Guyana, Mexico, or Madrid?: Faster consulates for US tourist visas

Beyond Guyana, Mexico, and Madrid, these are the fastest consulates for obtaining the five-year tourist visa to the United States, which Cubans are currently seeking.

The citizens Cubans interested in a B1/B2 tourist visa to the United States Valid for five years, you should pay special attention to the consulate where you request an appointment. Choosing the consulate can mean the difference between a wait of almost a year or an appointment available in one or two months.

Since the U.S. Consulate in Havana does not offer regular appointments for tourist or business visas, many Cubans opt for consulates in third countries, especially in Latin America.

According to the most recent update from the State Department (late April 2018), 2025), these are the most viable options for programming Tourist visa interviews with the shortest wait times:

Panama City (Panama): Although the official average wait time is not shown, appointments can currently be obtained in approximately one month. This location remains one of the fastest and most frequently used options.

Madrid (Spain): An average wait time is not reported and appears as "Not Available," which may be due to high demand or irregular appointment scheduling. However, the next available appointment is estimated to be in approximately 1,5 months.

Georgetown (Guyana): Although official times are not currently available due to recent protests that affected operations, the next appointment is estimated to be available within a month. This option is especially popular among Cubans because Guyana does not require a visa to enter.

More options for tourist visas to the United States

Managua (Nicaragua): Currently, there is no reliable data available on wait times or upcoming appointments for tourist visas. However, it has historically been a popular option for Cuban applicants.

Mexico City (Mexico): This is one of the most congested locations. The average wait time is 9,5 months, and the next available appointment could take up to 10,5 months. This location is not recommended for those seeking a visa quickly.

Additionally, some applicants may be eligible for a exemption from face-to-face interview, which can significantly reduce the wait time. This option depends on factors such as the recent renewal of a previous visa.

Finally, it is recommended to frequently review the system online programming from the State Department, as appointments are updated regularly and spaces may become available earlier than expected.