On Friday, April 18, Colombia's Foreign Minister, Laura Sarabia, announced that the Colombian government has initiated a process to waive visa requirements for citizens from China and potentially other countries. According to several media outlets, Cuba might be one of the nations included in this policy change.
Sarabia stated on her X account, "In today's conversation with President Gustavo Petro, we began the process to waive visa requirements for Chinese citizens and other nationalities." She explained that the decision aims to "facilitate tourism, commerce, and investment in Colombia." She concluded her post by emphasizing the ongoing commitment to "working together with a shared vision and open dialogue."
While the specific nationalities exempted from visa requirements weren't detailed in her announcement, several media reports have listed Cuba as a potential candidate. However, the official website of the Colombian Foreign Ministry has yet to confirm this decision.
As reported by Infobae, countries such as India, Nicaragua, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Haiti, and Pakistan, among others, are currently required to follow immigration procedures to enter Colombia. Presently, Colombia allows visa-free visits for short stays (less than 90 days) to citizens of 102 nationalities and territories, but Cuba is not included in this list.
Under Resolution 5477, dated July 22, 2022, Colombia offers different visa types: the Visitor Visa (type V), including a courtesy Visitor Visa, Migrant Visa (type M), and Resident Visa. For Cubans, only those with diplomatic passports are indefinitely exempt from visa requirements, provided their documents are valid. Holders of official passports are granted visa-free entry for up to six months.
Cubans wishing to travel to Colombia with a visitor visa must schedule an appointment and complete the Visa Application Form through the designated online platform before appearing at the Colombian Consulate in Havana for further processing.
Colombian Visa Policy and Cuban Travelers
Will Cubans soon be able to travel to Colombia without a visa?
While there are discussions about potentially waiving visa requirements for Cubans, no official confirmation has been made by the Colombian government as of now.
What is required for Cubans to obtain a Colombian visitor visa?
Cubans need to schedule an appointment and complete the Visa Application Form online before presenting themselves at the Colombian Consulate in Havana for further visa processing.
Which countries currently have visa-free access to Colombia?
Colombia currently permits visa-free entry for short stays to citizens from 102 nationalities and territories, though Cuba is not among them.