Working Holiday Programme (WHP) in Ecuador

How to get a Working Holiday Visa for Ecuador?

The conditions for obtaining a Working Holiday Visa in Ecuador are similar to those already applied in the other participating countries in South America (WHP in Peru, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay), namely

• to be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the application for a WHV,

• not be accompanied by a dependent child,

• hold a French passport valid for the entire duration of the stay,

• be resident outside of Ecuador at the time of application for the Working Holiday Visa,

• have sufficient savings to support yourself (minimum €2500),

• have a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one at the end of your stay,

• have a clean criminal record and a medical certificate attesting to your good health,

• and take out health and repatriation insurance valid for the entire duration of your stay (wait until your application has been accepted before taking out your insurance policy).

The Working Holiday Visa for Ecuador will be valid for a maximum of 12 months and will not be renewable.

Applying for a Working Holiday Visa for Ecuador

To benefit from the WHP in Ecuador, you will have to be one of the 300 people selected each year. Like its neighbours, Ecuador applies quotas. But the visa application is completely free of charge.

To find out exactly how the Working Holiday Programme in Ecuador is evolving, follow the news on the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or on its Facebook page.

Useful information about living in Ecuador

The minimum monthly wage in Ecuador is $400, and the average salary is around $500-$600. On the other hand, the cost of living is quite low in the country: beware, however, as the price for renting a flat can rise in certain areas of the major cities. On average, you should expect to pay between €200 and €300 for a small unfurnished flat, and €300 to €400 for a furnished flat.

In terms of health, the country does not have many doctors and hospitals: a shortage that becomes even more acute if you move away from the country's main cities. To benefit from fast and quality medical care, favour private health establishments. Also, try to take out international health insurance that offers free telemedicine: a sure way to get a first or second medical opinion from a doctor.

And if you need complex care, repatriation is strongly recommended.

What you can do with a Working Holiday Visa in Ecuador

In the meantime, there is nothing to stop you from planning this future trip, mixing tourism and professional experience. Although Ecuador is the smallest country in South America, you will be amazed by the amount of thigns to discover. Starting with its capital, Quito, a colonial architectural jewel and Unesco World Heritage Site.

Quito is a very dynamic city where you will be able to find your first job when you arrive or during your WHP in Ecuador. Focus on the tourism sector, but be sure to do some of your own.

Explore Indian villages at the foot of the Sierra, the chain of Andean volcanoes that runs through the country from north to south. To the east, the Amazon jungle and all its biodiversity, to the west the Pacific side and its surf spots. And if being on the other side of the world isn't enough, you can always go 1,000 km to the Ecuadorian coast and reach the Galapagos Islands and all its wild treasures.

Which way will you go?