Ecuador Makes Customs Form Mandatory for All Travellers Starting July 29

Starting July 29, 2025, every traveller crossing Ecuador will face a crucial new step, one you don’t want to overlook. Whether you’re jetting in for a Galápagos adventure or heading home after exploring Quito’s historic centre, you’ll need to complete Ecuador’s newly mandatory online Customs Registration Form (Formulario de Registro Aduanero, or FRA).

Here’s what you should know to make your journey hassle-free.

What’s Changing?

Until now, Ecuador’s Formulario de Registro Aduanero (FRA), a customs registration form, was only mandatory if you were bringing in taxable goods or more than $10,000 in cash. Starting July 29, that rule is out the window.

But now, every traveller entering or leaving Ecuador, by air or land, must complete the FRA. No exceptions.

What the Form Covers

The Formulario de Registro Aduanero (FRA) isn’t just about what’s in your suitcase. It asks for:

• Personal details
• Travel and flight information
• Standard customs declarations

Once submitted, you’ll receive a QR code. That code is key; border agents will ask to see it during immigration and customs checks. No QR code, no entry (or exit). You could also be fined for skipping it.

Also Read: Ecuador Ends Visa-Free Transit — 45 Countries Now Need a Visa for Layovers

When and How to Submit

You can fill out the form online up to three days before your trip. The official advice? Don’t wait. Ecuador’s Customs Authority is urging travellers to get it done as early as possible.

If you’re already juggling visas, vaccine records, and boarding passes, one more document might feel like a hassle, but it’s a non-negotiable now.

Why the New Requirement?

This move is part of Ecuador’s broader push to strengthen border control. It’s likely aimed at improving customs enforcement, tracking movement more effectively, and tightening security around goods and currency transfers.

It also reflects a growing global trend: more countries are digitising border processes, even for everyday travellers.

How to Fill Ecuador’s FRA and Get Your QR Code

To travel to or from Ecuador after July 29, 2025, all travellers must complete the Customs Registration Form (FRA) online. Here are the quick steps with official links:

1. Go to the Official Customs Website: Visit the National Customs Service of Ecuador at www.aduana.gob.ec.

2. Access the FRA Section: In the top menu, click “Citizen Service,” then select “For Travellers,” and finally click “Customs Registration Form.” Or access the form directly via this link.

3. Create or Log In to Your Account: If it’s your first time, create an account with your passport or ID number and a password on the ECUAPASS platform. Returning users can log in.

4. Fill Out the Form: Enter your details, travel information, and make any necessary declarations (such as if you are carrying over $10,000 in currency or valuables).

5. Submit the Form up to 3 Days Before Travel: You can complete the form online as early as 72 hours before your trip.

6. Receive and Save Your QR Code: Once submitted, you will get a QR code. Download it or keep it on your phone. You must show it to officials at immigration and customs checkpoints.

What Happens If You Skip the FRA

Don’t risk showing up at the airport empty-handed. No FRA means you could face fines or, worse, be denied entry or exit. That’s a headache no traveller needs, especially when it’s this easy to avoid.

Final Thoughts

If you have a trip to Ecuador on the calendar, whether for the Galápagos, Quito, or the Amazon, be sure to bookmark the Customs Registration Form. It’s now part of the pre-departure checklist. And don’t forget the QR code. Without it, you’re not getting far.