Ecuador - Customs

Length of Stay:

Since May 2011, foreign visiting sailboats are allowed to remain in Ecuador for up to a year, if the main purpose is tourism. Customs will grant temporary import on arrival and it may be possible to extend this for up to 3 years maximum. See Documents for more details.

Other Customs Rules:

• Firearms must be declared.
• The Ecuadorian Customs (Corporación Aduanera Ecuatoriana) now requires that all international merchant commercial ships and tourist yachts in transit, must be registered in the Customs computerized system called Sistema Interactivo de Comercio Exterior (SICE). Customs will register your vessel in the SICE, and the Coast Guard in the maritime traffic Information System (SITRAME).
• Any involvement with illegal drugs is a serious crime. The penalties are harsh and prison conditions are extremely grim.

Importing Parts/Spares:

There is no yacht in transit in Ecuador, therefore shipping in spares or equipment incur high taxes and Customs charges. DHL couriers are reported to have their own Customs services, unlike many other courier services. Therefore, while the process may take a little longer, in the end costs tend to be lower.

Last updated:  December 2023