Overview

The border crossing through Huaquillas-Tumbes is the most popular and fastest of the three passes between Ecuador and Peru. In recent years, the two countries have improved border crossing services in such a way that the exit from one country and entry to the other take place in the same building. With modern facilities, the migration building to go from Ecuador to Peru is located on the Peruvian side and the migration building from Peru to Ecuador is located on the Ecuadorian side. In summary, in a single building there are the two rows to carry out migration.

Very few nationalities are required consular visas to enter Peru or Colombia from Ecuador but it is suggested to check with diplomatic offices or specialized agencies before leaving your country of origin.

The militarization of the border was announced on January 26 2020, following the news of the arrest in Tumbes of nearly 500 migrants, mostly Venezuelans, the operation was carried out jointly Ecuador and Perú and whose objective is to "block the entry of illegal migrants" in the midst of the health emergency.

Binational Border Assistance Center, Huaquillas (CEBAF)

The CEBAF complex is part of the need to facilitate international road transport in the Andean sub region. Likewise, it is made up of two twin buildings, one in each country, destined to facilitate customs, migration, anti-narcotics and agro-quality services. Around 112 officials work in these facilities, the same ones who are in charge of the processes of controlling the departure and arrival of people both in Ecuador and Peru, the working hours are 24 hours 7 days a week. Approximately 27,000 people and 1,500 vehicles pass through CEBAF per month, a figure that increases during holidays. Within the complex, there are other complementary constructions necessary for the development of activities, such as control of weights and measures, control of transport vehicles, kennels for anti-drug dogs, laboratories, food court, etc. This center makes it possible to implement an efficient and integrated system for the management and control of binational traffic, avoiding duplication of procedures and registrations on leaving and entering each country.

Daily Capacity

Through the Huaquillas border customs, in 2019 the cargo vehicles mobilized to Peru totaled an output of 87,358 tons or cargo * Aproximately. 7,300 tons per month, which makes, estimated 243 tons per day. These figures give a concrete idea of the volumes in transit through this border.

Note: The figures have as source of information the International Cargo Manifests (MCI) and the Freight manifest (CPIC). “Carta Porte Internacional por Carreteras”

(*)Source: National Customs Service of Ecuador.

Customs Clearance

Resolution No. SENAE-DGN-2013-0361-RE regulates customs activities that take place at the land borders of the Ecuadorian customs territory. Although the border customs control procedure is the same as in a port or airport, there is a longer time due to the dangers posed by smuggling and drug trafficking at the borders. If the merchandise does not require control documents for dispatch, the border importer may declare its taxable merchandise in chapter 98, in the specific subheading that corresponds to taxable goods of travelers. On the contrary, if the imported merchandise requires control documents, it will be declared in the specific subheading between chapters 1 to 97. *

(*)https://www.aduana.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/RCopci.pdf

If the taxable goods exceed $ 2,000, the cargo will be moved to a temporary warehouse while the Customs Import Declaration is being made. Travelers are recommended to declare their taxable assets honestly and avoid penalties for customs offenses or crimes derived from smuggling. It is recommended that the National Customs Service of Ecuador strengthen the presence of officials from the customs surveillance unit to deal with the inconvenience of smuggling.

The Organic Code of Production, Trade and Investments (COPCI) it is the established code with purpose of regulating the production process in the stages of production, distribution, exchange, trade, consumption, management of externalities and productive investments. RCOPCI is the regulation to the Title of the Customs Facilitation for Trade, of book V of the Organic Code of Production, Trade and Investments, has the objective of specifying the regulation of book V of COPCI.

Source: https://www.aduana.gob.ec/files/pro/leg/tra/2016/jun/k_MejoraPasosFronteraSENPLADES.pdf

https://www.aduana.gob.ec/files/pro/leg/res/2013/SENAE-DGN-2013-0361-RE.pdf

https://www.aduana.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/RCopci.pdf

For more information on customs in Ecuador, please see the following links:  //www.aduana.gob.ec/ and 1.3 Customs Information.

Other Relevant Information

Public entities that operate in the Centers of Attention at the border:

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.