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7 Essential Updates For The Colombian Consulate In Houston, TX: 2025 Guide

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The Colombian Consulate in Houston, Texas, remains a vital hub for the large Colombian diaspora across the South-Central United States, serving four major states: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the Consulate General has implemented several key updates and scheduled crucial events, including special Saturday hours and Mobile Consulates, to better serve its extensive jurisdiction. This comprehensive guide provides the most current information, from the official address and operating hours to the specific procedures for securing an appointment for essential services like passport renewal and *cédula de ciudadanía* applications.

Staying informed about the latest procedures is critical for any Colombian citizen residing in the region, as all services—from notarial acts to passport applications—require a pre-scheduled appointment. The information below is sourced directly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores) and the Consulate’s official announcements for the 2025 calendar year, ensuring you have the freshest and most accurate data available.

Consulate General of Colombia in Houston: Official Profile and Contact Information

The Consulate General of Colombia in Houston acts as the primary diplomatic and administrative office for Colombian citizens in the expansive region it covers. Understanding its location, hours, and contact points is the first step in successfully completing any consular service.

  • Official Name: Consulado General de Colombia en Houston, Estados Unidos
  • Consul General: Lucia Maria Amalia Salgado Romero (Please note: The Consul General may change; always verify the current head of mission on the official website.)
  • Physical Address: 5599 San Felipe Street, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77056
  • Jurisdiction: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana
  • Informational Line (Línea Informativa): +1 346 204 4664
  • Official Website: houston.consulado.gov.co

Current Operating Hours and Document Collection (2025)

The Consulate maintains a specific schedule for public attention, with extended hours on one weekday to accommodate the community. It is crucial to remember that all in-person procedures require a prior appointment.

  • General Public Attention (Atención al Público): Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Extended Wednesday Hours: Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Document Collection (Entrega de Documentos): There are specific, separate hours for collecting ready documents (such as passports and *cédulas*). These hours are typically posted on the official website and should be confirmed before visiting.

The 7 Crucial Updates and Services for Colombian Citizens in 2025

The Colombian Consulate in Houston is constantly working to enhance its services, especially through mobile outreach. The following seven points highlight the most important updates and essential services for 2025.

1. Mandatory Online Appointment Scheduling (Agendamiento de Citas)

All consular services, without exception, require a pre-scheduled appointment. Due to the high volume of requests from the four states in its jurisdiction (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana), the appointment slots fill up quickly.

  • How to Book: Visit the official Consulate website and select the "PROGRAME SU CITA" module.
  • Preparation: Have your personal information (name, email, phone number) ready to reserve your spot quickly.
  • Key Tip: The Consulate often announces when new agenda slots will open. For Mobile Consulates, for example, the agenda often opens on a specific Wednesday afternoon (e.g., after 2:00 p.m.) a few days before the event.

2. Scheduled Mobile Consulates (Consulados Móviles) for 2025

Mobile Consulates are a lifeline for citizens residing far from Houston, offering services in other major cities. The Consulate has announced several key dates for 2025:

  • Dallas, Texas (First Half): May 31 and June 1, 2025. This is a crucial opportunity for the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex community.
  • Dallas, Texas (Second Half): July 26 and 27, 2025, which will also include a Consular Encounter (*Encuentro Consular*).
  • Mobile Consulate Hours: Typically, these events run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sundays.

3. Passport Marathon and Saturday Consular Events

To address the backlog and high demand for passport renewals, the Houston Consulate has scheduled special events in 2025:

  • Passport Marathon (Maratón de Pasaportes): Scheduled for July 30, 2025, this event is dedicated solely to processing passport applications.
  • Saturday Consular (Sábado Consular): An event scheduled for December 6, 2025, to provide services like passports and notarial acts outside the regular weekday hours.

4. Essential Passport Requirements for Adults and Minors

The passport is the most requested document. Ensure you meet the requirements before your appointment to avoid delays:

  • Adults: Must present the physical *Cédula de Ciudadanía* (Colombian ID card) or a valid *Contraseña* (temporary ID receipt).
  • Minors: Must be accompanied by one parent, present the minor's civil registration (*Registro Civil de Nacimiento*), and the accompanying parent must present their *Cédula de Ciudadanía*.

5. Notarial Services (Actos Notariales)

The Consulate provides essential notarial services for legal processes back in Colombia, which are often available during the special Saturday Consular hours. These services include:

  • Powers of Attorney (*Poderes*): General or special powers of attorney.
  • Declarations: Solemn statements and declarations.
  • Certifications: Authentication of signatures and documents.

6. Cédula de Ciudadanía (ID Card) Procedures

The *Cédula de Ciudadanía* is the official identification document for all Colombians. The Consulate processes applications for the new digital *Cédula* and renewals of the yellow hologram version. The process involves fingerprinting and photography, which is done digitally at the Consulate office.

7. Voter Registration (Inscripción de Cédula)

Colombian citizens abroad have the right to vote in presidential, senatorial, and House of Representatives elections. The Consulate facilitates the registration of the *cédula* (voter registration) to allow citizens in its jurisdiction to participate in the democratic process at the Houston office or during Mobile Consulates. This is a crucial service for maintaining political ties to Colombia.

Tips for a Successful Visit to the Colombian Consulate in Houston

A successful visit depends heavily on preparation and adherence to the Consulate’s rules. The high demand for services means that any error in documentation can result in a wasted appointment.

Verify Requirements Before Booking

Before you even book a slot, visit the official Consulate website to review the specific requirements for your procedure (e.g., passport, *cédula*, civil registration, or notarial act). Requirements can change, and relying on outdated information is the most common reason for service denial.

Check for Holiday Closures

The Consulate observes both Colombian and United States federal holidays. Always check the official website for a list of holidays observed in 2025 to ensure the office is open on the day of your appointment. This prevents unnecessary travel to the San Felipe Street office.

Arrive on Time and Prepared

Houston traffic can be unpredictable. Plan to arrive early, especially since the Consulate is located in a busy business area. Bring all necessary original documents, photocopies, and the required payment method (usually a money order or cashier's check, as cash or credit cards may not be accepted for all services).

Stay Alert for Mobile Consulate Announcements

If you live in Oklahoma, Arkansas, or Louisiana, or in the northern parts of Texas, the Mobile Consulate is your best option. Continuously monitor the official Consulate website and its social media channels for last-minute announcements or additions to the 2025 schedule, as these events are highly sought after and slots open up and fill quickly. The Mobile Consulate is a key part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' strategy to bring services closer to the diaspora.

7 Essential Updates for the Colombian Consulate in Houston, TX: 2025 Guide
colombian consulate houston tx
colombian consulate houston tx

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