Ecuador becomes a central stopover for migrants, particularly from China, seeking irregular routes to the U.S. in 2024.

In 2024, Ecuador solidified its position as a crucial waypoint in global irregular migration networks, with over 10,000 foreign nationals from 75 countries entering the country and failing to register their departure, according to the Ministry of the Interior. These trends highlight Ecuador’s growing role as a transit hub for migrants seeking to reach the United States through irregular routes.

Patterns in Migration Through Ecuador

While overall migration data shows more departures than arrivals in 2024—1.3 million foreign nationals leaving compared to 1.2 million entering—this balance conceals stark disparities among certain groups. For individuals from 71 specific nationalities, arrivals far outnumbered recorded departures, suggesting many used Ecuador as a stopover point for onward migration or irregular transit.

Chinese nationals accounted for the largest segment of unaccounted travelers. Of the 27,286 Chinese citizens who arrived in Ecuador in 2024, only 18,404 registered their departure at legal border crossings, leaving 8,882 individuals untracked. These travelers are believed to have either remained in the country or joined irregular migration routes toward the U.S., often through the treacherous Darién jungle, a key passageway located in Panama.

Smaller but still significant groups included individuals from India, Turkey, Cameroon, and Bangladesh, many of whom have also been flagged by Panamanian immigration authorities for irregular transit toward North America.

Ecuador’s Visa Policies as a Migration Driver

Ecuador’s visa-free entry policies, in place for most nationalities until mid-2024, have been a major factor in the country’s role as a transit hub. Until recently, citizens of numerous countries could enter Ecuador without a visa and stay for up to 90 days, a policy that attracted migrants from Asia, Africa, and non-Schengen European nations seeking a more accessible route to the Americas.

However, this leniency drew growing scrutiny as irregular migration increased. In response, Ecuadorian authorities introduced stricter visa requirements for Chinese citizens starting July 1, 2024. Officials cited concerns over the high number of Chinese nationals failing to register their departure as the primary reason for the policy change.

The new visa requirement had an immediate and dramatic effect. In March 2024, 4,139 Chinese nationals entered Ecuador, but by July, that number had plummeted to just 220—a 78% reduction. Similarly, the number of Chinese travelers who failed to register their departure fell sharply. By mid-year, more Chinese nationals were leaving Ecuador than entering, a notable reversal of earlier trends.

Broader Migration Trends and Ecuador’s Role

Ecuador’s migration patterns are not solely defined by irregular transit. Between 2017 and 2024, Venezuelans represented the largest group of foreign arrivals, driven by an ongoing exodus from their homeland due to severe economic and political crises. During this period, 1.9 million Venezuelans entered Ecuador, making them the dominant migrant population.

In the past two years, however, the number of Venezuelan arrivals has declined, with migration patterns shifting back toward more traditional tourism and business travel. Arrivals from Americans, Colombians, and Peruvians—groups historically linked to these purposes—have increased.

Despite this normalization, China has emerged as a new and significant player in Ecuador’s migration landscape. In addition to tourists, Chinese nationals have increasingly used Ecuador as a launchpad for irregular journeys, highlighting the complex interplay between tourism and migration in the country.

Challenges for Ecuador and the Global Migration Network

Ecuador’s position as a gateway for irregular migration underscores its significance in global migration systems. The ease of entry, combined with its geographic location, makes it an attractive option for migrants seeking alternatives to more heavily monitored routes.

The government’s decision to tighten visa policies, particularly for Chinese nationals, is a key step toward addressing irregular migration. However, the challenge remains multifaceted. Migrants continue to adapt, often circumventing new regulations and finding alternative pathways to reach their destinations.

As Ecuador balances its role as a transit point with its obligations to regulate migration, the country faces ongoing pressure to refine its policies. The success of these efforts will depend on international cooperation and domestic measures to monitor and manage migration flows while ensuring human rights and addressing the underlying factors driving migration.