Apostille Guide for Ecuador Visa
Every official document you submit for your Ecuador visa must be apostilled — an international certification that authenticates its legitimacy. Here is exactly how the US process works.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an international certification that verifies the authenticity of a public document. It was established by the 1961 Hague Convention to simplify the process of legalizing documents for use in foreign countries.
Both the United States and Ecuador are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, which means US-issued documents with an apostille are accepted by Ecuadorian authorities without further legalization.
The apostille is a separate certificate attached to your original document. It confirms the signature, the capacity of the person who signed the document, and the identity of any stamp or seal on the document.
Which Documents Need Apostilles for Ecuador?
FBI Background Check
Must be less than 6 months old when submitted to Ecuador
Birth Certificate
Required for all visa types
Marriage Certificate
Required if applying with spouse
Degree / Professional License
Required for Professional visa applicants
US Apostille Process Step-by-Step
Get Your Document Issued
Obtain the official document you need apostilled. For FBI background checks, submit your fingerprints through an FBI-approved channeler or directly to the FBI. For birth or marriage certificates, request certified copies from your state vital records office. For degrees, contact your university registrar.
Identify the Correct Apostille Authority
For state-issued documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, degrees from state universities), contact your state's Secretary of State. For federal documents like FBI background checks, the apostille comes from the US Department of State, Office of Authentications in Washington, DC.
Submit With the Apostille Request Form
Complete the required apostille request form (DS-4194 for the US Department of State, or your state's equivalent). Include the original document, a cover letter specifying Ecuador as the destination country, a self-addressed prepaid return envelope, and payment.
Pay the Apostille Fee
The average cost is approximately $20 per document, though this varies by state. The US Department of State charges $20 per apostille. Some states charge as little as $5 while others charge $25 or more. Most accept checks, money orders, or online payment.
Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on the agency. The US Department of State currently averages 4 to 6 weeks for routine processing. Many state offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee, sometimes with same-day or next-day turnaround for in-person requests.
Important Tips
FBI background checks go through the US Department of State — not your state Secretary of State. This is the single most common mistake applicants make.
Some states offer online submission. States like California, Texas, and New York allow you to request apostilles online, which can significantly speed up the process.
Keep your originals and get certified copies. Never send your only original. Order multiple certified copies from the issuing agency before starting the apostille process.
Plan for the timeline. Between obtaining documents, getting apostilles, and arranging translations, the full process can take 2 to 3 months. Start early.
Apostille Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State apostille fee | $5 - $25 | Varies by state; average ~$20 |
| US Dept of State apostille | $20 | For federal documents (FBI check) |
| Expedited state processing | $25 - $75 | Optional; same-day in some states |
| Expedited federal processing | $60+ | Optional; reduces to ~2 weeks |
| Private apostille service | $75 - $200 | Per document; handles everything |
| Shipping / return envelope | $10 - $30 | Certified mail recommended |
For a typical Ecuador visa application with 3 to 4 documents, expect to spend $60 to $100 on apostille fees alone at standard processing, or $200 to $400 if using expedited services or a private apostille company.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Sending to the wrong agency
FBI background checks must go through the US Department of State, not your state Secretary of State. State-issued documents go through your state.
Using expired documents
Ecuador requires your FBI background check to be less than 6 months old at the time of submission. Start the apostille process promptly after receiving results.
Forgetting the Spanish translation
After apostille, every document must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator in Ecuador. The apostille itself also needs translation.
Not getting certified copies first
Some documents (like birth certificates) should be certified copies, not originals. Your state vital records office can issue certified copies.
After the Apostille: What Comes Next
Once your documents are apostilled, they must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator in Ecuador. The translation covers both the original document and the apostille certificate. Do not translate documents before getting the apostille.
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