This Monday, the Council of the European Union gave the green light for the digitalization of the visa process travel to the Schengen area. The new rules allow you to apply for the visa online.
“The Possibility to apply for a Schengen visa online It will mean a great improvement for the citizen and for his processing. Simplifies the application process for travelers and at the same time, it will reduce the burden on national administrations, which will be able to respond more flexibly and effectively,” Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Spain’s acting interior minister, said in a statement.
The two adopted regulations allow the creation of a platform for European Union (EU) visa applications “through which applications can be submitted, with a few exceptions”.
Applicants can enter the required information and upload electronic copies of it Travel documents and receipts as well as payment of fees.
In addition, the statement said, the new rules “remove the need to appear in person at the consulate, which in principle will only be required.” those applying for a visa for the first timewhose biometric data is no longer valid or whose travel document is new”.
The actual Visa label It is replaced by a barcode with a cryptographic signature.
“All countries – including Cuba – that require a European Schengen visa will join the new system“, community sources responded to DIARIO DE CUBA.
The news was initially greeted with optimism.
“It can be an opportunity for visa applicants in Cuba. When the structure is ready and we enter the digital age Visa matter“It would be an opportunity for people living in the east of the island not to have to go to Havana to present their files and to avoid the collapse of the consular offices,” said Estela Marina Pérez, general director of Grupo Aristeo.
However, the expert warned to be “very careful” when making the decision and to be aware of the regulations.
Last October, the European Parliament adopted a resolution in support of the measure, in which it also called for “particular attention to be paid to people with limited digital skills or problems with internet access.”
It also demanded that Member States should continue to have the ability to request this that the applicant appears in person at the consulate if there are “doubts” about the passport and supporting documentsor in “special cases, in certain places where forged documents are common.”
When does the new system start?
According to this Monday’s decision, the two approved regulations still need to be signed and published in the Official Journal of the European Union. They come into force 20 days after their publication.
The date of application of the new rules will be determined when the Technical further development of the visa platform and the digital visa“.
“These regulations affect all Schengen states, including Spain and all its consular offices,” said Spanish diplomats when asked whether Cuba was included.
In 2022, the Spanish government issued 16,196 visas to Cuban citizensincluding tourism, study and airport transit, according to official data.