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Ecuador will suspend its visa waiver agreement with China, citing an “alarming increase” in arrivals after the South American country became a key stop on the global migrant route to the United States.
The country’s foreign ministry said nearly half of the Chinese tourists who entered Ecuador did not leave the country through “regular routes” and did not leave within the allowed 90 days.
Many migrants from around the world land in Ecuador, which has fewer visa restrictions than other South American countries, before heading for the U.S. On the way north is the Darien Gap, a dangerous stretch of land that separates Colombia from Panama, where migrants face the risk of crime, sexual violence and exposure to the dangers of the jungle.
Chinese nationals are increasingly joining the migration stream: The number of Chinese nationals attempting to cross the southern US border surged last year, with US Customs and Border Protection detaining more than 37,000 Chinese nationals, 10 times more than in 2022.
About 66,000 Chinese tourists entered Ecuador last year, but only 34,000 left through official channels, officials said.
Responding to a question about the suspension of exemptions, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the agreement with Quito “plays an important and positive role in promoting cross-border exchanges and practical cooperation in various fields between the two countries.”
Lin added that China cooperates with other countries in combating human smuggling.
Ecuadorian officials said the suspension of exemptions was temporary and would take effect from July 1, adding that “Ecuador reiterates its commitment to ensuring that people visiting the country have adequate security guarantees and do not become victims of human trafficking or migrant smuggling.”
A reciprocal visa waiver program between China and Ecuador has been in place since 2016. The only other country in South America that allows Chinese nationals visa-free travel is Suriname.
Tuesday’s announcement comes as Quito and Beijing have deepened ties in recent years, signing a free trade agreement last May.
China is Ecuador’s largest non-oil trading partner and a key source of funding for infrastructure and energy.
