Ecuadorian travelers intrigued by the cultural wonders of Spain are required to obtain a Spanish Schengen visa. Spain extends a warm invitation to Ecuadorian adventurers, promising an unforgettable journey through its rich history and cultural heritage. From the tranquil vineyards of Ibiza to the iconic landmarks of Barcelona, the vibrant streets of Seville, and the historic charm of Valencia, Spain offers a myriad of captivating experiences.
Securing a Spanish Schengen visa is imperative for Ecuadorians seeking to explore Spain’s diverse attractions. The visa application process demands meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the necessary criteria for successful approval. The Spanish consulate diligently reviews all submitted documents to streamline the application process for Ecuadorian travelers. This comprehensive guide outlines the step-by-step procedure for obtaining a Spanish Schengen visa from Ecuador, addressing the growing need for clear instructions following recent visa requirement publications. While tailored primarily for Ecuadorian citizens, non-nationals residing in Ecuador will also find this guide invaluable for navigating the Spanish visa application process. Adhering closely to these guidelines significantly enhances the likelihood of visa approval.
Spain attracts visitors from around the world, including Belarus, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Lebanon, and Qatar, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bahrain, Thailand, Maldives, Oman, Vietnam, Morocco. If you are a resident or national of any of these countries and require assistance with your Spanish visa application, please refer to the provided guideline links for detailed information.
Statistics on Ecuadorian Applicants for a Spanish Schengen Visa
Schengen Visa Statistics reveal that the Spanish Consulate in Ecuador handles a considerable volume of applications for Spanish Schengen visas annually. In 2022, it received 58,141 applications, with more than 80% resulting in approvals.
| Years | Schengen State | Country | Consulate | Number of Visa Applications | Visas Issued | Visas Denied | Not issued rate for uniform visas |
| 2018 | Spain | Ecuador | Quito | 26,863 | 22,227 | 4,217 | 15.70% |
| 2019 | Spain | Ecuador | Quito | 31,157 | 26,343 | 4,141 | 13.29% |
| 2020 | Spain | Ecuador | Quito | 6,008 | 4,487 | 978 | 17.90% |
Obtaining a Spanish Schengen Visa from Ecuador
Ecuadorian citizens planning trips to Spain, whether for business or leisure purposes, must obtain a Spanish Schengen visa. The application process commences at the Spanish Embassy Consulate in Ecuador, serving as the primary gateway to the Schengen zone. Upon approval, the visa allows holders to stay within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within six months, subject to the visa’s validity.
Ecuadorian passport holders seeking a Schengen visa for Spain should submit their applications at the Spain Visa Application Centre in Quito. Operated by BLS International, the designated service provider for Spanish visas in Ecuador, the center ensures efficient processing, offering comprehensive submission services. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or educational purposes, applicants receive full support from the center’s knowledgeable and accommodating staff.
Types of Spanish Schengen Visas Available at the Spanish Embassy in Ecuador
Visa categories depend on the purpose of your journey from Ecuador to Spain:
Short-stay Spanish Schengen Visa:
Essential for stays in Spain of up to 90 days, this visa is suitable for tourists, visitors to family or friends, short-term business travelers, students on brief educational visits, and transit passengers traveling through Spanish airports or seafarers at Spanish ports.
Long-stay Spanish Schengen Visa:
Designed for durations exceeding 90 days, this visa facilitates extended residence in Spain. It also allows the holder to travel freely for up to 90 days every six months across other Schengen Member States. This visa type is ideal for those engaging in long-term activities such as remote work, business startups, training programs, research projects, family reunification, internships, academic studies, seeking permanent residency, employment, or making capital investments in Spain.
Procedure for Securing a Spanish Schengen Visa from Ecuador
In Ecuador, BLS International acts as the authorized service provider for the Spanish Embassy Consulate in Quito and Guayaquil, solely providing administrative support services to visa applicants.
When applying for a Spanish visa, follow these ordered steps:
- Select Visa Type
- Start Visa Application Process
- Schedule Appointment
- Remit Required Fees
- Lodge Visa Application
- Monitor Application Progress
- Retrieve Passport
Step 1 – Select Visa Type
Before initiating your visa application, it is imperative to determine the correct Spanish Schengen visa category from the BLS International website and verify your eligibility. After selecting the suitable category, be attentive to the required application fee and assemble all the essential documents needed to fill out the application precisely. Additionally, ensure that any documents not in English are translated according to the stipulated requirements before you submit them.
