Nigeria, Rwanda among 34 African countries hit as Ecuador revokes visa-free transit

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they stayed within the international transit area without clearing immigration or customs; however, this exemption has been revoked.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 irregular migration.

This policy change will particularly affect travelers making international stopovers in Ecuador en route to destinations across the American continent.

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:

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.