The Colombian Consulate General in Havana has announced the availability schedule for its online visa platform, covering the period from October 2026 to January 2027. There are five designated windows for Cubans wishing to begin their visa process.
The nearest opportunity is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, with the platform accessible from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Havana time.
For those accessing from Colombia, it's important to note a one-hour time difference on that date: the platform will be active from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Colombian time.
This difference arises because Cuba operates on daylight saving time (UTC-4) until November 1, whereas Colombia remains on UTC-5 year-round.
Full Schedule Until January 2027
Following October 21, the consulate has planned four additional dates:
- Wednesday, November 4, 2026
- Wednesday, November 18, 2026
- Wednesday, December 9, 2026
- Wednesday, January 20, 2027
Starting November 1, Cuba will set clocks back one hour to return to standard winter time (UTC-5), aligning with Colombia's time zone.
The consular notice clearly states: "In 2026, Cuba will set back its clocks on Sunday, November 1, aligning with Colombia’s time."
From November onward, the opening hours will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in both countries with no time difference.
Submitting Your Application Correctly
The entire process is conducted exclusively online through the official platform of Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A critical step involves selecting the correct study office: applicants must choose "Colombian Consulate General in Havana."
The consular notice is clear: "Choosing a different office or consulate will result in your visa application being dismissed and/or rejected, with no refund for the visa study fee."
Mistakenly selecting another location could lead to the loss of the paid fee with no possibility of recovery.
The term "visa study platform" refers to the consulate's review process of the application, not solely to student visas.
Fees and Cautions
The official fees for the process are listed on the Colombian Ministry's website and are the only valid charges.
The study fee must be paid within 10 calendar days of receiving the reference number; without this payment, the application is not officially submitted.
Paying the study fee does not ensure visa approval; it only covers the examination of the application and is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Visa Requirement for Cubans Traveling to Colombia
Cubans holding an ordinary passport require a visa to enter Colombia, as Cuba is not among the over 100 nationalities exempt from this requirement.
Only those with a diplomatic passport—permanently exempt—or an official passport—exempt up to six months—can enter without a visa.
Before starting any procedure, it is advisable to check one's personal immigration history, as previous overstays or other violations could result in denial of entry to Colombia.
The next chance to apply is on Wednesday, October 21, starting at 9:00 a.m. in Havana—a window that won't reopen until November 4.
Key Questions About Cuban Visa Applications to Colombia
What is the time difference between Cuba and Colombia during the visa application windows?
From October 21 to November 1, there is a one-hour difference, with Cuba on UTC-4 and Colombia on UTC-5. After November 1, both countries will be on UTC-5.
What happens if I select the wrong consulate office when applying for a visa?
Selecting the wrong office will result in the rejection of your visa application, and the fee paid will not be refunded.
Are there any exceptions for Cubans traveling to Colombia without a visa?
Yes, Cubans with diplomatic passports are permanently exempt from needing a visa, and those with official passports are exempt for up to six months.