Step 2 – Start Visa Application Process
When you are set to apply for the Spanish Schengen Visa, download the application form from the BLS International website. Complete the visa application form meticulously to ensure all information is accurate, then print a hard copy of the application form. Collect all necessary documents to be attached to your completed Schengen Visa Application Form and submit them at the BLS International Visa Application Centre.
Step 3 – Schedule Appointment
Select the Visa Application Centre in Quito, Ecuador where you will be submitting your application for the Spanish Schengen Visa. Schedule an appointment and ensure you attend the Visa Application Centre at the designated time to submit biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs. It is essential to remember that appointments must be booked individually for each applicant seeking a Spanish Schengen Visa. Once you have booked your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email along with an appointment letter. For more details on how to book an appointment, visit the BLS International website and secure your slot using the link provided.
Step 4 – Remit Required Fees
When submitting your application at the BLS International Visa Application Centre, you are required to physically pay the visa application fee along with the application form. The fees are structured as follows:
Step 5 – Lodge Visa Application
Applicants must personally submit the fully completed application form and all required documents at the BLS International visa application centers. For Spanish Schengen visa applicants under 16 years of age, the application form must be signed by both parents.
Step 6 – Monitor Application Progress
You can monitor the progress of your Spanish Schengen Visa application by using the reference number found on the invoice or receipt from the BLS International Visa Application Centre. Simply enter this number into the online tracking system to receive updates on your application’s status.
Step 7 – Retrieve Passport
Once the Embassy of Spain has finished processing your Spanish Schengen Visa application, you will be notified via email. Upon receiving this notification, you can visit the BLS International Visa Application Centre to pick up your passport. Be sure to bring a copy of your identification card when you visit the center. If you are unable to collect the passport in person, you may authorize a close relative to pick it up on your behalf. They must present a letter of authorization signed by you, copies of both your and their identification cards, and proof of your familial relationship. Additionally, if you have chosen the Courier Return Service during the application process, your passport will be delivered directly to the specified address.
Documentation Requirements for Obtaining a Spanish Schengen Visa from Ecuador
The necessary documents for acquiring a Spanish Schengen visa from Ecuador include:
Completed Application Form: Each applicant must submit a fully completed visa application form
Passport-sized Photograph: Please provide a recent photograph of yourself, taken within the last six months, which has not been previously used in a passport. The photograph should meet the following criteria:
- Taken against a white background to ensure clear visibility and contrast.
- High-quality resolution with the face in focus.
- Printed on standard photographic paper (camera print).
- Depicts a full face, without smiling, and without wearing sunglasses, hats, caps, or other head coverings, unless for religious or ethnic reasons.
- Kindly affix the photograph to the designated section on the Visa Application Form.
Passport and Photocopies: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen area and have a minimum of two blank pages. You must also include photocopies of all passport pages that contain important information such as previous visas and entry/exit stamps.
Proof of Residency: Non-Ecuadorian citizens living in Ecuador must provide evidence of their legal residency status.
·Authorization for Minors or Disabled Individuals: If traveling unaccompanied, minors or disabled individuals need authorization from both parents or legal guardians. This must be accompanied by birth certificates or other documents confirming legal guardianship.
Proof of Trip Purpose:
- For family visits: An invitation letter from a police station or notary public in Spain, along with proof of family ties.
- For tourism: A detailed itinerary, hotel bookings, and letters explaining the trip’s purpose.
- For organized tours or incentive trips: Supporting documents like letters from tour operators, contracts, and lists of delegation members are required.
Financial Means: Evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover the entire stay within the Schengen territory.
Evidence of Return: Documents such as proof of employment, financial assets, and ties to family/social networks that demonstrate the intention to leave the Schengen area after the visit.
Travel Itinerary: Confirmation of round-trip airline tickets or a detailed travel booking.
Travel Medical Insurance: Insurance must cover repatriation, emergency medical assistance, and hospital care with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
Accommodation Proof: Proof of hotel reservations or sufficient funds to cover accommodation expenses throughout the stay in the Schengen territory.
BLS International Ecuador Contact Information
