Appointment Information
All consular and visa services require advance appointments. Contact the embassy by telephone (+1 202 234 7200) or email (eecuusa@cancilleria.gob.ec for general inquiries, cecuwashington@cancilleria.gob.ec for consular services) to schedule appointments during office hours (Monday through Friday, 09:00-17:00). When contacting the embassy, specify the service required, your nationality, current state of residence, and contact information. Emergency consular assistance for Ecuadorian nationals is available 24/7 through the embassy's emergency line (+1 202 631 9617). For routine services, appointments must be scheduled in advance.
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Special Notes
The embassy is located in Northwest Washington DC at 2535 15th Street NW, Washington DC 20009, in the Columbia Heights neighborhood. The location is accessible via the Columbia Heights Metro station (Green and Yellow Lines). Street parking is limited; public transportation or taxi services are recommended. Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification to enter the embassy. Security screening procedures apply to all embassy visitors. The embassy observes both Ecuadorian and US federal holidays. Ecuador's national holiday is August 10 (Independence Day). For current travel advisories, health recommendations, and entry requirements for Ecuador, contact the embassy or consult Ecuador's foreign ministry website and the US State Department's travel information. Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency. The embassy can provide information about visiting Ecuador, including visa requirements for non-US citizens, health precautions, safety information, and travel recommendations for destinations including the Galápagos Islands, Amazon rainforest, Andean highlands (including Quito and Cuenca), and Pacific coast.